What is the proper way to say Happy Chinese New Year?

In the Philippines, we commonly hear people say "Kung Hei Fat Choi!" as a means to greet someone Happy Chinese New Year. Then suddenly when passing by SM Megamall I saw, "Xin Nian Kuai Le." So, I was confused already. What is the proper way to say "Happy Chinese New Year?"

The Right Way to Say Happy Chinese New Year!

The reality is that there are a various way to say Happy Chinese New Year and it depends on the message that you wish to convey.

“Gong hei fat choy” is the most common Chinese New Year greeting in Cantonese, which is spoken in parts of southern China and Hong Kong. This greeting means “wishing you great happiness and prosperity.”

“Gong xi fa cai” which is pronounced as gong she fa tsai equates to the same greeting above but is in Mandarin.

“Xin nian kuai le” also means Happy Chinese New Year in Mandarin. This is a formal greeting which is typically used for strangers. It is pronounced as nee-an kwai le.

"Xin Nian Hao" is the shortened version of the greetings above and is more often used for friends and family.

"Guo nian hao" is another Chinese New Year greetings which means "pass the New Year well."

So, there are indeed various ways to say Happy Chinese New Year and whatever it is the most important thing is that you mean it.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy Lunar New Year!

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