Expat's Guide to Saying Chinese New Year Greetings in Cantonese in Hong Kong
Chinese New Year (CNY) is the most important traditional festival in Hong Kong, and as an expat, greeting people in Cantonese during this festive season is a great way to connect with locals and show respect for their culture. Here’s a guide to some essential CNY phrases and greetings in Cantonese that will help you impress friends, family, and colleagues in Hong Kong.
1. "新年快樂" (San1 Nin4 Fai3 Lok6)
Meaning: "Happy New Year!"
Usage: This is the most common and simple way to wish someone a Happy New Year. You can say it to anyone, and it’s the equivalent of saying “Happy New Year” in English.
2. "恭喜發財" (Gung1 Hei2 Faat3 Choi4)
Meaning: "Congratulations and may you have a prosperous year!"
Usage: This is the most traditional greeting and is often said when you meet people during the CNY celebrations. It’s a wish for wealth and success in the upcoming year.
3. "身體健康" (San1 Tai2 Gin6 Hong1)
Meaning: "Wishing you good health!"
Usage: A common greeting to wish someone good health for the year ahead, especially important during the holiday when people celebrate with feasts and family gatherings.
4. "年年有餘" (Nin4 Nin4 Jau5 Jyu4)
Meaning: "Wishing you abundance every year!"
Usage: This greeting is used to wish someone an abundance of wealth or good fortune in the new year. It’s commonly seen on red packets (lai see) and decorations.
5. "大吉大利" (Daai6 Gat1 Daai6 Lei6)
Meaning: "Great luck and great prosperity!"
Usage: This is another lucky greeting, often said to bring good fortune, wealth, and happiness.
6. "開心快樂" (Hoi1 Sam1 Fai3 Lok6)
Meaning: "Wishing you happiness and joy!"
Usage: A more general and light-hearted greeting, perfect for friends or people you may not be very close with, expressing good wishes for their happiness.
7. "恭喜發財，利是逗來" (Gung1 Hei2 Faat3 Choi4, Lei6 Si6 Dauk6 Loi4)
Meaning: "Congratulations and may wealth come to you through lucky red packets!"
Usage: This is a fun, festive greeting, typically said during red packet (lai see) exchanges. It’s a playful wish for financial good fortune.
8. "財源廣進" (Coi4 Yuen4 Gwong2 Zeon3)
Meaning: "May wealth flow into your life."
Usage: This is a more formal, business-related greeting that’s used when wishing others financial success and prosperity.
9. "心想事成" (Sam1 Soeng2 Si6 Sing4)
Meaning: "May all your wishes come true."
Usage: This is a general greeting for good fortune and success in all your endeavors during the New Year.
10. "萬事如意" (Maan6 Si6 Jyu4 Ji3)
Meaning: "May everything go as you wish."
Usage: A classic greeting used in various settings, offering well-wishes for personal and professional success.
Tips for Expats:
Pronunciation: Cantonese can be tricky for expats because it’s a tonal language. The tone of a word can change its meaning entirely, so try to listen carefully to native speakers and mimic their pronunciation. If you're unsure, locals will often appreciate your effort and may correct you gently.
Red Packets (Lai See): When handing out red packets, say "恭喜發財" (Gung1 Hei2 Faat3 Choi4) and hand the packet with both hands. It’s a gesture of respect, especially to elders or those in authority.
Happy New Year Cards: Many people in Hong Kong will exchange greeting cards, but the primary greeting is usually "新年快樂" (San1 Nin4 Fai3 Lok6). Feel free to use this greeting in cards and written wishes!
Social Etiquette: When you greet someone with a traditional CNY phrase, it’s often followed by a handshake or a small bow. Elders may also give you red packets (lai see) during these greetings.
By using these Cantonese phrases, you’ll make a great impression on your friends and colleagues in Hong Kong and fully embrace the festive spirit of Chinese New Year!
