新的一年
To say "Happy Chinese New Year" in Mandarin: xin nian (new year) kuai le (happy) - which is pronounced shin nee-an kwai le.
The Cantonese version is sun nin fai lok- pronounced san knee fy lock.
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 and in Cantonese, it's san nin hou.
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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shen ti jian kang / sun tai gin hong
This is another popular greeting during Chinese New Year, especially towards the elderly.
It means "I wish you good health" or "enjoy good health".
Health is considered an important wish this time of year, making this greeting a go-to greeting for anyone.
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nian nian you yu / nin nin yau yu
This is a common phrase wishing for abundance or surplus through the year.
As the word for abundance in Mandarin also sounds like the word for fish, a fish dish is usually featured in the Chinese New Year's feast.
That’s why some families make two fish for Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner, and save one for the next day.
Enjoy the year of the Tiger,
Tok..
