CNY Greetings: 35 Essential Wishes for Luck & Prosperity in 2026

Chinese New Year greetings are more than just a polite hello because they act as a way to bestow luck and build relationships. These spoken wishes and written messages allow you to share joy and goodwill during the Lunar New Year. You will find that mastering these phrases helps you connect deeply with Chinese culture.

This guide covers the best CNY greetings for every situation in 2026. You will learn the perfect words to say to family or write on a gift card accompanying a beautiful flower bouquet. We will also clarify the difference between Mandarin and Cantonese pronunciations so you sound authentic.

Start Here: The 3 Universal CNY Greetings You Must Know

1. Xīnnián kuàilè (新年快乐)

Mandarin Pronunciation: sshin-nyen kwhy-ler

Cantonese Pronunciation: sun nin fai lok

This is the most standard and safe way to say "Happy New Year" to anyone you meet. It literally translates to "New Year happiness" and works for both the Lunar New Year and the solar New Year. You can use this formal greeting for acquaintances and strangers alike.

2. Gōngxǐ fācái (恭喜发财)

Mandarin Pronunciation: gong-sshee faa-tseye

Cantonese Pronunciation: gong hei fat choy

This phrase means "wishing you happiness and prosperity" and is arguably the most recognizable greeting worldwide. It is especially popular in Cantonese-speaking regions where it is pronounced as Gong hei fat choy. It is a blessing for wealth that is often used in business contexts.

3. Xīnnián hǎo (新年好)

Mandarin Pronunciation: sshin-nyen haoww

Cantonese Pronunciation: sun nin ho

This serves as a simplified, friendly version that translates to "Good New Year". This CNY greetings phrase is often the first thing people say when replacing the normal "nǐ hǎo" during the festival. It is perfect for casual interactions with neighbours or friends.

Respectful Wishes for Elders and Grandparents

4. Shēntǐ jiànkāng (身体健康)

Mandarin Pronunciation: shnn-tee jyen-kung

Cantonese Pronunciation: sun tai gin hong

This is a classic wish for good health that is suitable for everyone but especially appreciated by older relatives. Health is a primary focus during this time of year. You show great care for their well-being by using this phrase.

5. Cháng mìng bǎi suì (长命百岁)

Mandarin Pronunciation: chang-ming bye-sway

Cantonese Pronunciation: cheung miang bok soi

This phrase expresses a wish for longevity and literally means "long life of 100 years". It is a very specific greeting used by younger people to show respect to their elders. It effectively conveys your desire for them to be around for a long time.

6. Fú rú dōng hǎi (福如东海)

Mandarin Pronunciation: foo roo dong hye

Cantonese Pronunciation: fook yu dung hoi

This poetic wish means "may your happiness be as boundless as the East Sea". It is often paired with wishes for longevity. You can use this to wish an elder immense joy and luck.

7. Shòu bǐ nán shān (寿比南山)

Mandarin Pronunciation: show bee nan shan

Cantonese Pronunciation: sau bei naam saan

This wish is often paired with Fú rú dōng hǎi and means "may you live as long as the Southern Mountain". It is a deeply respectful way to wish an elder a long, enduring life. It shows you honor their presence in your life.

Professional Greetings for Bosses and Clients

8. Shēngyì xīnglóng (生意兴隆)

Mandarin Pronunciation: shnng-ee sshing-long

Cantonese Pronunciation: saang yi hing lung

This means "prosperous business" and is an excellent choice for business owners or clients. It specifically targets trade and commercial success. Use this to wish your professional partners a thriving year ahead.

9. Bùbù gāoshēng (步步高升)

Mandarin Pronunciation: boo-boo gao-shnng

Cantonese Pronunciation: bou bou gou sing

This translates to "promotions at every step" or rising higher step by step. This wish works perfectly for colleagues seeking career advancement or a raise. It implies continuous improvement in their professional life.

10. Cáiyuán gǔn gǔn (财源滚滚)

Mandarin Pronunciation: tseye-ywen gwung-jin

Cantonese Pronunciation: tsoy yun gwan gwan

This is a vibrant wish that means "may wealth roll in". It paints a picture of profits pouring in continuously. This is a strong CNY wishes phrase for anyone focused on financial abundance.

