岁岁平安
suìsuì píng'ān
Peace and safety year after year · trad. 歲歲平安
岁岁平安 (suìsuì píng'ān) is a common wish for peace and safety every year. It is frequently used during the Chinese New Year period. It also has a special use: if something breaks, especially during the New Year, people say this phrase to turn the accident into a good omen because 碎 (suì, "to break") sounds like 岁 (suì, "year").
What does 岁岁平安 (suìsuì píng'ān) mean?
岁岁平安 (suìsuì píng'ān) means “peace and safety year after year” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “year after year peace and safety.”
When to use it
Neutral and widely used, especially during Chinese New Year. It conveys a warm wish for continuous well-being. When used after an accident, it is a comforting and auspicious saying.
How to pronounce it
Sounds roughly like “SWAY-sway PING-an.” The first two syllables are falling tones, and the last two are a rising tone followed by a high-level tone.
Other ways to say it
- 碎碎平安suìsuì píng'ānpeace and safety (said when something breaks, playing on homophones)
- 平平安安píngpíng'ān'ānsafe and sound (often used for children or general well-being)
Examples
祝你岁岁平安！
zhù nǐ suìsuì píng'ān!
Wishing you peace and safety year after year!
过年的时候，大家都会说岁岁平安。
guònián de shíhou, dàjiā dōu huì shuō suìsuì píng'ān.
During New Year, everyone says 'suìsuì píng'ān'.
不小心打碎了碗，妈妈说碎碎平安。
bù xiǎoxīn dǎsuì le wǎn, māma shuō suìsuì píng'ān.
Accidentally broke a bowl, Mom said 'suìsuì píng'ān'.
Pro tip: The phrase plays on a homophone: 碎 (suì, to break) sounds like 岁 (suì, year). So, if you accidentally break something, especially during the New Year, saying 碎碎平安 (suìsuì píng'ān) cleverly transforms the "breaking" into a wish for "peace and safety every year."
Related phrases
大吉大利 · Great luck and prosperity步步高升 · May you rise step by step财源滚滚 · May wealth pour in
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