Impress your host with our favourite CNY greetings. Don't worry, you won't fumble at the door!
It’s that time of year again to brush up on CNY greetings to impress the elders. Here’s a collection of favourites that we keep in our back pocket at all times. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to bookmark our guide to Chinese New Year in Singapore to usher in the Year of the Horse.
Chinese New Year greetings: Year of the Horse edition
1. Ma Nian Da Ji (马年大吉)
Translation: Good luck in the Year of the Horse
A classic Lunar New Year greeting suitable for anyone. It conveys blessings of good luck, specifically for the Year of the Horse.
2. Ma Dao Cheng Gong (马到成功)
Translation: To wish for immediate success
This greeting originates from a Chinese idiom, based on a story of a man and his horse, and their hard work traversing the land to make it to the capital city.
3. Long Ma Jing Shen (龙马精神)
Translation: May you be full of spirit and vitality of the dragon and horse
This Chinese idiom symbolises strength, energy and perseverance – combining the power of the dragon and the endurance of the horse. You can use this idiom to wish good health and vitality, especially to elders, but it’s also suitable for anyone facing challenges or new goals.
4. Ma Shang You Qian (马上有钱)
Translation: May wealth come immediately
“Ma Shang You Qian” is a playful Chinese phrase that means “getting rich right away”. It’s a pun: ma shang means “immediately”, but literally translates to “on a horse”, which adds a cheeky layer of meaning about money arriving fast, almost like instant luck or wealth.
5. Yi Ma Dang Xian (一马当先)
Translation: To take the lead or be at the forefront
An idiom meaning to charge ahead or to lead the way. It’s used to wish someone excellence, leadership and a strong start. Perfect for people launching a new career, attending competitions or starting a new project.
Our favourite CNY greetings and wishes
6. Xin Nian Kuai Le (新年快乐)
Translation: Happy New Year
This CNY greeting is an easy one! You’ll typically say this when you first arrive at someone’s home.
7. Wan Shi Ru Yi (万事如意)
Translation: May everything go well for you
An all-encompassing CNY wish for smooth sailing and success in every endeavour.
8. Gong Xi Fa Cai (恭喜发财)
Translation: Wishing you prosperity and wealth
Arguably the most recognisable Chinese New Year greeting there is. Say this any time to anyone!
9. Da Ji Da Li (大吉大利)
Translation: Huge luck, huge profit
A good CNY wish for anyone who wants to be financially successful.
10. Shen Ti Jian Kang (身体健康)
A CNY wish for good health, an important one for this time of the year, thanks to all the snacking.
11. Xin Nian Da Ji (新年大吉)
Translation: Good luck for the new year
A little upgrade from the usual xin nian kuai le Chinese New Year greetings.
12. Nian Nian You Yu (年年有馀)
Translation: May you have abundance and prosperity
We love saying this one while we put the fish into our yusheng. (Yu also sounds like fish in Chinese, in case you didn’t know).
13. He Jia Xing Fu (阖家幸福)
Translation: Happiness for your whole family
One of the CNY greetings that involves the whole fam rather than just the person.
14. Gong Zuo Shun Li (工作顺利)
Translation: Hope work goes smoothly
Especially helpful for anyone who’s been through the wringer at work last year. Hopefully, this CNY blessing works for them.
15. Ping Ping An An (平平安安)
Translation: Peace and safety
A very easy greeting to memorise and pronounce for anyone who has trouble with Chinese.
16. Sheng Yi Xing Long (生意兴隆)
Translation: May your business prosper
Anyone with an entrepreneurial relative should make use of this blessing!
17. Ping Bu Qing Yun (平步青云)
Translation: To have a meteoric rise
This is typically meant for someone’s career and well-wishes for their future promotions.
18. Xue Xi Jin Bu (学习进步)
Translation: Improvement in your studies
Particularly relevant for anyone still studying. They need all the luck they can get!
19. Xin Xiang Shi Cheng (心想事成)
Translation: May your heart’s desires come true
An earnest Chinese New Year wish for someone to achieve everything they dream of.
Have an extra auspicious time and bless your loved ones with these CNY greetings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Year of the Horse” greetings mean?
Year-specific greetings, like Ma Nian Da Ji (马年大吉), are tailored to the Chinese zodiac of the year. They’re a fun and festive way to show you’re in the know, and can be used for anyone during that zodiac year.
Is it okay to repeat the same Chinese New Year greeting to everyone?
Totally fine. While personalised greetings are thoughtful, repeating popular phrases like Gong Xi Fa Cai is very common and socially acceptable during house visits.
Can I use CNY greetings even if I don’t speak Mandarin fluently?
Absolutely. Simple greetings like Xin Nian Kuai Le or Ping Ping An An (平平安安) are easy to pronounce and appreciated regardless of fluency. Elders usually value the effort more than perfect pronunciation.
What is the most common Chinese New Year greeting to use?
The most widely used greeting is Gong Xi Fa Cai (恭喜发财), which wishes prosperity and wealth. Another safe and universal option is Xin Nian Kuai Le (新年快乐), meaning Happy New Year.
What Chinese New Year greetings should I avoid saying?
Avoid greetings linked to bad luck, illness or death. Also steer clear of jokes that involve “no money” or “getting fat” — they might sound funny, but not everyone appreciates them during CNY.