11. Dà zhǎn hóng tú (大展宏图)

Mandarin Pronunciation: daa-jan hong-too

Cantonese Pronunciation: taai zin wang tou

This phrase means "may you realize your ambitions". It is a sophisticated way to wish someone success in their grand plans. It works well for entrepreneurs or anyone starting a new venture.

12. Gōngzuò shùnlì (工作顺利)

Mandarin Pronunciation: gong-dzwor shwnn-lee

Cantonese Pronunciation: gung zok sun lei

This simple wish translates to "may your work go smoothly". It is a thoughtful greeting for colleagues who have a busy year ahead. It shows you support their professional endeavors.

Encouraging Wishes for Students and Children

13. Xuéyè yǒuchéng (学业有成)

Mandarin Pronunciation: sshwair-yeah yoh-chnng

Cantonese Pronunciation: hok yip yau sing

This means "achieve academic success" and is the standard encouragement for students. It shows support for their hard work and progress in school. You can also use Xuéxí jìnbù which means "progress in studies".

14. Jīn bǎng tí míng (金榜题名)

Mandarin Pronunciation: jin-bung tee-ming

Cantonese Pronunciation: gam bong tai ming

This translates to "success in the examination" or having one's name on the honor roll. It is ideal for students facing important tests. It connects their efforts to tangible results and recognition.

15. Kuài gāo zhǎng dà (快高长大)

Mandarin Pronunciation: kwai gao zhang da

Cantonese Pronunciation: fai gou jeung dai

This phrase means "grow tall and big soon". It is a common wish for younger children who are still growing. It is a sweet way to wish for their physical well-being.

16. Hóng bāo ná lái (红包拿来)

Mandarin Pronunciation: hong-bao naa-lye

Cantonese Pronunciation: hong bao luo loi

This is a playful rhyme that means "give me a red envelope". Children often use this cheeky phrase after saying "Gōngxǐ fācái" to ask for their lucky money. It should only be used with close family and relations to avoid seeming rude.

17. Cōngmíng línglì (聪明伶俐)

Mandarin Pronunciation: tsong-ming ling-lee

Cantonese Pronunciation: chung ming ling lei

This means "may you be smart and clever". It is a lovely wish for a child's intellectual development. Parents always appreciate hearing this about their little ones.

Perfect Pairings: What to Write on Gift Cards and Flower Bouquets

18. Huā kāi fù guì (花开富贵)

Mandarin Pronunciation: hwa kye foo gway

Cantonese Pronunciation: fa hoi fu gwai

This phrase means "blossoming flowers bring wealth" and is the perfect message for a floral gift. It connects the beauty of the flowers directly to the recipient's fortune. Writing this on a card makes your beautiful artificial orchid much more meaningful.

19. Nián nián yǒu yú (年年有余)

Mandarin Pronunciation: nyen-nyen yoh-yoo

Cantonese Pronunciation: nin nin yau yu

This sounds like "year year have fish" but means "surplus year after year". It pairs beautifully with Chinese New Year hampers or fish dishes. This pun on "fish" and "surplus" makes it a clever and traditional wish for abundance.

20. Píng píng ān ān (平平安安)

Mandarin Pronunciation: ping ping an an

Cantonese Pronunciation: ping ping ngon ngon

This is a thoughtful message to include with a gift of apples. The phrase doubles the character for peace to emphasize safety. It sends a heartfelt message of tranquility for the year ahead.

21. Wàn shì rú yì (万事如意)

Mandarin Pronunciation: wann-shrr roo-ee

Cantonese Pronunciation: maan si yu yi

This phrase literally means "10,000 things go according to your wishes". It works for almost any gift card as a catch-all wish. It covers every aspect of life from health to happiness.

22. Xīn xiǎng shì chéng (心想事成)

Mandarin Pronunciation: sshing-sshyang shrr-chnng

Cantonese Pronunciation: sum sheung si sing

This translates to "may all your heart's desires come true". It is a lovely sentiment to write when you know the recipient has specific goals. It adds a personal touch to your CNY greetings.

