Lunar New Year greetings in Mandarin for every occasion

100 Lunar New Year Greetings in Mandarin for Every Occasion 

The Lunar New Year, deeply rooted in historical traditions dating back to ancient Chinese dynasties, celebrates the arrival of spring and the start of a new year on the traditional lunisolar calendar. As this festival evolved, it became a significant cultural event marked by vibrant customs and rich symbolism. For those looking to connect with their Mandarin-speaking friends, colleagues, or clients during this festive season, choosing the right greeting—casual or formal, prosperity or health—can make your message stand out.

This guide not only presents 100 wishes with pinyin and English, grouped by intent, but also offers quick tips on when to use each phrase. With each section, you'll find the right phrase in under a minute, making your message both personal and culturally appropriate.

Before examining the greetings themselves, it's helpful to gain further context about the cultural meanings and traditions behind Lunar New Year wishes. For deeper insights, explore Eduyush’s guide to Happy New Year in Chinese wishes, then return here to dive into the greeting categories.

How to Use Mandarin Lunar New Year Greetings

Use simple expressions like "Xīnnián kuàilè" or "Gōng xǐ fā cái" in casual chats. These greetings echoed warmly amid the vibrant clamor of fireworks and the rhythmic beat of taiko drums at New Year events in Tokyo, encapsulating the festive atmosphere perfectly. For formal occasions, use longer blessings.

In business, combine courtesy and professionalism by using greetings about prosperity and partnership. Acknowledging company success in your message works better than generic wishes.

Pro tip: If you’re sending greetings via WeChat, pair your message with a small red envelope (红包) for extra impact—even a symbolic amount shows thoughtfulness.

1. Core Lunar New Year Greetings (10)

These are the safest all-round greetings, suitable for almost any person or situation. I’ve used every one of these at some point—whether messaging friends or signing off emails to business contacts.

When to use: Universal. Perfect for anyone you’re not sure how to address, or when you want to keep things easy and inviting.

1. 新年快乐！
   Xīnnián kuàilè!
   Happy New Year!
2. 春节快乐！
   Chūnjié kuàilè!
   Happy Spring Festival!
3. 新春大吉！
   Xīnchūn dàjí!
   Best of luck in the new spring!
4. 新年快乐，万事如意！
   Xīnnián kuàilè, wànshì rúyì!
   Happy New Year, may everything go as you wish!
5. 新春快乐，阖家幸福！
   Xīnchūn kuàilè, héjiā xìngfú!
   Happy Spring Festival and happiness for the whole family!
6. 新年好，给你满满的好运！
   Xīnnián hǎo, gěi nǐ mǎnmǎn de hǎoyùn!
   Happy New Year, wishing you lots of good luck!
7. 祝你新年笑口常开！
   Zhù nǐ xīnnián xiào kǒu cháng kāi!
   Wishing you smiles all year in the New Year!
8. 恭贺新春，吉祥如意！
   Gōnghè xīnchūn, jíxiáng rúyì!
   Happy New Spring, with good fortune and blessings!
9. 新年新气象，天天好心情！
   Xīnnián xīn qìxiàng, tiāntiān hǎo xīnqíng!
   New Year, new beginnings, and a good mood every day!
10. 祝你龙马精神，新年平安！
    Zhù nǐ lóngmǎ jīngshén, xīnnián píng’ān!
    

    Wishing you great energy and a peaceful New Year! The expression '龙马精神' evokes a vivid imagery of vigor and vitality in Chinese culture. It symbolizes the spirited energy of the dragon and the horse, both admired for their strength and endurance. This phrase is particularly meaningful, as it conveys best wishes for resilience and positivity, making it an ideal choice for those embarking on new endeavors in the New Year.

2. Wishes for Prosperity and Abundance (15)

Prosperity wishes are the heart of Lunar New Year greetings—especially popular in red envelopes, business chats, and social posts. In my experience, these resonate particularly well with entrepreneurs and finance professionals.

When to use: Red envelope messages, business contacts, finance-focused friends, social media posts about career or money goals.

