How to say Happy New Year in Chinese and what does gong hei fat choy mean?
Happy New Year #HappyNewYear
THE Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and it comes with a host of superstitions which will apparently dictate how the next 12 months will play out.
But how do you wish someone Happy New Year in Chinese and are there other greetings?
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Chinese New Year celebrations include the traditional dragon danceCredit: AP:ASSOCIATED PRESS How to say Happy New Year in Chinese and are there other greetings?
To say “Happy Chinese New Year” in Mandarin: xin nian (new year) kuai le (happy) – which is pronounced shin nee-an kwai le.
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.
A third greeting is: guo (spread) nian hao – pronounced gor nee-an how. This can be used on the day or after.
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Gong hei fat choy doesn’t mean Happy New YearCredit: Getty – Contributor What does gong hei fat choy mean?
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).
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What is Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year in 2021 falls on February 12.
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 Ox, 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 2021, it is from February 11 to February 26.
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