“吉言带来吉祥 — Auspicious words bring auspicious blessings.”
— Chinese Proverb*
Looking for awesome lucky sayings for the Chinese New Year? Greetings that spark ear-to-ear grins and carry the power that brings forth a big Lai See or red pocket with good luck money! In the Cantonese tradition, all children receive Lai See, and all single people are also qualified to receive red pockets. So get ready to pick up your lucky phrases that will impress and inspire family, friends, or colleagues to hand you a big red pocket.🧧
During Chinese New Year, words aren’t just words — they’re spoken-word manifestations. Long before #manifestation trended on TikTok, Cantonese speakers in Southern China mastered the art of speaking fortune into existence. Every phrase is chosen because it sounds like prosperity, symbolizes luck, or channels zodiac energy. The right greeting doesn’t just express good wishes — it *summons* them.
As a native Cantonese speaker fluent in Mandarin, I’ve got you covered in BOTH dialects. Let’s master the phrases that bring fortune! 🧧
Lucky sayings in Cantonese and Mandarin: What’s the Difference?
“入乡随俗 — When entering a village, follow its customs.” — Chinese Proverb*
Cantonese and Mandarin are completely different-sounding languages that share the same written characters. A Mandarin speaker from Beijing and a Cantonese-speaking grandmother in Hong Kong would struggle to understand each other verbally — though they could read the same text!
Cantonese originated in Guangdong Province, Southern China (Hong Kong, Macau, and Canton/Guangzhou). With 6-9 tones, it creates MORE homophones and MORE opportunities for lucky wordplay. This is why Cantonese has the most colorful CNY phrases!
Mandarin is the official language of Mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore, with 4 tones.
Same characters, completely different sounds:
恭喜发财 — “Congratulations on getting rich!”
Cantonese 🇭🇰: Gong Hey Fat Choy | Mandarin 🇨🇳: Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái
Fun fact: The world’s most recognized CNY greeting sounds totally different depending on who’s saying it!
新年快乐 — “Happy New Year!”
Cantonese 🇭🇰: San Nin Faai Lok | Mandarin 🇨🇳: Xīn Nián Kuài Lè
Fun fact: Works for both Lunar AND Western New Year — two holidays, one phrase!
Pro tip: Listen to how your host’s family speaks, then match that dialect. Instant respect points! 🎯
How to Say Happy New Year in Chinese
The most common way to say Happy New Year in Chinese is 新年快乐 — pronounced “Sun Nin Fai Lok” in Cantonese and “Xīn Nián Kuài Lè” in Mandarin. It literally means “New Year Happy” (Chinese puts adjectives last!).
However, most Cantonese speakers prefer Gong Hey Fat Choy as THE quintessential Chinese New Year greeting because it packs more punch — you’re not just wishing happiness, you’re declaring wealth and fortune for each other!
All the ways to say Happy New Year in Chinese:
恭喜发财 — “Congratulations on getting rich!”
Cantonese: Gong Hey Fat Choy | Mandarin: Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái
Fun fact: The #1 greeting — prosperity spoken into existence!
新年快乐 — “Happy New Year!”
Cantonese: San Nin Faai Lok | Mandarin: Xīn Nián Kuài Lè
Fun fact: The universal choice when you’re not sure which greeting to use.
恭贺新禧 — “Respectful New Year congratulations.”
Cantonese: Gong Ho San Hey | Mandarin: Gōng Hè Xīn Xǐ
Fun fact: The formal, elegant option for cards and official greetings.
Tip: Stack them! “Gong Hey Fat Choy! San Nin Faai Lok!” — Double the manifestation. 🔥
Why Do Chinese New Year Greetings Use Puns?
“好话一句三冬暖 — One good sentence warms three winters.”— Chinese Proverb
Cantonese speakers elevated phonetic wordplay to an art form. Chinese is packed with homophones — words that sound alike but mean different things. This creates magic where saying one word invokes another:
鱼 (yú) fish — sounds like 余 (yú) surplus/profit = Abundance!
Fun fact: This is why every Chinese banquet ends with a whole steamed fish!
橘 (jú) tangerine — sounds like 吉 (jí) luck = Fortune!
Fun fact: Tangerines flood every CNY table because you’re literally displaying “luck”!
发 (faat) issue — sounds like 发达 (faat daat) prosper = Wealth!
Fun fact: The “Fat” in “Gong Hey Fat Choy” = prosperity in motion!
糕 (gāo) cake — sounds like 高 (gāo) high = Rising success!
Fun fact: New Year cakes (年糕) promise you’ll rise higher each year!
The Double Entendre of Fish 🐟
Here’s Cantonese genius at work: 鱼 (fish) sounds EXACTLY like 余 (surplus/profit). Fish is vital food at year-end reunion dinners — you’re eating “profit” to close the year!