1. 恭喜发财！
   Gōng xǐ fā cái!
   Wishing you prosperity and wealth!
2. 财源广进！
   Cáiyuán guǎng jìn!
   May wealth flow to you from all directions!
3. 生意兴隆，财源滚滚！
   Shēngyì xīnglóng, cáiyuán gǔngǔn!
   May your business flourish and wealth roll in!
4. 金玉满堂，富贵连年！
   Jīnyù mǎntáng, fùguì liánnián!
   May your home be filled with riches, year after year!
5. 财运亨通，新年大发！
   Cáiyùn hēngtōng, xīnnián dàfā!
   May fortune smile on you and your New Year boom!
6. 新年鸿运当头，钱包鼓鼓！
   Xīnnián hóngyùn dāngtóu, qiánbāo gǔgǔ!
   May good luck lead the way and your wallet stay full!
7. 祝你投资顺利，收益节节高！
   Zhù nǐ tóuzī shùnlì, shōuyì jiéjié gāo!
   Wishing you smooth investments and rising returns!
8. 新春发财，房车双全！
   Xīnchūn fācái, fáng chē shuāng quán!
   May the new spring bring you both a good home and a car!
9. 招财进宝，日进斗金！
   Zhāocái jìnbǎo, rì jìn dǒu jīn!
   May riches and treasures come, with gold pouring in daily!
10. 愿你钱包不瘪，账户常红！
    Yuàn nǐ qiánbāo bù biě, zhànghù cháng hóng!
    May your wallet never go flat and your balance stay in the black!
11. 事业有成，年年有余！
    Shìyè yǒu chéng, niánnián yǒu yú!
    Success in your career and abundance every year!
12. 开工大吉，财源如春水！
    Kāigōng dàjí, cáiyuán rú chūnshuǐ!
    An auspicious start to work and wealth flowing like spring water!
13. 新年多接好项目，多赚放心钱！
    Xīnnián duō jiē hǎo xiàngmù, duō zhuàn fàngxīn qián!
    May you take on great projects and earn worry-free income!
14. 愿你账户数字天天向上！
    Yuàn nǐ zhànghù shùzì tiāntiān xiàngshàng!
    May the numbers in your account climb day after day!
15. 新年有红包，日子更红火！
    Xīnnián yǒu hóngbāo, rìzi gèng hónghuǒ!
    With red envelopes in the New Year, may life become even more prosperous!

Need Time Off for Chinese New Year? This Simple Leave Application Guide Has You Covered.

3. Health, Peace, and Family Happiness (15)

These greetings work beautifully for elders, relatives, and close friends. When I sent New Year messages to my Japanese colleagues’ families, health and peace wishes always felt most appropriate—they convey respect without being overly focused on money. A key aspect of this tradition is rooted in the Confucian value of filial piety, which emphasizes the importance of respecting elders and valuing their well-being above material success. Understanding this cultural nuance helps to appreciate why health wishes are so meaningful to older generations, aligning with age-based expectations.

When to use: Parents, grandparents, in-laws, close family friends, anyone recovering from illness, or when you want to express genuine care. Consider the recipient’s recent experiences. Reflect on whether they might need health-related encouragement or motivational support for other challenges they may have faced lately. This thoughtful personalization enhances the impact of your message.

1. 身体健康，新年快乐！
   Shēntǐ jiànkāng, xīnnián kuàilè!
   Wishing you good health and a happy New Year!
2. 阖家安康，笑声满堂！
   Héjiā ānkāng, xiàoshēng mǎntáng!
   A healthy, safe family and a home full of laughter!
3. 平安顺遂，一路护航！
   Píng’ān shùnsuì, yīlù hùháng!
   Peace and smooth sailing, protected all the way!
4. 祝你父母安康，家人团圆！
   Zhù nǐ fùmǔ ānkāng, jiārén tuányuán!
   Wishing your parents good health and your family reunion!
5. 愿你新年少一点压力，多一点轻松！
   Yuàn nǐ xīnnián shǎo yīdiǎn yālì, duō yīdiǎn qīngsōng!
   May your New Year bring less stress and more ease!
6. 新年愿你睡得香，笑得甜，身体棒！
   Xīnnián yuàn nǐ shuì de xiāng, xiào de tián, shēntǐ bàng!
   May you sleep well, smile sweetly, and stay strong!
7. 祝你远离病痛，常伴喜乐！
   Zhù nǐ yuǎnlí bìngtòng, cháng bàn xǐlè!
   May illness stay away and joy stay close!
8. 家和万事兴，新年更温馨！
   Jiā hé wànshì xīng, xīnnián gèng wēnxīn!
   When family is in harmony, everything prospers—may your New Year be even warmer!
9. 愿你身心轻盈，岁岁安康！
   Yuàn nǐ shēnxīn qīngyíng, suìsuì ānkāng!
   Wishing you a light body and mind, and health year after year!
10. 新年多回家，陪陪家人！
    Xīnnián duō huí jiā, péipéi jiārén!
    This New Year, go home more and spend time with family!
11. 祝你照顾好自己，也照亮别人！
    Zhù nǐ zhàogù hǎo zìjǐ, yě zhàoliàng biérén!
    Take good care of yourself and brighten others too!
12. 愿你的家里，充满爱与温度！
    Yuàn nǐ de jiālǐ, chōngmǎn ài yǔ wēndù!
    May your home be full of love and warmth!
13. 新年平平安安，就是最大的幸福！
    Xīnnián píngpíng ān’ān, jiùshì zuì dà de xìngfú!
    A safe New Year is already the greatest happiness!
14. 愿你新年走路有风，身体有劲！
    Yuàn nǐ xīnnián zǒulù yǒu fēng, shēntǐ yǒu jìn!
    May you walk with energy and feel strong all year!
15. 祝你照顾好身心，迎接更好的自己！
    Zhù nǐ zhàogù hǎo shēnxīn, yíngjiē gèng hǎo de zìjǐ!
    Care for body and mind, and welcome a better you!

