.png)
.png)
The Best Auspicious Greetings to Share This Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a cherished celebration in Singapore, marked by traditions, reunions, and of course, the exchange of warm, auspicious greetings. These phrases carry wishes for prosperity, happiness, and health. They’re not just words—they’re a bridge to connect hearts and spark joy.
Here are 18 fun, meaningful, and festive greetings you can use to make this Chinese New Year extra special!
Auspicious and Creative Greetings
1. 新年快乐 (Xīn Nián Kuài Lè) – Happy New Year!
The simplest and most universal greeting, “新年快乐” is a phrase you can use with everyone—family, friends, or strangers. It captures the festive cheer and sets the mood for the year ahead.
💡 Example: Say, “新年快乐! Wishing you a fantastic year ahead filled with laughter and love!” It’s perfect for starting conversations or even sending in text messages to reconnect with old friends.
📝 Why It’s Special: Its simplicity makes it approachable for anyone, even if you’re unfamiliar with other greetings. It’s a cheerful way to show goodwill and positivity to everyone you meet.
2. 恭喜发财 (Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái) – Wishing You Prosperity
This classic phrase literally means “Congratulations and may you get rich!” It’s one of the most popular Chinese New Year greetings, often said while exchanging red packets or during visits to relatives and friends.
💡 Example: Say this while handing out red packets: “恭喜发财! May your wealth grow, and don’t forget to share it around!” It’s playful and perfect for the occasion.
📝 Why It’s Special: In Singapore’s fast-paced lifestyle, financial stability is a common goal, making this phrase relatable and aspirational. It’s also a favorite for business settings or shop visits.
3. 万事如意 (Wàn Shì Rú Yì) – May All Things Go Your Way
This versatile greeting is perfect for showing you care about someone’s overall well-being. It’s like saying, “May everything in your life align perfectly.”
💡 Example: During a casual gathering, you might say, “万事如意! I hope everything you’ve been working on this year turns out amazing!” It’s particularly meaningful for friends chasing big dreams.
📝 Why It’s Special: This phrase resonates across personal and professional settings, making it an all-encompassing blessing.
4. 年年有余 (Nián Nián Yǒu Yú) – May You Have Abundance Year After Year
A beautiful phrase tied to Chinese culinary traditions, “年年有余” often accompanies the serving of a whole fish during reunion dinners. The homophone “余” (abundance) sounds like “鱼” (fish), adding a layer of symbolism.
💡 Example: Say this while pointing to the fish on the table: “年年有余! Just like this fish, may your year be full of abundance and surplus!” Add humor by saying, “Let’s leave some fish so we don’t eat all our luck!”
📝 Why It’s Special: This greeting connects tradition, symbolism, and the joy of sharing food, making it a festive favorite.
5. 大吉大利 (Dà Jí Dà Lì) – Great Luck and Prosperity
This phrase is often exchanged alongside mandarin oranges, which symbolize wealth and success. It’s a versatile wish that works in both personal and business settings.
💡 Example: During a visit, you can hand over oranges and say, “大吉大利! May your home be filled with great fortune this year.”
📝 Why It’s Special: The phrase, paired with oranges, adds a tactile and visual element to your greeting, making it more memorable.
6. 身体健康 (Shēn Tǐ Jiàn Kāng) – Wishing You Good Health
This heartfelt wish has gained even more relevance in recent years. “健康” (health) is a treasure we all value deeply, making this greeting meaningful for all generations, especially elders.
💡 Example: Say, “身体健康! I hope you stay strong and healthy throughout the year,” and pair it with a thoughtful gesture, like a gift of herbal tea or wellness products.
📝 Why It’s Special: It acknowledges the importance of well-being, showing care and consideration for the recipient’s needs.
7. 步步高升 (Bù Bù Gāo Shēng) – Wishing You Continuous Success
This greeting is a cheer for climbing the ladder of success, one step at a time. It’s perfect for anyone striving for career achievements or personal growth.
💡 Example: To a friend starting a new job, say, “步步高升! May you rise in your career with each step!”
📝 Why It’s Special: It’s both motivational and celebratory, making it ideal for ambitious individuals.
8. 心想事成 (Xīn Xiǎng Shì Chéng) – May All Your Wishes Come True
This wish is a heartwarming way to show you care about someone’s aspirations. It’s versatile and works for people of all ages.
💡 Example: During a heartfelt conversation, say, “心想事成! Whatever you’re dreaming of, I hope it comes true this year.”
📝 Why It’s Special: It’s personal and uplifting, showing genuine interest in someone’s hopes and dreams.
9. 合家欢乐 (Hé Jiā Huān Lè) – Wishing Your Family Happiness
Family is at the heart of Chinese New Year, and this phrase emphasises unity and joy. It’s a particularly heartfelt greeting for close relatives.
