34 Important Phrases for Each Event
Luck performs an enormous function in Chinese language tradition, so there are such a lot of methods to say “good luck” in Chinese language! After all, there’s the fundamental method to say it (I’ll introduce that first), however if you wish to sound like a local, that’s not all you should know!
Chinese language tradition is so wealthy in expressions, I’ll truly be introducing 34 expressions for all types of conditions! I’ll additionally give some nifty 成语 (chéngyǔ), or four-character idioms that reveal lots about Chinese language tradition. And I can inform you, having studied Chinese language at college after which labored in Taiwan, these do come in useful!
And don’t fear when you’ve studied simplified or conventional characters – or when you’re nonetheless counting on pinyin since you’re undecided the way to learn Chinese language characters. I’ve acquired all of them included for each phrase!
Basic Methods to Want Good Luck in Chinese language
Let’s begin with some normal good luck phrases in Chinese language that you need to use in almost any form of scenario.
祝你好运 / 祝你好運 (zhù nǐ hǎo yùn)
Which means: Wishing you good luck
That is essentially the most easy method to want somebody good luck in Chinese language. Whereas it’s a direct translation of the English phrase, native audio system usually use extra particular expressions tailor-made to the scenario. These are up subsequent!
加油 (jiā yóu)
Which means: Stick with it / Go for it!
加油 is a flexible and extensively used phrase in Chinese language. Actually which means “add oil,” it’s used to encourage somebody or cheer them on. You’ll hear this phrase usually in varied contexts, from sports activities occasions to on a regular basis challenges.
我给你加油 / 我給你加油 (wǒ gěi nǐ jiā yóu)
Which means: I’m rooting for you
This expression takes 加油 (proper above) a step additional by personalizing the encouragement. It’s a good way to indicate your assist for somebody dealing with a problem or pursuing a aim.
祝你顺利 / 祝你順利 (zhù nǐ shùn lì)
Which means: I hope every thing goes nicely
This phrase is ideal for wishing somebody clean crusing of their endeavors. It may be used for every thing from exams to job interviews to journey plans.
These normal phrases present a stable basis for expressing good luck in Chinese language. Subsequent, let’s take a look at extra particular expressions tailor-made to completely different events and life occasions.
Good Luck for Particular, On a regular basis Conditions
Okay, so let’s go deeper in our methods to want somebody luck in Chinese language. In Chinese language tradition, there are numerous expressions for well-wishing associated to research, work, well being, and extra!
Educational Success
Must want a scholar good luck in Chinese language? Listed below are some particular methods to do it!
好好儿考啊 / 好好兒考啊 (hǎo hǎor kǎo a)
Which means: Have examination
This informal expression is ideal for wishing a buddy or classmate good luck earlier than an examination. It’s pleasant and inspiring, generally used amongst college students.
祝你学业成功 / 祝你學業成功 (zhù nǐ xué yè chéng gōng)
Which means: Effectively-wishes for tutorial success
Use this phrase to want somebody success of their general research, not only for a single examination. It’s appropriate for long-term tutorial pursuits, like beginning a brand new faculty 12 months or diploma program.
祝你金榜题名 / 祝你金榜題名 (zhù nǐ jīn bǎng tí míng)
Which means: Might you go the examination
The ultimate four-character idiom (often called a 成语 chéngyǔ) of this phrase actually means “Might your title be listed on the golden roster.” It’s a extra formal and conventional method to want somebody success of their exams, usually used for necessary assessments like faculty entrance exams.
Profession and Work
Proper, so somebody you realize has completed finding out and is transferring on to work, and also you wish to want them good luck in Chinese language! Listed below are phrases you need to use with associates, colleagues, neighbors, or anybody else you realize working onerous!
好好儿干啊 / 好好兒幹啊 (hǎo hǎor gàn a)
Which means: Do nicely on this process/job
Much like the exam-related phrase, this expression is used to encourage somebody to carry out nicely of their work. It’s informal and supportive, supreme for colleagues or associates.
祝你事业顺利 / 祝你事業順利 (zhù nǐ shì yè shùn lì)
Which means: Wishing you a profitable profession
This phrase is ideal for long-term profession needs, reminiscent of when somebody begins a brand new job or launches a enterprise enterprise.
祝你工作成功 (zhù nǐ gōng zuò chéng gōng)
Which means: Effectively-wishes for job success
Use this expression to want somebody success of their particular job or work-related process. It’s extra focused than the overall profession want.