Discover the Most Heartfelt Chinese New Year Wishes to Share Joy and Prosperity

4. Career, Study, and Success Wishes (15)

These are ideal for colleagues, managers, students, and anyone focused on growth and achievement. I found these particularly useful when messaging former classmates or mentees preparing for professional certifications.

When to use: Colleagues, students, mentees, LinkedIn connections, anyone sitting exams or starting new jobs.

1. 事业有成，前程似锦！
   Shìyè yǒu chéng, qiánchéng sì jǐn!
   Success in your career and a future as bright as brocade! Note: This phrase celebrates significant achievement and may resonate as slightly boastful if used about oneself; consider this when crafting messages.
2. 工作顺利，步步高升！
   Gōngzuò shùnlì, bùbù gāoshēng!
   Smooth work and step-by-step promotions!
3. 新年加油，升职加薪！
   Xīnnián jiāyóu, shēngzhí jiāxīn!
   Push on in the New Year—promotions and pay rises! It's advisable to wish this for others, aligning with cultural expectations of humility.
4. 愿你新年灵感不断，项目大获成功！
   Yuàn nǐ xīnnián línggǎn bùduàn, xiàngmù dàhuò chénggōng!
   May inspiration keep coming and your projects succeed!
5. 学业进步，金榜题名！
   Xuéyè jìnbù, jīnbǎng tímíng!
   Progress in studies and great exam results!
6. 新年考证顺利，一次过关！
   Xīnnián kǎozhèng shùnlì, yīcì guòguān!
   Wishing you smooth professional exams and a pass on the first try!
7. 愿你拿到心仪的证书，也拿到理想的offer！
   Yuàn nǐ ná dào xīnyí de zhèngshū, yě ná dào lǐxiǎng de offer!
   May you get the certificate you want and the offer you dream of!
8. 新年多学一点，多赢一点！
   Xīnnián duō xué yīdiǎn, duō yíng yīdiǎn!
   Learn a bit more and win a bit more this year!
9. 愿你的团队给力，业绩长虹！
   Yuàn nǐ de tuánduì gěilì, yèjì chánghóng!
   May your team perform strongly and your numbers soar!
10. 祝你换个更喜欢的岗位，开启新征程！
    Zhù nǐ huàn gè gèng xǐhuān de gǎngwèi, kāiqǐ xīn zhēngchéng!
    Wishing you a role you love and a fresh new journey!
11. 新年多拿"好评"，少遇"坑"！
    Xīnnián duō ná “hǎopíng”, shǎo yù “kēng”!
    May you get more good reviews and fewer pitfalls this year!
12. 愿你开会少一点，成果多一点！
    Yuàn nǐ kāihuì shǎo yīdiǎn, chéngguǒ duō yīdiǎn!
    Fewer meetings and more results in the New Year!
13. 祝你做事有方向，发展有舞台！
    Zhù nǐ zuòshì yǒu fāngxiàng, fāzhǎn yǒu wǔtái!
    May your work have direction and your growth have a stage!
14. 新年愿你的努力，都有清晰回报！
    Xīnnián yuàn nǐ de nǔlì, dōu yǒu qīngxī huíbào!
    May your efforts bring clear rewards this year!
15. 事业蒸蒸日上，人生步步高升！
    Shìyè zhēngzhēng rìshàng, rénshēng bùbù gāoshēng!
    May your career rise day by day and your life step up with it!