💡 Example: At a family dinner, say, “合家欢乐! May our family grow closer and happier with every year.”
📝 Why It’s Special: It strengthens family bonds, highlighting the importance of togetherness.
10. 财源广进 (Cái Yuán Guǎng Jìn) – May Wealth Flow In
This business-focused greeting is perfect for entrepreneurs or anyone involved in financial ventures. It’s a bold wish for an influx of prosperity.
💡 Example: While visiting a shopkeeper, say, “财源广进! May your store attract endless customers and profits this year.”
📝 Why It’s Special: It’s specific to financial success, making it ideal for professional contexts.
11. 龙马精神 (Lóng Mǎ Jīng Shén) – Wishing You the Spirit of the Dragon and Horse
Dragons and horses symbolise strength and energy in Chinese culture. This greeting encourages a year filled with vitality and enthusiasm.
💡 Example: For a friend into fitness, say, “龙马精神! Stay strong and active this year, just like a dragon and horse.”
📝 Why It’s Special: It’s metaphorical and inspiring, appealing to anyone striving for an energetic year.
12. 花开富贵 (Huā Kāi Fù Guì) – May Prosperity Blossom
Imagine flowers blooming into wealth—this poetic greeting captures that imagery beautifully. It’s a wish for both growth and financial success.
💡 Example: Give someone a potted plant and say, “花开富贵! May this bloom bring you endless wealth and success.”
📝 Why It’s Special: It’s perfect for creatives or nature lovers, combining prosperity with artistic growth.
13. 笑口常开 (Xiào Kǒu Cháng Kāi) – May You Smile Always
A smile is contagious, and this greeting aims to keep that happiness alive throughout the year. It’s lighthearted, fun, and universally appreciated.
💡 Example: After telling a joke, say, “笑口常开! Let’s keep the laughs coming all year long!”
📝 Why It’s Special: It’s lighthearted and guarantees a smile from the recipient.
14. 一帆风顺 (Yī Fān Fēng Shùn) – Smooth Sailing Ahead
A smile is contagious, and this greeting aims to keep that happiness alive throughout the year. It’s lighthearted, fun, and universally appreciated.
💡 Example: Wish this to someone starting a new project, saying, “一帆风顺! May your journey be free of obstacles.”
📝 Why It’s Special: It’s an encouraging and calming sentiment, ideal for anyone facing challenges.
15. 事业有成 (Shì Yè Yǒu Chéng) – Wishing You Career Success
A fantastic greeting for professionals, this phrase shows your belief in their potential. It’s a thoughtful way to express support for their career goals.
💡 Example: To a graduating student, say, “事业有成! May your career take off and bring you joy.”
📝 Why It’s Special: It’s aspirational and motivational, making it highly meaningful.
16. 福星高照 (Fú Xīng Gāo Zhào) – May the Lucky Star Shine Upon You
This celestial greeting brings an air of elegance, wishing someone luck and fortune guided by the stars.
💡 Example: To a respected elder, say, “福星高照! May you always have luck on your side.”
📝 Why It’s Special: It’s sophisticated and deeply respectful.
17. 金玉满堂 (Jīn Yù Mǎn Táng) – May Your Home Be Filled with Gold and Jade
This wish symbolises material and familial abundanceA luxurious phrase that symbolises wealth and richness in life, it’s perfect for families or friends moving into new homes..
💡 Example: Say, “金玉满堂! May your home be filled with love, wealth, and laughter.”
📝 Why It’s Special: It ties wealth to family harmony, creating a balanced sentiment.
18. 春风得意 (Chūn Fēng Dé Yì) – May the Spring Breeze Bring Success
Spring symbolises new beginnings, and this phrase wishes for a fresh, successful start. It’s uplifting and perfect for optimistic souls.
💡 Example: For a new homeowner, say, “春风得意! May your new home bring you success and joy.”
📝 Why It’s Special: It’s hopeful and perfect for fresh starts.
Why These Greetings Matter
Chinese New Year greetings are more than just phrases—they’re heartfelt wishes that connect us to cherished traditions while spreading joy and blessings. Each greeting carries a unique symbolism, from wishing prosperity and good health to celebrating unity and abundance. Whether you're sharing these greetings with family, friends, or colleagues, they encapsulate the spirit of the festival and create moments of genuine connection.
As you prepare to welcome the Year of the Snake, use these greetings to add depth and meaning to your celebrations. Whether spoken, written, or shared digitally, your thoughtful words will make the New Year brighter for everyone around you.
Keep the Festive Spirit Alive
Want to enhance your Chinese New Year celebrations even further? Check out these resources for more inspiration:
- 15 Best Festive Food Caterers for Chinese New Year in 2025
- Top 10 Must-Have Activities for Chinese New Year 2025
Start your year on a high note by embracing these traditions and spreading joy through meaningful greetings. May your year ahead be filled with good fortune, health, and happiness!