步步高升
bùbù gāoshēng
May you rise step by step
步步高升 (bùbù gāoshēng) is an auspicious phrase used to wish someone steady promotion and continuous career progress. It is typically exchanged as a New Year greeting among adults.
What does 步步高升 (bùbù gāoshēng) mean?
步步高升 (bùbù gāoshēng) means “may you rise step by step” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “step step high rise.”
When to use it
Auspicious and formal, often used in New Year greetings or when congratulating someone on a promotion. It's suitable for colleagues, business contacts, and friends with jobs, but not for small children.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "boo-boo gao-shung." 步步 is two falling tones, and 高升 is two high, level tones.
Other ways to say it
- 事业有成shìyè yǒuchéngmay your career be successful
- 恭喜发财gōngxǐ fācáiwishing you prosperity (common New Year greeting)
- 前程似锦qiánchéng sìjǐnmay your future be bright
Examples
祝你新年快乐，步步高升！
zhù nǐ xīnnián kuàilè, bùbù gāoshēng!
Happy New Year and may you rise step by step!
希望你在新的一年里步步高升，事业顺利。
xīwàng nǐ zài xīn de yī nián lǐ bùbù gāoshēng, shìyè shùnlì.
I hope you rise step by step and have a smooth career in the new year.
恭喜你升职，祝你以后步步高升！
gōngxǐ nǐ shēngzhí, zhù nǐ yǐhòu bùbù gāoshēng!
Congratulations on your promotion, wishing you continued advancement!
Pro tip: When wishing someone career success, use 步步高升 for adults in professional contexts, especially during New Year greetings, and not for children.
Related phrases
年年有余 · May you have abundance every year大吉大利 · Great luck and prosperity岁岁平安 · Peace and safety year after year
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