How to Say “Happy Spring Festival” in Chinese
Greetings and politeness · HSK 3
"Happy Spring Festival" in Chinese is 春节快乐 (chūn jié kuài lè). 春节快乐 is the generic 'Happy Chinese New Year,' but on the ground people more often say 新年快乐 (xīnnián kuàilè) or the classic 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái, 'wishing you prosperity'); especially on WeChat where red packets fly back and forth. In Taiwan and among older Mainlanders you'll hear 过年好 (guònián hǎo).
Primary translation
春节快乐
chūn jié kuài lè
Traditional: 春節快樂
When to use it
春节快乐 is the generic 'Happy Chinese New Year,' but on the ground people more often say 新年快乐 (xīnnián kuàilè) or the classic 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái, 'wishing you prosperity'); especially on WeChat where red packets fly back and forth. In Taiwan and among older Mainlanders you'll hear 过年好 (guònián hǎo). Pair it with a specific zodiac wish during the 15-day holiday, e.g. adding 牛年大吉 in the Year of the Ox.
Example sentences
春节快乐，恭喜发财！
Chūnjié kuàilè, gōngxǐ fācái!
Happy Spring Festival; wishing you prosperity!
提前祝你春节快乐。
Tíqián zhù nǐ chūnjié kuàilè.
Wishing you a happy Spring Festival in advance.
春节快乐，阖家团圆。
Chūnjié kuàilè, héjiā tuányuán.
Happy Spring Festival, may the whole family be reunited.