The Year of the Dog is looming. Here’s how you can learn some simple Lunar New Year greetings in Mandarin to impress your friends and colleagues.
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1. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
(gōng xǐ fā cái)
Meaning: Congratulations and prosperity
How to pronounce: Copy and paste this link and listen: http://mandarin.about.com/library/audio/newyear/2.mp3
And if you see #GXFC on your social media feed, that’s just the hashtag version.
2. Xin Nian Kuai Le!
(xīn nián kuài lè)
Meaning: Happy New Year
How to pronounce: Copy and paste this link and listen: http://mandarin.about.com/library/audio/newyear/3.mp3
Learn more about this popular phrase in this video.
3. Nian Nian You Yu!
(nián nián yǒu yú)
Meaning: Wishing you prosperity every year.
How to pronounce: Copy and paste this link and listen: http://mandarin.about.com/library/audio/newyear/9.mp3
Only for the kids…
Gong Xi Fa Cai, Hong Bao Na Lai!
(Gōng xǐ fā cái, hóng bāo ná lái)
Meaning: Happy New Year, now give me a red envelope.
How to pronounce: Copy and paste this link and listen: http://mandarin.about.com/library/audio/newyear/4.mp3
And just in case…
Sui Sui Ping An
(suì suì ping ān)
Meaning: Wish you get rid of all mishaps. (Often used when something breaks during New Year to ward off bad luck)
How to pronounce: Copy and paste this link and listen: http://mandarin.about.com/library/audio/newyear/8.mp3
Muneerah Bee, January 2016
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More on The Finder:
What to Do During a Traditional “Prosperity Toss” at a Chinese New Year Dinner in Singapore
6 Dos and Don’ts for Chinese New Year in Singapore
4 Colours You Must Wear to Chinese New Year Events in Singapore
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