Memorise these 8 CNY idioms to impress your elders
So you don't have to repeat Happy New Year to every family member
So you don't have to repeat Happy New Year to every family member
As Chinese New Year comes around each year, the annual last-minute rush to brush up on our sorely lacking Mandarin vocabulary also surfaces. For your convenience, we list 8 essential idioms for you to memorise, so you don’t have to break a sweat in order to impress your loved ones or bring a smile to your elders’ faces this year.
Elevate your CNY greetings with this idiom, which also means to welcome a good year ahead. Use this to score points over the usual “Happy New Year” greetings.
Literally, to witness the robust energy and vitality usually associated with tigers. This is an especially attractive idiom to have on hand this Tiger Year.
To have an abundance of wealth and prosperity. Use this to stack on top of the usual Huat greetings.
A favourite of many to receive, use this idiom to wish someone progress in their careers.
Use this delicate phrase to wish someone a year of peace, health, and all-around wellness.
One that always sounds cultured and auspicious, use this to wish someone a year of bountiful blessings, including longevity, wealth, and health.
Literally to attract greater wealth, this is the quintessential CNY greeting.
Another idiom to memorise for extra points, it literally means to celebrate the arrival of a good year. Use it if someone else had decided to use 恭贺新禧 before you.