🚨 TABOO: Never flip the fish! When you’ve eaten the top side, DON’T flip it over. Flipping symbolizes capsizing a boat — terrible luck! Remove the spine, eat the bottom portion. Your hosts will notice.
Discover more fascinating fun facts about the lucky foods served during the Chinese New Year.
TOP 10 LUCKY SAYINGS FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR & THEIR Meanings
These are evergreen, 10 lucky phrases are essential for anyone celebrating CNY. Each carries powerful symbolism for wealth, health, and happiness — perfected over centuries of Cantonese phonetic mastery. Here are the top 10 Chinese New Year greetings in both Cantonese and Mandarin.
1. 恭喜发财 — “Congratulations on Getting Rich!”
The undisputed champion of Chinese New Year greetings. Spoken as if prosperity is already manifesting. Use it with everyone!
Cantonese: Gong Hey Fat Choy | Mandarin: Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái
Fun fact: This isn’t a wish — it’s a declaration. Manifestation before manifestation was cool.
2. 大吉大利 — “Great Luck and Great Profit!”
Double the luck, double the fortune!
Cantonese: Daai Gut Daai Lei | Mandarin: Dà Jí Dà Lì
Fun fact: 吉 (gut) means luck — why tangerines flood CNY tables (the fruit’s name contains this lucky sound!).
3. 身体健康 — “Wishing You Good Health!”
THE essential greeting for elders. Health is the foundation of all fortune.
Cantonese: San Tai Gin Hong | Mandarin: Shēn Tǐ Jiàn Kāng
Use this for grandparents and watch your red envelopes get thicker! 😉
4. 年年有余 — “Abundance Year After Year!”
The perfect greeting when fish is served!
Cantonese: Nin Nin Yau Yu | Mandarin: Nián Nián Yǒu Yú
Fun fact: 余 (surplus) sounds like 鱼 (fish). Declare this as the steamed fish arrives!
5. 万事如意 — “May Everything Go As You Wish!”
“Ten thousand things as you wish” — the ultimate universal blessing.
Cantonese: Maan Si Yu Yi | Mandarin: Wàn Shì Rú Yì
Works for anyone, anytime. The Swiss Army knife of CNY greetings.
6. 心想事成 — “May Your Dreams Come True!”
Literally, “Heart thinks, matters accomplished.” — for heartfelt wishes to loved ones.
Cantonese: Sam Seung Si Sing
The go-to manifestation phrase — think it, you shall achieve it!
7. 新年快乐 — “Happy New Year!”
The simple classic. Universally understood.
Cantonese: San Nin Faai Lok
Works for Lunar AND Western New Year — two-for-one value!
8. 笑口常开 — “May Laughter Always Be With You!”
“Laughing mouth always open” — wishing constant joy.
Cantonese: Siu Hau Seung Hoi
Perfect for friends who brighten your life.
9. 生意兴隆 — “May Your Business Flourish!”
The essential greeting for business owners and entrepreneurs.
Cantonese: Sang Yi Hing Lung
Use this with your local Chinese restaurant — they’ll remember you!
10. 步步高升 — “Promotions at Every Step!”
“Step by step, rise higher” — for career success.
Cantonese: Bou Bou Gou Sing
Perfect for ambitious colleagues climbing the ladder.
WHAT DOES GONG HEY FAT CHOY MEAN?
“说好话，过好年 — Speak good words, have a good year.” — Chinese New Year Saying
Gong Hey Fat Choy (恭喜发财) means “Congratulations on getting rich!” This iconic Cantonese phrase is spoken-word manifestation — declaring prosperity as already happening, not just wished for. Your fortune? Already manifested. ✨
This crown jewel of Chinese New Year greetings comes from Cantonese, the dialect of Southern China (Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, Macau). With 6-9 tones creating endless homophones, Cantonese speakers perfected phonetic fortune-telling, and Gong Hey Fat Choy is their masterpiece.
Breaking down the magic:
恭喜 (Gong Hey) = Congratulations! It’s not “I hope you get lucky.” It’s “CONGRATULATIONS — fortune is already yours!”
发财 (Fat Choy) = Getting rich! To Cantonese ears, “Fat” sounds like prosperity in motion — wealth HAPPENING right now. “Choy” means riches. Together: “GETS RICH!” — declarative, confident, manifested.
Cantonese: Gong Hey Fat Choy (gong-HEY-faht-CHOY)
Used by: Cantonese speakers in Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong (Southern China), and overseas Chinese of Cantonese roots worldwide
Upon saying “Gong Hey Fat Choy,” the children reply with “红包拿来!” (please hand over the lai-see or red pocket with money). The adults declared prosperity — now they pay up! Little negotiators learn young. 😄
How to Respond to Gong Hey Fat Choy
The perfect response to Gong Hey Fat Choy is simply saying it right back: “Gong Hey Fat Choy!” It’s a prosperity volley — you bat blessings back and forth, and both parties win!
