The history of Chinese New Year’s tradition has more than 4,000 years, and it is the most important traditional festival in China.

Chinese people greet with one another by using Happy New Year not only on New Year's Day (January 1), but also on the Lunar New Year’s period.(Usually refers to the first to fifteenth day of the Lunar new year).

Here we will share some useful phrase about how to say “Happy New Year”and some popular Chinese New Year Greetings for you. Don’t hesitate to say that to express your joy and love to your family and friends!

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4 Ways to Say "Happy New Year" in Chinese

1.Chinese Characters: 新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè)

Meaning: Happy New Year

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2.Chinese Characters: 春节快乐(Chūnjié kuàilè)

Meaning: Happy Spring Festival

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3.Chinese Characters: 新年好 (Xīnnián hǎo)

Meaning: New Year goodness!

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4.Chinese Characters:过年好 (Guònián hǎo)

Meaning: Have a happy New Year!

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Beginnings of Greetings and Sayings

1.Chinese Characters: 祝你……(zhù nǐ)

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Meaning : Wish you (for younger/informal) ...

2.Chinese Characters: 祝您……(zhù nín)

Meaning :Wish you (for older/respected) ...

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Chinese Characters: 祝你新年快乐(zhù nǐ Xīnnián kuàilè)

Meaning :Wish you Happy New Year.

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5 Most Popular Chinese New Year Greetings

1.Chinese Characters: 新年好 (Xīnnián hǎo)

Meaning: New Year goodness!

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2.Chinese Characters: 新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè)

Meaning: Happy New Year

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3.Chinese Characters:恭喜发财 (Gōngxǐ fācái)

Meaning:Wish you happiness and prosperity!

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4.Chinese Characters: 恭喜发财,红包拿来(gōngxǐ fācái, hóngbāo nálái)

Meaning: Wishing you happiness and prosperity; give me a red envelope.

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5.Chinese Characters: 新年快乐,万事如意(wàn shì rú yì)

Meaning:Happy New Year. May you get everything you wish for.

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The Way to Respond "Happy New Year"

When someone greets you with "新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè, Happy New Year)", the best and simple replies are: 

1. "新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè)"

2. "Happy New Year to you too, thank you"

Further reading:
Top 20 Most Common Chinese Characters to Learn
China Entry and Travel Restrictions in 2021
Baggage Rules of China Railway