年年有余
niánnián yǒu yú
May you have abundance every year · trad. 年年有餘
年年有余 (niánnián yǒu yú) is a common Chinese New Year greeting that expresses a wish for prosperity and abundance year after year. It's often used because 余 (yú, surplus) sounds exactly like 鱼 (yú, fish), making it a popular phrase associated with fish dishes and decorations during the festive season.
What does 年年有余 (niánnián yǒu yú) mean?
年年有余 (niánnián yǒu yú) means “may you have abundance every year” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “year year have surplus.”
When to use it
Formal and festive, primarily used during Chinese New Year and other celebratory occasions. It's a common well-wishing phrase, often exchanged during greetings or when giving gifts.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “NYEN-nyen yoh YOO.” The first two syllables are rising tones, the third is a dipping tone, and the last is a rising tone.
Other ways to say it
- 恭喜发财gōngxǐ fācáiMay you be prosperous
- 招财进宝zhāocái jìnbǎoMay you attract wealth and treasure
Examples
祝你年年有余，恭喜发财！
zhù nǐ niánnián yǒu yú, gōngxǐ fācái!
Wishing you abundance every year and prosperity!
过年的时候，大家都会说年年有余。
guònián de shíhou, dàjiā dōu huì shuō niánnián yǒu yú.
During Chinese New Year, everyone says 'May you have abundance every year'.
这幅画寓意着年年有余。
zhè fú huà yùyì zhe niánnián yǒu yú.
This painting symbolizes 'May you have abundance every year'.
Pro tip: The phrase plays on the homophone 余 (yú, surplus) and 鱼 (yú, fish), which is why fish are a traditional symbol of prosperity and often served whole at reunion dinners.
Related phrases
新春快乐 · Happy lunar new year除夕快乐 · Happy chinese new year's eve大吉大利 · Great luck and prosperity
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