23. Jíxiáng rúyì (吉祥如意)

Mandarin Pronunciation: jee-sshyang roo-ee

Cantonese Pronunciation: gat coeng jyu ji

This means "good luck and life according to your wishes". It is a classic and elegant phrase for a formal gift card. It conveys a deep sense of blessing and goodwill.

24. Wǔ fú lín mén (五福临门)

Mandarin Pronunciation: woo foo lin men

Cantonese Pronunciation: ng fuk lam mun

This traditional wish means "may the five blessings (longevity, wealth, health, virtue, and a natural death) come to your door". It is a comprehensive blessing for a household. It pairs well with home decor gifts like an elegant bonsai arrangement.

Year of the Horse 2026: Specific Zodiac Greetings

25. Mǎ dào chéng gōng (马到成功)

Mandarin Pronunciation: maa-dao chnng-gong

Cantonese Pronunciation: ma dou sing gung

This is the perfect pun for 2026 because it includes the character for "Horse". It means "instant success" or literally "success upon the arrival of the horse". This idiom is a powerful wish for immediate victory in the coming year.

26. Lóng mǎ jīng shén (龙马精神)

Mandarin Pronunciation: long ma jing shen

Cantonese Pronunciation: lung ma jing sun

This phrase translates to "the spirit of the dragon and horse". It is used to wish someone vitality and boundless energy. It is a very energetic compliment to pay someone during the Year of the Horse.

27. Mǎ nián dà jí (马年大吉)

Mandarin Pronunciation: ma nian da jee

Cantonese Pronunciation: ma nin dai gat

This simple wish means "great luck in the Year of the Horse". It is specific to the zodiac year and very auspicious. It is an easy way to customize your greeting for 2026, perhaps alongside a festive orchid display.

28. Mǎ nián xìng wàng (马年兴旺)

Mandarin Pronunciation: ma nian shing wang

Cantonese Pronunciation: ma nin hing wong

This means "prosperous Year of the Horse". It combines the zodiac animal with a wish for flourishing success. It is suitable for both personal and business contexts.

29. Yī mǎ dāng xiān (一马当先)

Mandarin Pronunciation: ee ma dang shian

Cantonese Pronunciation: yat ma dong sin

This idiom means "to take the lead like a galloping horse". It is a great wish for someone aiming to be a leader or pioneer in their field. It encourages initiative and success.

30. Qiān lǐ mǎ (千里马)

Mandarin Pronunciation: chian lee ma

Cantonese Pronunciation: chin lei ma

This refers to a "thousand-li horse", a metaphor for a talented person. Wishing someone to be a Qiān lǐ mǎ means hoping their talents are recognized. It is a high compliment for students or professionals.

Additional General Well-Wishes

31. Suì suì píng ān (岁岁平安)

Mandarin Pronunciation: sway sway ping an

Cantonese Pronunciation: sui sui ping on

This means "peace all year round". It is often said if something accidentally breaks during the festival to counter bad luck (as "Sui" sounds like "Break"). It is a protective wish for safety.

32. Hé jiā xìng fú (阖家幸福)

Mandarin Pronunciation: cher-jyaa sshing-foo

Cantonese Pronunciation: hop gah heung fook

This translates to "happiness for the whole family". It is a warm wish to extend to someone's entire household. It emphasizes the importance of family unity during the festival.

33. Xiào kǒu cháng kāi (笑口常开)

Mandarin Pronunciation: shiau ko chang kye

Cantonese Pronunciation: siu hau seung hoi

This means "may you smile often" or "may your mouth be open with laughter". It is a lighthearted wish for happiness and joy. It is perfect for friends and informal situations.

34. Hǎo yùn lián lián (好运连连)

Mandarin Pronunciation: hao-ywnn lyen-lyen

Cantonese Pronunciation: hou wan lin lin

This wishes for "good luck again and again". It implies a continuous stream of good fortune. It is a very positive and energetic greeting.