Other great responses:
“大吉大利!” (Daai Gut Daai Lei) — “Great luck!”
Adds extra luck on top of wealth wishes!
“同你一样!” (Tung nei yat yeung) — “Same to you!”
The polite Cantonese bounce-back.
“多谢! 你都係!” (Do ze! Nei dou hai!) — “Thanks! You too!”
Grateful AND generous — double points!
The key is enthusiasm! Fortune favors energy. Say it like you mean it! 🧧
Top 5 Lucky Chinese New Year Greetings for Year of the Horse 2026
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse (火马), and smart celebrants use Horse-specific greetings for extra luck! These phrases use puns based on 马 (horse) — especially 马上 (ma seung), meaning “on horseback” but idiomatically “IMMEDIATELY.” Because on a horse, you arrive FAST! 🐴
1. 马到成功 — “Success Upon the Horse’s Arrival!”
THE phrase for 2026! When the horse arrives, victory is instant.
Cantonese: Ma Dou Sing Gung
Ancient generals used this when cavalry turned the tide of battle. Now it’s YOUR secret weapon!
2. 马上发财 — “Get Rich Immediately!”
Horse-speed wealth! Not “someday rich” — RIGHT NOW rich.
Cantonese: Ma Seung Faat Choi
马上 (on horseback) = immediately. Manifestation at a gallop! 💰🐴
3. 龙马精神 — “Dragon Horse Spirit!”
Dragon wisdom + Horse strength = UNSTOPPABLE vitality.
Cantonese: Lung Ma Jing San
Invokes the mythical Dragon Horse from the Yellow River. Perfect for wishing elders boundless energy!
4. 一马当先 — “Take the Lead!”
“Be the first horse!” — charge ahead of the pack!
Cantonese: Yat Ma Dong Sin
For ambitious friends and entrepreneurs leading boldly in 2026.
5. 马年大吉 — “Great Luck in Horse Year!”
Simple, festive, year-specific.
Cantonese: Ma Nin Daai Gut
Easy to remember, always appropriate. Your starter Horse phrase!
Best Chinese New Year Greetings for Elders and Family
**”百善孝为先 — Of all virtues, filial piety is first.”**
*— Chinese Proverb*
When greeting elders, health and longevity wishes show the deepest respect. Use these for parents, grandparents, aunties, and uncles.
身体健康 — “Wishing you good health!”
Cantonese: San Tai Gin Hong
The most important elder greeting. Health IS wealth.
龙马精神 — “Dragon Horse Spirit!”
Cantonese: Lung Ma Jing San
Extra potent in 2026 — Year of the Fire Horse!
福如东海 — “Fortune vast as the Eastern Sea!”
Cantonese: Fuk Yu Dung Hoi | Mandarin: Fú Rú Dōng Hǎi
Pair with the next phrase for the ultimate elder blessing!
寿比南山 — “Longevity like the Southern Mountain!”
Cantonese: Sau Bei Naam Saan
Together with 福如东海 = Fortune AND longevity. Grandparents will beam!
Best Chinese New Year Greetings for Business and Colleagues
“和气生财 — Harmony brings wealth.” — Chinese Proverb
Professional relationships deserve CNY blessings too! These show cultural awareness while maintaining an appropriate business tone.
生意兴隆 — “May your business flourish!”
Cantonese: Sang Yi Hing Lung
For business owners and entrepreneurs.
财源广进 — “Wealth flowing from all directions!”
Cantonese: Choi Yuen Gwong Jun
Massively popular! Money pouring in abundantly — the ultimate business wish!
马到功成 — “Swift success upon the horse’s arrival!”
Cantonese: Ma Dou Sing Gung
Perfect for 2026 business wishes — horse-speed success!
步步高升 — “Promotions at every step!”
Cantonese: Bou Bou Gou Sing
For career-climbing colleagues ascending the ladder.
Best Chinese New Year Tea to Serve Guests
“以茶会友 — Meet friends over tea.” — Chinese Proverb
After exchanging Chinese New Year greetings, tea is the centerpiece of CNY hospitality. The best Chinese New Year teas carry lucky meanings that amplify your well-wishes:
Da Hong Pao (大红袍) — “Big Red Robe”
Red means luck! This prestigious Wuyi rock tea makes an impressive CNY offering.
Tie Guan Yin (铁观音) — “Iron Goddess of Mercy”
Blessed name brings blessings. Crowd-pleasing and auspicious.
Aged Pu’erh (普洱) — Aged tea for prosperity
Aged = valued = prosperity. Plus, Puerh tea aids digestion after the feast!