5. Cute and Casual Greetings for Friends (15)

Use these on WeChat, WhatsApp, Instagram, or TikTok captions to keep things light-hearted and friendly. These are the greetings I’d exchange with close friends: playful, modern, and sometimes a little cheeky. They work best when you know the recipient well enough to joke around. Want to share some giggles? Screenshot your favorite 'Wi-Fi full-bars' phrase and tag your friends for a laughter chain reaction. Encourage others to do the same and watch your humor ripple through timelines!

1. 新年快乐，天天在线不掉线！
   Xīnnián kuàilè, tiāntiān zàixiàn bù diàoxiàn!
   Happy New Year—may you stay online and never drop off!
2. 愿你新年钱包鼓，身材不走样！
   Yuàn nǐ xīnnián qiánbāo gǔ, shēncái bù zǒuyàng!
   May your wallet grow and your figure stay the same!
3. 新年快乐，吃不胖也睡得香！
   Xīnnián kuàilè, chī bù pàng yě shuì de xiāng!
   Happy New Year—eat without gaining weight and sleep like a baby!
4. 愿你新年笑点低，幸福感爆棚！
   Yuàn nǐ xīnnián xiàodiǎn dī, xìngfú gǎn bàopéng!
   May you laugh easily and feel overflowing happiness!
5. 新年愿你"躺赢"，好运主动来！
   Xīnnián yuàn nǐ “tǎng yíng”, hǎoyùn zhǔdòng lái!
   May you “win while lying down” and let good luck come to you!
6. 祝你发红包不心疼，抢红包手速快！
   Zhù nǐ fā hóngbāo bù xīnténg, qiǎng hóngbāo shǒusù kuài!
   May you send red envelopes generously and grab them with lightning speed!
7. 新年快乐，追剧有时间，追梦有动力！
   Xīnnián kuàilè, zhuī jù yǒu shíjiān, zhuī mèng yǒu dònglì!
   Happy New Year—may you have time for dramas and energy for dreams!
8. 愿你新年少加班，多浪漫！
   Yuàn nǐ xīnnián shǎo jiābān, duō làngmàn!
   Less overtime and more romance this year!
9. 新年愿你心里有光，眼里有笑！
   Xīnnián yuàn nǐ xīnlǐ yǒu guāng, yǎnlǐ yǒu xiào!
   May there be light in your heart and smiles in your eyes!
10. 祝你新年朋友圈晒的，全是好消息！
    Zhù nǐ xīnnián péngyouquān shài de, quán shì hǎo xiāoxi!
    May everything you post this year be good news!
11. 愿你新年好运像Wi-Fi，一直满格！
    Yuàn nǐ xīnnián hǎoyùn xiàng Wi-Fi, yīzhí mǎn gé!
    May your good luck be like Wi-Fi—full bars all the time!
12. 新年快乐，愿你心情像红包一样红！
    Xīnnián kuàilè, yuàn nǐ xīnqíng xiàng hóngbāo yīyàng hóng!
    Happy New Year—may your mood be as bright as red envelopes!
13. 祝你2026马到成功，一马当先！
    Zhù nǐ 2026 mǎ dào chénggōng, yī mǎ dāng xiān!
    Wishing you instant success in 2026—lead the way like a galloping horse!
    (Year of the Horse greeting)
14. 愿你新年快乐不"过期"，幸福可"续费"！
    Yuàn nǐ xīnnián kuàilè bù “guòqī”, xìngfú kě “xùfèi”!
    May your happiness never expire, and may your joy be renewed!
15. 新年见面不用多说，一句：有你真好！
    Xīnnián jiànmiàn bú yòng duō shuō, yī jù: yǒu nǐ zhēn hǎo!
    When we meet this New Year, no need for many words—“it’s so good to have you”!

🧧 Gong Xi Fa Cai: The Surprising History Behind This Iconic New Year Greeting! 🎆

Formal Wishes for Clients and Business Partners

These greeting lines work well in emails, cards, corporate posts, and professional gifts. During my time coordinating with suppliers across Greater China, I learned that business greetings need to acknowledge the relationship, express gratitude, and wish for mutual success. Thesephrases do exactly that.