马到成功 / 馬到成功 (mǎ dào chéng gōng)
Which means: Might you instantly meet with success
This four-character idiom actually means “success upon the horse’s arrival.” It’s used to want somebody fast success of their endeavors, particularly in enterprise or profession contexts.
步步高升 (bù bù gāo shēng)
Which means: Might you repeatedly get promoted
One other four-character idiom, this phrase needs for steady profession development. It’s notably appropriate for congratulating somebody on a promotion or wishing them future profession development.
Well being and Effectively-being
After all, well being is one other side of life the place good luck is necessary in Chinese language! Right here’s the way to particularly want somebody good well being.
祝你身体健康 / 祝你身體健康 (zhù nǐ shēn tǐ jiàn kāng)
Which means: Might your physique be wholesome and robust
It is a frequent phrase used to want anybody good well being and due to this fact is appropriate for varied events.
祝你长命百岁 / 祝你長命百歲 (zhù nǐ cháng mìng bǎi suì)
Which means: Might you reside an extended and wholesome life
Typically used for elders, this phrase needs for longevity. It’s notably acceptable for birthdays or throughout Chinese language New Yr celebrations.
祝你福寿安康 / 祝你福壽安康 (zhù nǐ fú shòu ān kāng)
Which means: Luck, security, and well being
This complete well-wish combines hopes for fortune, longevity, peace, and well being. It’s a respectful and formal method to categorical good needs, particularly to elders or in additional formal settings.
By the way in which, there are numerous extra methods to want somebody a contented new 12 months! Take a look at our particular article on wishing “Completely happy New Yr” in Chinese language, supplying you with a whopping 15 methods to do it!
Good Luck for Particular Events
Okay, so we’ve gone over the way to want somebody good luck in Chinese language for on a regular basis events. Now, let’s take a look at extra particular events! In Chinese language tradition, particular events name for particular well-wishes. Let’s discover some good luck expressions for weddings, birthdays, and different celebrations.
Weddings
If you realize somebody getting married, you’ll positively wish to inform them nicely needs in Chinese language! Right here’s the way to do it for the joyful couple.
祝你们幸福 / 祝你們幸福 (zhù nǐ males xìng fú)
Which means: I want you (each) happiness
This easy but heartfelt phrase is ideal for wishing newlyweds a contented life collectively. It’s versatile and can be utilized in each formal and casual settings.
祝你们百年好合 / 祝你們百年好合 (zhù nǐ males bǎi nián hǎo hé)
Which means: I want you an extended life collectively
Actually wishing the couple “ match for 100 years,” this phrase expresses hope for an enduring and harmonious marriage.
白头偕老 / 白頭偕老 (bái tóu xié lǎo)
Which means: Might you develop previous collectively
This four-character idiom paints a poetic picture of a pair rising previous collectively, with white hair. It’s a wonderful method to want for a long-lasting marriage.
多子多孙 / 多子多孫 (duō zi duō sūn)
Which means: Might you may have many kids and grandchildren
In Chinese language tradition, having quite a few descendants is taken into account a blessing. This phrase needs the couple a big and affluent household.
激情永在 (jī qíng yǒng zài)
Which means: Might you may have eternal ardour
This extra trendy expression needs the couple enduring love and keenness of their marriage.
早生贵子 / 早生貴子 (zǎo shēng guì zǐ)
Which means: Might you give beginning to a baby quickly
Historically used to want for a son, this phrase is now typically used to want for youngsters. Use it cautiously, as some {couples} would possibly want to not focus on household planning, identical to in Western tradition these days.
Birthdays
Everybody has a birthday, so right here’s the way you categorical nicely needs in Chinese language year-round!
生日快乐 / 生日快樂 (shēng rì kuài lè)
Which means: Completely happy birthday
That is the usual method to want somebody a contented birthday in Chinese language. It’s easy, direct, and appropriate for all ages.
祝你天天快乐，心想事成 / 祝你天天快樂，心想事成 (zhù nǐ tiān tiān kuài lè, xīn xiǎng shì chéng)
Which means: Wishing you each day pleasure and success
This longer birthday want combines hopes for each day happiness and the achievement of 1’s needs. It’s a heat and complete birthday blessing. Because it’s a bit fluffy, maintain it in your again pocket for speeches, possibly.
New Yr and Different Celebrations
In Chinese language tradition, there are two new years, so listed here are two methods to ship somebody nicely needs in Chinese language for the daybreak of a brand new 12 months!
