So you’re visiting a friend’s/colleague’s/relative’s house this Chinese New Year, and you just can’t find the right words to say? Here are ten essentials you should always have in your back pocket – nestled next to all those red packets. And if all else fails, make a beeline to the snack table and feast because that’s what the Year of the Horse is all about.
RECOMMENDED The ultimate guide to Chinese New Year in Singapore and a beginner’s guide to Chinese New Year traditions and etiquette
The basics
1. 新年快乐 (xīn nián kuài lè)
Sounds like Sing neean kwai lur.
What it means Happy new year!
When to say it When you first walk through the door and everyone’s too busy playing mahjong to realise how basic you’re being anyway.
2. 恭喜发财 (gōng xǐ fā cái)
Sounds like Kong xee far chai.
What it means Wishing you wealth.
When to say it When you want to suck up to your boss even though you already know he’s making five times your salary. Tack on 红包拿来 (hóng bāo ná lái) which means ‘give me a red envelope’ if you’re feeling a bit shameless.
3. 大吉大利 (dà jí dà lì)
Sounds like Da jee da lee.
What it means Good luck and may you profit.
When to say it When you go all in during poker and want to make your opponent fold.
4. 年年有馀 (nián nián yǒu yú)
Sounds like Neean neean yo yuwee.
What it means May you have an abundant year.
When to say it When you tuck into a glorious plate of steamed marble goby or pomfret served with salted vegetables. Who wouldn’t want to have fish (鱼/yú) every year?
5. 生意兴隆 (shēng yì xīng lóng)
Sounds like Shun yee sing llong.
What it means May your business flourish.
When to say it When you’re talking to a tech bro whose side hustles include bitcoin mining or whatever’s cool in crypto these days.
6. 学业进步 (xué yè jìn bù)
Sounds like Shyue yeah jing boo.
What it means May your grades improve.
When to say it When the precocious 11-year-old starts schooling you on how to #staywoke.
7. 心想事成 (xīn xiǎng shì chéng)
Sounds like Sing hsiang shi chng.
What it means May your heart’s wishes come true.
When to say it When you spy a hot girl at the party looking a little forlorn because she didn’t have a date on V-day.
8. 四季平安过旺年 (sì jì píng ān guò wàng nián)
Sounds like Shi jee ping ahn kuoh wahng neean.
What it means Wishing you a whole year of peace.
When to use it For when you really want to show off – upgrade from your typical four-character idioms to this seven-character one. Everyone will be saying ‘wah your Chinese so good ah?’ in no time.
Still clueless about Chinese New Year?
The beginner’s guide to Chinese New Year: traditions, etiquette and superstitions
The ultimate guide to Chinese New Year in Singapore
The best Chinese New Year 2026 events in Singapore
The ultimate hongbao guide for Chinese New Year
The best places in Singapore to get Chinese New Year snacks in 2026
For the Year of the Horse
1. 马到成功 (mǎ dào chéng gōng)
Sounds like maa dao chng gong.
What it means Immediate success upon the arrival of the horse.
When to say it When you get tired of basic phrases like 新年快乐 (xīn nián kuài lè) and feel ready to level up your game.
2. 金马玉堂 (jīn mǎ yù táng)
Sounds like zeen maa yu tung.
What it means Golden horse and jade hall, for fame and prosperity.
When to say it When you want to throw your relative off with your awesome Mandarin skills before they can ask you, “married already?”