1. 恭祝贵公司新春快乐，蒸蒸日上！
   Gōngzhù guì gōngsī xīnchūn kuàilè, zhēngzhēng rìshàng!
   Wishing your esteemed company a happy Spring Festival and steady growth!
2. 感谢一年来的信任与合作，祝新年事业长青！
   Gǎnxiè yī nián lái de xìnrèn yǔ hézuò, zhù xīnnián shìyè chángqīng!
   Thank you for your trust and cooperation this year—may your business stay evergreen!
3. 新春佳节，谨致以最诚挚的问候与祝福！
   Xīnchūn jiājié, jǐn zhì yǐ zuì chéngzhì de wènhòu yǔ zhùfú!
   At this Spring Festival, please accept our sincere greetings and best wishes!
4. 祝贵司在新的一年里，再创佳绩，再攀高峰！
   Zhù guì sī zài xīn de yī nián lǐ, zài chuàng jiājì, zài pān gāofēng!
   Wishing your company new achievements and new heights in the coming year!
5. 愿我们合作顺利，携手共赢新一年！
   Yuàn wǒmen hézuò shùnlì, xiéshǒu gòngyíng xīn yī nián!
   May our cooperation be smooth and bring shared success this year!
6. 新年伊始，祝贵公司布局更广，发展更稳！
   Xīnnián yīshǐ, zhù guì gōngsī bùjú gèng guǎng, fāzhǎn gèng wěn!
   At the start of the year, I wish your company a broader reach and steady growth!
7. 谨祝新春愉快，万事顺意，阖家安康！
   Jǐn zhù xīnchūn yúkuài, wànshì shùnyì, héjiā ānkāng!
   Wishing you a happy Spring Festival, smooth affairs, and a healthy family!
8. 祝新年品牌更响，市场更拓，口碑更佳！
   Zhù xīnnián pǐnpái gèng xiǎng, shìchǎng gèng tuò, kǒubēi gèng jiā!
   Wishing your brand louder recognition, wider markets, and a stronger reputation!
9. 愿贵公司在新的一年里，把握机遇，领跑行业！
   Yuàn guì gōngsī zài xīn de yī nián lǐ, bǎwò jīyù, lǐngpǎo hángyè!
   May your company seize opportunities and lead the industry this year!
10. 新年祝贵司财源广进，团队精诚团结！
    Xīnnián zhù guì sī cáiyuán guǎng jìn, tuánduì jīngchéng tuánjié!
    Wishing you abundant revenue and a united, dedicated team!
11. 感谢您的支持，愿新年继续携手共创价值！
    Gǎnxiè nín de zhīchí, yuàn xīnnián jìxù xiéshǒu gòng chuàng jiàzhí!
    Thank you for your support—may we keep creating value together this year!
12. 祝贵公司新年战略清晰，执行有力！
    Zhù guì gōngsī xīnnián zhànlüè qīngxī, zhíxíng yǒulì!
    Wishing you clear strategy and powerful execution in the New Year!
13. 新春之际，愿贵司人才辈出，发展勇往直前！
    Xīnchūn zhī jì, yuàn guì sī réncái bèichū, fāzhǎn yǒngwǎng zhíqián!
    At Spring Festival, may great talents thrive and development charge ahead!
14. 祝贵司在国际市场上再进一步，捷报频传！
    Zhù guì sī zài guójì shìchǎng shàng zài jìnbù, jiébào pínchuán!
    Wishing you further progress in global markets and frequent good news!
15. 愿新年带来更多合作机会，开启新的共赢篇章！
    Yuàn xīnnián dàilái gèng duō hézuò jīhuì, kāiqǐ xīn de gòngyíng piānzhāng!
    May the New Year bring more cooperation opportunities and a new win-win chapter!

7. Zodiac and Future-Focused Greetings (15)

These lines play on typical zodiac and “new beginnings” themes and can be adapted year by year. 2026 is the Year of the Horse (马年), so I’ve included Horse-themed greetings that emphasise speed, success, and energy—perfect for anyone who wants their wishes to feel timely and culturally relevant.

