MORE than a million people around the world will be enjoying Chinese New Year soon as families gather together to celebrate the year of the Tiger.
But how do you say Happy New Year in Chinese and Cantonese and what does gong hei fat choy mean?
How to say Happy New Year in Chinese and Cantonese?
To say “Happy Chinese New Year” in Mandarin: xin nian (new year) kuai le (happy) – which is pronounced shin nee-an kwai le.
The Cantonese version is sun nin fai lok- pronounced san knee fy lock.
You can also use a less formal, shortened version – perfect for saying to friends and family.
This is: xin nian hao (good) – pronounced shin nee-an how and in Cantonese, it’s san nin hou.
A third greeting is: guo (spread) nian hao – pronounced gor nee-an how. This can be used on the day or after.
What other greetings are there?
gong hei fat choy / gong xi fa cai
Although many people associate this phrase with Chinese New Year, gong hei fat choy doesn’t mean Happy New Year.
The greeting is frequently used at this time of year but it actually delivers a wish for prosperity to the person you say it to.
It is regularly used as a seasonal greeting in professional environments.
Gong hei fat choy is the Cantonese way of saying the phrase and in Mandarin Chinese, it’s gong xi fa cai (pronounced gong she fa tsai).
shen ti jian kang / sun tai gin hong
This is another popular greeting during Chinese New Year, especially towards the elderly.
It means “I wish you good health” or “enjoy good health”.
Health is considered an important wish this time of year, making this greeting a go-to greeting for anyone.
nian nian you yu / nin nin yau yu
This is a common phrase wishing for abundance or surplus through the year.
As the word for abundance in Mandarin also sounds like the word for fish, a fish dish is usually featured in the Chinese New Year’s feast.
That’s why some families make two fish for Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner, and save one for the next day.
What is Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year in 2022 falls on February 1.
Chinese New Year calendar is based on the lunar new year, which marks the start of a new moon.
This year it is the sign of the Tiger, according to the Chinese Zodiac.
The Chinese New Year festival usually lasts for for 16 days, starting from Chinese New Year’s eve to the Lantern Festival.
In 2022, it is from January 31 to February 15.
