How to Say “Happy Chinese New Year” in Chinese
Greetings and politeness · HSK 2
"Happy Chinese New Year" in Chinese is 新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè). 新年快乐 works for both the Gregorian New Year (元旦) and Spring Festival (春节), but during actual Chinese New Year people prefer 春节快乐 or the four-character 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái, 'wishing you prosperity'). In Cantonese-speaking regions and Southeast Asia, 恭喜发财 is the default; and kids say it to get red envelopes (红包 hóngbāo).
Primary translation
新年快乐
Xīnnián kuàilè
Traditional: 新年快樂
Variants by register
Formal
恭贺新春
Gōnghè xīnchūn
Casual
新年好
Xīnnián hǎo
When to use it
新年快乐 works for both the Gregorian New Year (元旦) and Spring Festival (春节), but during actual Chinese New Year people prefer 春节快乐 or the four-character 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái, 'wishing you prosperity'). In Cantonese-speaking regions and Southeast Asia, 恭喜发财 is the default; and kids say it to get red envelopes (红包 hóngbāo). On WeChat, people send digital red packets all night. Tone tip: 新 is first tone (flat high), not rising; a common learner mistake. Don't say 新年快乐 to someone in mourning; it's considered inappropriate.
Example sentences
新年快乐！祝你万事如意。
Xīnnián kuàilè! Zhù nǐ wànshì rúyì.
Happy New Year! Wishing you success in everything.
阿姨，新年好，恭喜发财！
Āyí, xīnnián hǎo, gōngxǐ fācái!
Auntie, happy new year; wishing you prosperity!
提前祝大家新年快乐，红包拿来！
Tíqián zhù dàjiā xīnnián kuàilè, hóngbāo ná lái!
Early happy new year everyone; hand over the red envelopes!