1. 新年新起点，愿你跑出自己的好成绩！
   Xīnnián xīn qǐdiǎn, yuàn nǐ pǎo chū zìjǐ de hǎo chéngjì!
   A new starting line—may you run your own best race!
2. 愿你今年好运"在线"，梦想"上线"！
   Yuàn nǐ jīnnián hǎoyùn “zàixiàn”, mèngxiǎng “shàngxiàn”!
   May your luck stay online and your dreams go live this year!
3. 祝你今年多一些惊喜，少一些遗憾！
   Zhù nǐ jīnnián duō yīxiē jīngxǐ, shǎo yīxiē yíhàn!
   More surprises and fewer regrets this year!
4. 愿你把上一年的不顺，都留在昨天！
   Yuàn nǐ bǎ shàng yī nián de bú shùn, dōu liú zài zuótiān!
   Leave last year’s setbacks in yesterday!
5. 新年愿你像晨光一样，越走越亮！
   Xīnnián yuàn nǐ xiàng chénguāng yīyàng, yuè zǒu yuè liàng!
   May you be like morning light, shining brighter as you go!
6. 愿你在新的一年里，遇见更好的自己和更好的世界！
   Yuàn nǐ zài xīn de yī nián lǐ, yùjiàn gèng hǎo de zìjǐ hé gèng hǎo de shìjiè!
   May you meet a better you and a better world this year!
7. 新年新节奏，愿你跟上梦想的步伐！
   Xīnnián xīn jiézòu, yuàn nǐ gēnshàng mèngxiǎng de bùfá!
   New rhythm for the New Year—keep pace with your dreams!
8. 祝你今年勇敢一点，收获多一点！
   Zhù nǐ jīnnián yǒnggǎn yīdiǎn, shōuhuò duō yīdiǎn!
   Be a bit braver and reap a bit more this year!
9. 愿你带着去年的成长，走向更远的远方！
   Yuàn nǐ dàizhe qùnián de chéngzhǎng, zǒuxiàng gèng yuǎn de yuǎnfāng!
   Take last year’s growth and walk toward a farther horizon!
10. 新年愿你方向清晰，脚步坚定！
    Xīnnián yuàn nǐ fāngxiàng qīngxī, jiǎobù jiāndìng!
    May your direction be clear and your steps firm!
11. 愿你今年所盼皆如愿，所行皆坦途！
    Yuàn nǐ jīnnián suǒ pàn jiē rúyuàn, suǒ xíng jiē tǎntú!
    May what you hope for come true, and the road beneath your feet be smooth!
12. 新年愿你被温柔以待，也学会温柔以待世界！
    Xīnnián yuàn nǐ bèi wēnróu yǐ dài, yě xuéhuì wēnróu yǐ dài shìjiè!
    May the world treat you gently and may you treat it gently in return!
13. 祝你在新的一年里，心里有火，眼里有光！
    Zhù nǐ zài xīn de yī nián lǐ, xīnlǐ yǒu huǒ, yǎnlǐ yǒu guāng!
    May there be fire in your heart and light in your eyes!
14. 愿你今年每一个"小目标"，都能逐个"已完成"！
    Yuàn nǐ jīnnián měi yī gè “xiǎo mùbiāo”, dōu néng zhúgè “yǐ wánchéng”!
    May each “small goal” this year get ticked off as “done”!
15. 新年快乐，愿你不负时光，不负自己！
    Xīnnián kuàilè, yuàn nǐ bù fù shíguāng, bù fù zìjǐ!
    Happy New Year—may you live up to your time and to yourself!

If you’d like more examples of how zodiac themes are woven into greetings for specific years, check Eduyush’s broader Lunar New Year greeting collections that highlight each animal’s symbolism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both mean “Happy New Year,” but 春节快乐 specifically refers to the Spring Festival (the traditional Chinese name for Lunar New Year), while 新年快乐 is more general and can also be used for January 1st. For Lunar New Year contexts, either works perfectly—春节快乐 sounds slightly more culturally specific.

When should I use formal vs. casual Mandarin greetings?

Use formal greetings (Section 6) for business partners, clients, and professional contacts. Casual greetings (Section 5) work best for close friends and social media. When in doubt, the Core Greetings (Section 1) are safe for any situation.

How do I add a Year of the Horse greeting for 2026?

2026 is the Year of the Horse (马年). Incorporate horse-themed phrases like 马到成功 (mǎ dào chénggōng, “instant success”) or 一马当先 (yī mǎ dāng xiān, “taking the lead”). Greeting #68 in this guide is specifically designed for 2026.

Can I use these greetings on WeChat red envelopes?

Absolutely. Short prosperity wishes like #11-25 are perfect for red envelope messages. Keep them brief—WeChat has character limits for red envelope notes.

Final Tips from My Experience

1. Match the greeting to the relationship. A formal business partner deserves a different tone than your university roommate.
2. Timing matters. Send greetings on or just before Lunar New Year’s Eve for maximum impact. The first five days of the new year are also appropriate.
3. Personalise when possible. Adding someone’s name or a specific reference (“Wishing you success with your CMA exam this year!”) makes generic greetings feel thoughtful.
4. Don’t overthink it. Even a simple 新年快乐 sent with genuine warmth beats an elaborate greeting that arrives late.