How to Say Happy New Year in Chinese? (Authentic Expressions) Mandarin & Cantonese

In this guide, you’ll learn how to say Happy New Year in Mandarin and Cantonese, how these greetings are, and what makes 2026 the Year of the Horse special.

In this article, WuKong Education‘ll delve into the diverse ways various Chinese communities express these festive wishes, from Mandarin to Cantonese and beyond.

When Is Chinese New Year 2026?

In 2026, Chinese New Year falls on February 17, marking the start of the Year of the Horse (马年).

Unlike January 1st, the date of Chinese New Year changes every year. This is because it follows a lunisolar calendar, which combines the cycles of the moon and the sun. We’ll explain this more in detail later.

Two Classic Ways to Say Happy New Year in Chinese

Both phrases are correct, polite, and widely understood.

Learn how to wish new year in Chinese

How to Say Happy New Year in Cantonese

To say “Happy New Year” in Cantonese, the dialect widely spoken in Hong Kong and parts of southern China, you would say “新年快樂” (pronounced as “San Nin Faai Lok”). This is the Cantonese equivalent of the Mandarin “新年快乐” (Xīnnián kuàilè) and carries the same meaning of wishing someone a happy and joyous new year.

Additionally, during the Lunar New Year, another common greeting in Cantonese is “恭喜發財” (Gung Hei Fat Choi), which means “Wishing you prosperity and wealth.” This phrase is particularly popular in the context of the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Mandarin New Year Greetings (Most Common in Schools & Media)

For more Chinese new year greetings, you can learn more at WuKong Chinese!

1. 新年快乐 (Xīn Nián Kuài Lè)

Use this when:

• Speaking Mandarin
• Greeting teachers, classmates, or colleagues
• Writing cards or messages

Pronunciation tip:

• Xīn sounds like “shin”
• Nián rhymes with “yen”
• Kuài Lè sounds like “kwye luh”

2. 恭喜发财 (Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái)

Meaning: Wishing you prosperity and wealth
Use this when:

• Informal conversations
• Business or festive settings

English-friendly pronunciation:
Gong shee fah tsai

2026 Year of the Horse – Special Phrases & Idioms

The Horse (马) symbolizes energy, independence, and momentum in Chinese culture. Here are a few festive expressions perfect for 2026 horse year:

These are commonly used in New Year cards, speeches, and business greetings during a Horse year.

Chinese New Year vs. Western New Year

Although Chinese New Year and Western New Year (January 1st) both celebrate new beginnings, they are rooted in very different cultural traditions. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right greeting for the right occasion.

Key Differences at a Glance

In Western cultures, New Year wishes often focus on personal improvement and resolutions.
In Chinese culture, New Year greetings traditionally emphasize good fortune, health, and collective prosperity.

Universal New Year Greetings That Work in Both Cultures

Below are some ways to wish someone a Happy Chinese New Year, including the Chinese characters, their pronunciation in Pinyin, and the English translation for each:

• 新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè) – “Happy New Year”

Pronunciation: Sheen-nyen kwai-luh

Meaning: The standard greeting for “Happy New Year.”

• 恭喜发财 (Gōngxǐ fācái) – “Wish you wealth and prosperity”

Pronunciation: Gong-shee faa-tseye

Meaning: A common phrase wishing wealth and prosperity in the new year.

• 步步高升 (Bùbù gāoshēng) – “May every step take you higher”

Pronunciation: Boo-boo gow-shung

Meaning: A wish for continual improvement and success.

• 万事如意 (Wànshì rúyì) – “May all your wishes be fulfilled”

Pronunciation: Wan-shee roo-ee

Meaning: Hoping that everything goes as one desires.

• 身体健康 (Shēntǐ jiànkāng) – “Wish you good health”

Pronunciation: Shen-tee jyen-kahng

Meaning: A common wish for good health.

• 心想事成 (Xīn xiǎng shì chéng) – “May all your heart’s desires come true”

Pronunciation: Sheen shahng shrr chung

Meaning: Wishing that one’s heart’s desires are fulfilled.

• 年年有余 (Niánnián yǒu yú) – “May there be surpluses every year”

Pronunciation: Nyan-nyan yo yoo

Meaning: A wish for abundance and prosperity each year.

• 大吉大利 (Dàjí dàlì) – “Great luck and great profit”

Pronunciation: Dah-jee dah-lee

Meaning: Wishing great luck and profitability.

• 和气生财 (Héqì shēngcái) – “Harmony brings wealth”

Pronunciation: Huh-chee shung-tseye

Meaning: Suggesting that harmony and good relationships lead to prosperity.

• 笑口常开 (Xiàokǒu cháng kāi) – “May you always have a smile on your face”

Pronunciation: Shyow-koh chang kai

Meaning: Wishing continuous happiness and smiles.

These phrases are not only used during the Chinese New Year but can also be shared in other joyous occasions and gatherings. They reflect the richness of Chinese culture and the emphasis placed on good wishes, prosperity, health, and happiness.

FAQs

Q1: What is the most common way to say “Happy New Year” in Chinese?

Answer: “新年快乐” (Xīnnián kuàilè) is the standard phrase, meaning “Happy New Year.”

Q2: Is there a different New Year greeting for the Chinese Lunar New Year?

Answer: Yes, “恭喜发财” (Gōngxǐ fācái), meaning “Wishing you wealth and prosperity,” is popular during Lunar New Year.

Q3: Can “Happy New Year” in Chinese be used for both Gregorian and Lunar New Years?

Answer: Yes, “新年快乐” (Xīnnián kuàilè) is suitable for both the Gregorian New Year and the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Summary

This comprehensive guide WuKong Chinese has unveiled the myriad ways to say “Happy New Year” in Chinese. From Mandarin to Cantonese, traditional characters to regional dialects, explore the linguistic tapestry that makes Chinese New Year wishes unique. Infuse your celebrations with cultural warmth using phrases like “新年快乐” (xīn nián kuài lè) and discover the deeper meanings behind wishes like “过年好” (guò nián hǎo). Whether you’re navigating zodiac-specific greetings or informal expressions, this guide ensures your New Year wishes resonate with the heart of Chinese culture.

Meng Yuan | WuKong Chinese Teacher

Master’s degree in Chinese language and philology. She has 8 years of international Chinese education experience, 6 years of international Chinese first-line teaching experience, and 2 years of international Chinese teaching and research experience, including Chinese pinyin teaching, Chinese character teaching, and Chinese entrance exam teaching. She is also responsible for the development of Wukong’s original content and curriculum design and development.