Quick etiquette: Pour for others before yourself. When someone pours for you, tap two fingers on the table — a mini bow of thanks! Never let a guest’s cup sit empty.
CHINESE NEW YEAR – UNLUCKY WORDS TO AVOID
Cantonese speakers take phonetics seriously — in both directions. Good-sounding words attract fortune; bad-sounding words repel it. Here’s what to avoid:
Words to NEVER say during CNY:
死 (sei) — Death. Extremely inauspicious.
四 (sei) — Four. Sounds like “death.”
破 (po) — Broken. Implies destruction.
病 (beng) — Sick. No health complaints!
输 (syu) — Lose. No losing talk!
“It’s all gone” / “finished” — Implies emptiness.
Actions to avoid:
Sweeping on New Year’s Day — Sweeps away luck!
Breaking dishes — If you do, quickly say “岁岁平安!” (peace year after year)
Wearing black or white — Funeral colors
Cutting hair — Cutting fortune
Flipping fish — TABOO! Symbolizes capsizing a boat!
Fun fact: Accidentally said something unlucky? Quick save: “大吉大利!” (Great luck!). It’s verbal Ctrl+Z! 😅
LUCKY CHINESE NEW YEAR GREETINGS FAQ
What does Gong Hey Fat Choy mean in English?
Gong Hey Fat Choy (恭喜发财) means “Congratulations on getting rich!” in English. It’s the Cantonese pronunciation, originating from Southern China and beloved by Chinese communities in Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong, and overseas Cantonese speakers worldwide. The greeting is spoken-word manifestation — declaring prosperity as already happening. The Mandarin pronunciation is Gong Xi Fa Cai.
What’s the difference between Gong Hey Fat Choy and Gong Xi Fa Cai?
Gong Hey Fat Choy and Gong Xi Fa Cai are the same greeting (恭喜发财) pronounced in different dialects. Gong Hey Fat Choy is Cantonese, the dialect of Southern China spoken in Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong, and Chinatowns worldwide. Gong Xi Fa Cai is Mandarin, the official language of Mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore. Same characters, same meaning, completely different sounds!
How do you respond to Gong Hey Fat Choy?
Say it right back with enthusiasm: “Gong Hey Fat Choy!” It’s a prosperity volley — batting blessings back and forth. You can also respond with “大吉大利!” (Daai Gut Daai Lei — Great luck!) or “同你一样!” (Tung nei yat yeung — Same to you!). Energy matters — fortune favors enthusiasm!
When should you say Chinese New Year greetings?
Chinese New Year greetings are appropriate from New Year’s Day through the Lantern Festival (15 days). The most important moments: when you FIRST see someone during CNY, at reunion dinners, during family visits, and at workplace celebrations. Even greeting strangers with “Gong Hey Fat Choy” during CNY is perfectly normal!
What is the luckiest Chinese New Year greeting?
The luckiest Chinese New Year greetings are: 恭喜发财 (Gong Hey Fat Choy — Congratulations on getting rich!), 大吉大利 (Daai Gut Daai Lei — Great luck, great profit!), and 万事如意 (Maan Si Yu Yi — Everything goes your way!). For 2026, add 马到成功 (Ma Dou Sing Gung — Success at horse-speed!) for extra Year of the Horse luck! 🐴
What is the easiest Chinese New Year greeting to learn?
The easiest Chinese New Year greeting is 恭喜发财 (Gong Hey Fat Choy). It’s only four syllables, universally recognized, and impossible to use incorrectly. Just say “Gong-Hey-Fat-Choy” (rhymes with: song-hey-foot-toy), and you’re golden! Start here, then add more phrases as you get comfortable.
What should you avoid saying at the Chinese New Year?
Avoid words related to death (死), the number four (四, sounds like death), breaking (破), sickness (病), and losing (输). Also, skip phrases like “it’s finished” or “all gone” — they imply emptiness. If you slip up, quickly say “大吉大利!” (Great luck!) to cancel it out!
What is Chinese tea etiquette?
Chinese tea etiquette shows respect through service and gesture. Always pour for others before yourself, and serve elders first. When someone pours tea for you, tap two fingers on the table — this “finger bow” is a silent thank you. Never let a guest’s cup sit empty. At CNY, serving tea (Da Hong Pao, Tie Guan Yin, or Pu’erh) extends your good wishes beyond words.
Can non-Chinese people say Chinese New Year greetings?
Absolutely yes! Native speakers are genuinely delighted when anyone makes the effort to learn CNY greetings. Perfect pronunciation isn’t expected — your intention matters more. Say “Gong Hey Fat Choy” with a smile and watch faces light up. Worst case? Everyone laughs warmly, gently corrects you, and feeds you dumplings. No downside! 🧧