恭喜发财 / 恭喜發財 (gōng xǐ fā cái)
Which means: Might you be affluent
Generally used throughout Chinese language New Yr, this phrase needs for prosperity and luck. It’s additionally used as a normal congratulatory expression.
新年快乐 / 新年快樂 (xīn nián kuài lè)
Which means: Completely happy New Yr
That is the usual method to want somebody a contented New Yr, used for each the lunar and photo voltaic new 12 months celebrations.
Good Luck for Wealth and Prosperity
In Chinese language tradition, wishing somebody luck usually consists of hopes for monetary success and prosperity, as we’ve seen in a number of the expressions above! These phrases are generally used throughout enterprise dealings, profession developments, or normal well-wishes for a affluent future.
Listed below are some common expressions, adopted by a brief dialogue about their appropriateness in numerous contexts.
祝你财源广进 / 祝你財源廣進 (zhù nǐ cái yuán guǎng jìn)
Which means: Might your wealth multiply
This phrase actually means “Might your sources of wealth be vast and your progress unending.” It’s a robust blessing wishing for exponential development in monetary assets. This expression is appropriate for enterprise companions, colleagues, or associates beginning new ventures.
祝你财运亨通 / 祝你財運亨通 (zhù nǐ cái yùn hēng tōng)
Which means: Wishing you clean monetary luck
This phrase combines needs for each wealth (财/財 cái) and luck (运/運 yùn). So use this whenever you wish to want somebody not simply wealth, but in addition the nice fortune to handle it nicely.
祝你财源滚滚 / 祝你財源滾滾 (zhù nǐ cái yuán gǔn gǔn)
Which means: A gentle stream of wealth
Think about wealth pouring in like an unstoppable waterfall – that’s the picture this phrase evokes. 滚滚/滾滾 (gǔn gǔn) offers a way of steady, rolling movement, suggesting an fixed influx of wealth. This vivid expression is ideal for wishing somebody ongoing monetary success.
These monetary good luck needs mirror the significance of prosperity in Chinese language tradition. They’re usually used throughout Chinese language New Yr, at enterprise openings, or when congratulating somebody on a brand new job or promotion. Whereas they give attention to materials wealth, they’re seen as optimistic needs for general well-being and success in life.
When utilizing these phrases, it’s necessary to think about the context and your relationship with the individual. In additional formal or enterprise settings, these needs for monetary prosperity are typically well-received. Nonetheless, in private relationships, you would possibly wish to stability these with needs for well being and happiness as nicely.
Keep in mind, in Chinese language tradition, speaking about cash and wishing for wealth isn’t thought-about taboo because it is likely to be in some Western cultures. These expressions are seen as real needs for an individual’s general success and well-being.
Extra Good Luck Phrases
Along with situation-specific expressions, there are a number of versatile phrases in Chinese language that can be utilized to want somebody good luck or categorical good needs in varied contexts. Let’s discover a few of these:
一路顺风 / 一路順風 (yí lù shùn fēng)
Which means: Bon voyage
Actually translating to “could the wind be favorable all the way in which,” this phrase is often used when somebody is about to embark on a journey. Nonetheless, it can be used metaphorically for somebody beginning a brand new enterprise or part in life. So it’s like a want for clean crusing, whether or not in journey or in life’s journey.
保重 (bǎo zhòng)
Which means: Take care
This easy but significant phrase is commonly used when parting methods, particularly when you received’t see the individual for some time. Or it’s alternatively used if somebody’s not feeling nicely. It reveals your concern for his or her well-being and is a mild manner of wishing them good luck in caring for themselves.
寿比南山，福如东海 / 壽比南山，福如東海 (shòu bǐ nán shān, fú rú dōng hǎi)
Which means: Might you reside so long as the Southern Mountain and have fortune as boundless because the jap sea
What a phrase, eh? We see that this poetic expression combines needs for longevity and luck. It’s a extra elaborate and formal method to prolong good needs, typically utilized in birthday greetings, particularly for elders. The phrase attracts on the imagery of tolerating mountains and huge seas to emphasise the depth and breadth of the well-wishes.
Good Luck Symbols and Animals in Chinese language Tradition
Whereas Chinese language is wealthy in phrases, it’s additionally acquired a wealth of symbols for good luck! Listed below are just a few noteworthy examples:
Good Luck Symbols and Indicators
Listed below are some normal fortunate indicators and symbols in Chinese language tradition.