35. Yī fān fēng shùn (一帆风顺)

Mandarin Pronunciation: yee-fan fung-shwnn

Cantonese Pronunciation: yat faan fung sun

This means "may your life go smoothly" or literally "smooth sailing". It is a great wish for someone starting a new journey or project. It hopes for a path free of obstacles.

Summary Cheat Sheet

Intent	Mandarin (Pinyin)	Chinese Characters	Meaning
Standard	Xīnnián kuàilè	新年快乐	Happy New Year
Wealth	Gōngxǐ fācái	恭喜发财	Wishing you prosperity
Health	Shēntǐ jiànkāng	身体健康	Good health
Career	Shēngyì xīnglóng	生意兴隆	Prosperous business
Success	Mǎ dào chéng gōng	马到成功	Instant success (Horse pun)
Wishes	Wàn shì rú yì	万事如意	May everything go well
Flowers	Huā kāi fù guì	花开富贵	Flowers bloom wealth

Beyond Words: Mastering CNY Etiquette and Body Language

The Fist and Palm Salute

This is a traditional gesture where you clasp one hand over the other fist in front of your chest. It conveys respect and good wishes to the person you are greeting. You should use this motion while saying your CNY greetings to show sincerity.

Avoid Hugging

Hugging is not a typical greeting during Chinese New Year in traditional culture. Handshakes are generally acceptable in modern or business settings if you want to be polite. Sticking to traditional gestures helps you respect personal boundaries.

Smile Warmly

A warm smile is essential to convey sincerity and joy when exchanging greetings. It matches the festive spirit of the occasion. A genuine smile helps foster a sense of togetherness and social bonding.

Avoid These Mistakes: Taboos and Digital Etiquette

Do Not Say Negative Words

You must avoid words associated with death, sickness, or breakage. These topics are considered inauspicious and can dampen the festive mood. Focus only on words that bring good fortune and positive energy.

Avoid Cutting Your Hair

Cutting hair during the New Year period is taboo because the word for "hair" sounds like the word for "prosper". Cutting it symbolizes cutting away your fortune for the year. It is best to schedule your haircut before the celebrations begin.

Be Mindful With Digital Greetings

You should ensure your digital CNY wishes feel personal. While you can send wishes via text, adding a personal touch like the recipient's name makes it more meaningful. Modern messages can still express traditional hopes for health and happiness.

Conclusion About CNY Greetings

Choosing the right CNY greetings allows you to honour traditions while deepening your connections with those you cherish. Whether you opt for a classic wish for prosperity or a heartfelt message for health, pairing it with a thoughtful gift like a locally inspired bouquet makes your gesture truly unforgettable.

At Singapore Florist, we craft every arrangement to capture the unique spirit of our nation, blending local stories and shared memories into each bloom. Our bouquets do more than just look beautiful; they serve as a bridge for your emotions, helping you celebrate the distinctive charm of Singapore with the people who matter most.

Contact us today to find the perfect floral arrangement for your Chinese New Year celebrations!

Frequently Asked Questions About CNY Greetings

What Is The Most Common Chinese New Year Greeting?

The most universal greeting is Xīnnián kuàilè (新年快乐), which means "Happy New Year". It is appropriate for everyone, from close family to formal acquaintances.

When Should I Say These Greetings?

You can start using these greetings a few days before the Lunar New Year and continue for about 15 days until the Lantern Festival. The first few days of the new year are the most important for wishing luck.

Do I Need To Know Mandarin Or Cantonese?

While Mandarin (Putonghua) is widely understood, Cantonese is very popular in southern China, Hong Kong, and many overseas communities like Singapore. Using the local dialect like Cantonese's Gong hei fat choy can be a warm gesture.

Is There A Greeting Specific To The Year Of The Horse?

Yes, for the Year of the Horse in 2026, sayings like Mǎ dào chéng gōng (Success upon arrival of the horse) are perfect. They specifically invoke the energy and spirit of the zodiac animal.

What Should I Avoid Saying During Chinese New Year?

Avoid any words related to death, sickness, poverty, or breakage, as they are considered bad luck. Focus entirely on positive themes like health, wealth, and happiness.