As we enter the year of the Dragon, it’s time to wish one another a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year! This ancient and important festival marks the start of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar, which is based on lunar cycles. Each year brings with it a different animal that symbolizes certain qualities – this year, the Dragon stands for strength, courage, and good fortune.
You can use our list of Chinese New Year greetings to share them with your family and friends of Chinese descent. But before we get to that, let’s take a quick look at what Chinese New Year is all about and why its date changes every year.
Table of Contents
- What is the Chinese New Year?
- Chinese New Year Chart
- When is Chinese New Year 2024?
- 2024 Chinese New Year Animal
- Traditional Greetings for the Chinese New Year in Mandarin
- What are some Chinese New Year Greetings in English?
What is the Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year is the most important and longest holiday of the year for Chinese people. It is also known as the Lunar New Year and usually falls between late January to mid-February each year. On this day, families get together to celebrate with food, fireworks, and special traditions to welcome in luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Chinese New Year Chart
The Chinese New Year, which is also known as the Spring Festival, is observed according to the lunisolar calendar, which follows both the moon phases and solar cycles. As a result, the date of the Chinese New Year changes each year. This means that in some years, it can be as early as late January and other times it is as late as mid-February. Because of this, the date of the Chinese New Year can fall on any day between January 21 and February 20.
This is a chart that shows when the Chinese New Year is celebrated from 2020 – 2032.
| Year | Date | Day of Week | Animal Sign |
| 2020 | January 25th | Saturday | Rat |
| 2021 | February 12th | Friday | Ox |
| 2022 | February 1st | Tuesday | Tiger |
| 2023 | January 22nd | Sunday | Rabbit |
| 2024 | February 10th | Thursday | Dragon |
| 2025 | January 28th | Wednesday | Snake |
| 2026 | February 16th | Monday | Horse |
| 2027 | February 5th | Saturday | Sheep |
| 2028 | January 25th | Wednesday | Monkey |
| 2029 | February 13th | Tuesday | Rooster |
| 2030 | February 3rd | Sunday | Dog |
| 2031 | January 23rd | Friday | Pig |
| 2032 | February 10th | Thursday | Rat |
When is Chinese New Year 2024?
Chinese New Year 2024 is on Thursday, February 10th.
2024 Chinese New Year Animal
The 2024 Chinese New Year heralds the arrival of the Year of the Dragon.
The dragon is a symbol of power, strength, and good fortune, making it an auspicious start to the year. It embodies qualities such as courage, ambition, and innovation. People born in the Year of the Dragon are often seen as dynamic, charismatic, and natural leaders, with a strong drive to achieve their goals.
The Dragon’s influence will bring a sense of vitality, ambition, and excitement to the year ahead. Individuals will be inspired to pursue their dreams, take on challenges, and assert themselves in various aspects of their lives. With the Dragon’s energetic presence, 2024 promises to be a year of action and achievement.
Incorporating the Dragon’s traits, this year encourages us to be bold, fearless, and forward-thinking. It’s a time to embrace opportunities, showcase our leadership abilities, and make significant strides towards our aspirations. With the Dragon’s fiery spirit, 2024 is poised to be a year of empowerment and success, setting the stage for a prosperous and fulfilling new year.
Traditional Greetings for the Chinese New Year in Mandarin
When celebrating the Chinese New Year, greetings are an important part of the festivities. Here are some common ways to say “Happy New Year” in Mandarin:
- 新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè)
- 万事如意 (Wànshì rúyì)
- 节日快乐 (Jiérì kuàilè)
- 年年有余 (Niánnián yǒu yú)
- 恭喜发财 (Gōngxǐ fācái)
- 吉星高照 (Jí xīng gāo zhào)
- 岁岁平安 (Suìsuì píng’ān)
- 步步高升 (Bùbù gāoshēng)
- 六六大顺 (Liùliù dàshùn)
- 恭贺新禧 (Gōnghè xīnxǐ)
- 喜气洋洋 (Xǐqìyángyáng)
- 万事如意 (Wàn shì rú yì)
- 时来运转 (Shí lái yùnzhuǎn)
- 福禄双全 (Fúlù shuāngquán)
- 招财进宝 (Zhāocáijìnbǎo)
- 吉祥如意 (Jíxiáng rúyì)
- 春风满面 (Chūnfēngmǎnmiàn)
- 幸福快乐 (Xìngfúkuàilè)
- 吉星高照 (Jíxīnggāozhào)
What are some Chinese New Year Greetings in English?
Traditional Chinese New Year greetings are usually expressed with good wishes for the new year. Common phrases include:
- “Gong Xi Fa Cai” – Wishing you great prosperity and happiness
- “Xin Nian Kuai Le” – Happy New Year
- “Kung Hei Fat Choy” – Wishing you wealth and prosperity
- “Huan Ying Niennian” – May this new year bring you joy
- “Wan Shi Ru Yi” – May all your wishes come true
- “Xin Nian Hao” – Have a good new year!
- “Da Ji Da Li” – Wishing you great luck and success.
- “Man Tian Xing Kong” – May every day in the new year be full of success and good luck.
- “Gong Xin Nian” – Congratulations for the New Year.
- “Xin Nian Hao Yu Kuai Le” – Have a happy and prosperous new year.
- “Jin Ri Yi Ban Sheng Yi” – May each day of the new year be better than the last.
- “Shen Ti Jian Kang” – Wishing you good health and happiness for the new year.
- “Yun Dong Jia Ru” – May your endeavors be fruitful in the New Year.
- “Xin Nian Da Ji” – Have a great start to the new year.
- “Ni Nian Yu Kuai” – Wishing you joy and happiness in the coming year.
- “Xin Nian Wan Shi Ru Yi” – May all your wishes come true this New Year.
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55 Powerful Promises for the New Year – Making the Most of Your Dreams
Chinese New Year Symbols and Traditions
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