How to Say Good Luck in Chinese: 14 Phrases, Pronunciation, and Tips

When your child is about to take a test, perform on stage, or try something new, what’s the best way to cheer them on in Chinese? The most common way is to say 祝你好运 (zhù nǐ hǎo yùn) , literally “wish you good luck.” Another popular phrase is 加油 (jiā yóu), which means “add oil!” and is used just like “you got this!” in English.

At WuKong Education, we believe that learning such practical expressions makes kids more confident in Mandarin and helps them connect emotionally to the language. Let’s explore how to say “good luck” in Chinese, with 14 useful phrases, pronunciation, examples, and fun activities.

What Is “Good Luck” in Chinese?

The idea of “good luck” in Chinese culture is more than just chance, it’s about blessings, smooth journeys, and encouragement.

祝你好运 (zhù nǐ hǎo yùn)

Let’s break it down:

• 祝 (zhù) = wish

• 你 (nǐ) = you

• 好 (hǎo) = good

• 运 (yùn) = luck

So together, it literally means: Wish you good luck.

How to pronounce it:
Think of it like: “joo nee how yoon.”

This is the most straightforward translation of “good luck.” Parents often say it before an exam, sports game, or important moment.

Example: 明天考试，祝你好运！(Míngtiān kǎoshì, zhù nǐ hǎo yùn!) — Good luck on your test tomorrow!

加油 (jiā yóu)

Literally “add oil,” this phrase is used to motivate someone to keep going. The expression is thought to have originated from the world of car racing in Macau: when cars needed a boost, spectators shouted “加油!”—“add more fuel!” Over time, it became a way to cheer people on in any challenge.

If you only remember one phrase from this article, let it be 加油 (jiā yóu)!

Real-life examples of when to say it:

1. Before an exam: “考试加油！” (kǎo shì jiā yóu — Good luck on your test, keep going!)

2. At a sports game: Shouting to your child’s soccer team from the sidelines: “加油！”

3. When facing a tough project at work: A colleague sighs about deadlines, and you encourage them with: “加油！”

It’s short, punchy, and absolutely everywhere in daily Chinese life.

14 Ways to Say Good Luck in Chinese

Of course, Mandarin has a treasure chest of beautiful idioms and sayings for “good luck” moments.

Below is a list of 14 good luck expressions, complete with pinyin, English meaning, examples, and usage tips.

How to Use These Chinese Good Luck Phrases Correctly

Using these phrases naturally is key. Here are some tips:

• Before exams: Say “加油！” or “金榜题名！” to encourage students.

• For performances: Parents can cheer “马到成功！” just before a recital.

• During New Year or celebrations: Use phrases like “大吉大利” or “吉祥如意” to wish overall prosperity.

Cultural Tip: Be careful not to translate English expressions literally. For example, “break a leg” is a positive wish in English but sounds strange in Chinese. Instead, choose a culturally appropriate phrase.

Cultural Insight: Effort vs. Luck

Here’s the big takeaway:

In Chinese culture, people don’t rely as heavily on “luck” when giving encouragement. Instead, they emphasize 努力 (nǔ lì — effort) and perseverance. That’s why phrases like 加油 feel more genuine, it’s not about hoping chance is on your side, but about cheering for the determination that leads to success.

Quick Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Which is the best phrase to wish a student success in an exam?

1. 一帆风顺

2. 金榜题名

3. 大吉大利

4. 龙腾虎跃

(Answer: 2. 金榜题名 — it literally means “to have your name on the honor roll after exams.”)

Conclusion

So, how do you say “good luck” in Chinese? Technically, it’s 祝你好运 (zhù nǐ hǎo yùn). But if you want to sound truly authentic, go with 加油 (jiā yóu). And for special occasions, sprinkle in those poetic idioms like 马到成功 or 一帆风顺.

Next time, try shouting “加油!” to your child or their friends. They’ll be impressed not only with your Chinese, but with how natural it sounds.

At WuKong Education, we believe language is more than words, it’s the culture and stories behind them. Our teachers help kids unlock the beauty of Chinese! Ready to explore Chinese the authentic way? Book a free trial lesson with WuKong Chinese today!