If you want to impress the in laws, grandparents or the other halves during Chinese New Year, here are few basic phrases (if you don’t already know them by heart!) to get you through the festive season.
So let’s start with the most common saying, which is the least that you should know!
1. 恭喜发财
Gōngxǐ fācái
Happiness and prosperity (you can also use this when receiving gifts or lucky money)
Moving on (progressively!) to the impressive sayings
2. 身体健康
Shēntǐ jiànkāng
Wishing you a good health
3. 心想事成
Xīnxiǎng shì chéng
May all your wishes come true.
4. 年年有余
Niánnián yǒuyú
Surplus year-after-year
This is the reason why fish (鱼 yú) is always served during Chinese New Year. 鱼 (yú), which means fish，sounds like the word 余 (yú)，which means surplus or abundance.
5. 大吉大利
Dàjí dàlì
Lots of luck and profits
6. 步步高升
Bùbù gāoshēng
Promotions at every step
Watch the YouTube clip below for more information on common phrases used during Chinese New Year. 新年快乐! (Xīnnián kuàilè) Happy New Year!