- 红色 / 紅色 (hóng sè): The colour purple – that is related to luck, happiness, and prosperity.
- 八 (bā): Quantity 8 – just like the fortunate quantity 7 in Western tradition, 8 is taken into account very fortunate in Chinese language tradition.
- 玉 (yù): Jade – that is believed to convey good well being and safety.
- 竹 (zhú): Bamboo – this symbolizes development, energy, and resilience.
- 钱币 / 錢幣 (qián bì): Cash, particularly previous Chinese language cash with sq. holes (方孔钱 / 方孔錢 fāng kǒng qián). These are good luck symbols in Chinese language tradition (consider the beckoning cat at many storefronts!)
- 鸳鸯 / 鴛鴦 (yuān yang): Mandarin geese – which symbolize love and marital concord.
- 牡丹 (mǔ dan): Peonies – these symbolize wealth and honor.
Fortunate Animals
After all, there are numerous animals that symbolize good luck in Chinese language tradition, in addition to fortune, and extra! Listed below are a number of the most well-known examples.
- 龙 / 龍 (lóng): Dragon, image of energy, energy, and luck.
- 凤凰 / 鳳凰 (fèng huáng): Phoenix, represents advantage and charm.
- 虎 (hǔ): Tiger, symbolizes energy and bravado.
- 蝙蝠 (biān fú): Bat, its title sounds much like 福 (fú, “fortune”). (The Chinese language love puns!)
- 仙鹤 / 仙鶴 (xiān hè): Crane, symbolizes longevity.
- 锦鲤 / 錦鯉 (jǐn lǐ): Koi fish, represents perseverance and success.
- 金鲤鱼 / 金鯉魚 (jīn lǐ yú): Golden carp, related to abundance and perseverance.
- 乌龟 / 烏龜 (wū guī): Tortoise, symbolizes longevity and knowledge.
Chinese language Zodiac Animals (生肖 / 生肖 shēng xiào):
You will have observed that most of the Chinese language good luck animals are members of the Chinese language zodiac, or 生肖 (shēng xiào)! That is Chinese language astrology. In case you’re much less acquainted, the animals are:
- 鼠 (“shǔ*, Rat)
- 牛 (niú, Ox)
- 虎 (hǔ, Tiger)
- 兔 (tù, Rabbit)
- 龙/龍 (lóng, Dragon)
- 蛇 (shé, Snake)
- 马/馬 (mǎ, Horse)
- 羊 (yáng, Goat)
- 猴 (hóu, Monkey)
- 鸡/雞 (jī, Rooster)
- 狗 (gǒu, Canine)
- 猪/豬 (zhū, Pig).
In Chinese language tradition, whereas all zodiac animals have their very own traits and strengths, some are historically thought-about luckier than others. Right here’s an outline:
龙 / 龍 (lóng) – Dragon:
Thought-about essentially the most auspicious and highly effective of all zodiac indicators, dragons are related to energy, success, and luck.
虎 (hǔ) – Tiger:
Considered courageous and fortunate, particularly for averting evil spirits.
兔 (tù) – Rabbit:
Identified for bringing good luck in enterprise and relationships.
猪 / 豬 (zhū) – Pig:
Related to wealth, honesty, and luck.
鼠 (shǔ) – Rat:
The primary animal within the zodiac cycle, rats are seen as intelligent and related to wealth.
(Sadly, my signal, the Rooster, doesn’t fall into the tremendous fortunate record.)
It’s necessary to notice that based on the Chinese language zodiac, luck can range relying on the 12 months. Every zodiac animal’s luck can change primarily based on the present 12 months’s zodiac signal and different astrological elements.
The phrase for when your 12 months comes is 本命年 (běn mìng nián). Opposite to what some would possibly count on, the 12 months of 1’s personal zodiac animal is historically thought-about a difficult 12 months, requiring additional warning relatively than being particularly fortunate.
Additionally, private beginning years matter. A person’s luck is commonly tied to their very own zodiac signal and its relationship with the present 12 months’s signal.
Likewise, compatibility performs a job. Some zodiac indicators are thought-about extra appropriate and thus “luckier” when paired collectively!
And do you know that cultural variations exist? Completely different areas inside China and different East Asian international locations could have barely completely different interpretations of which animals are luckiest.
Chinese language Astrology and Feng Shui:
Carefully associated to astrology and the zodiac, we’ve got Feng Shui (风水 / 風水, fēng shuǐ). That is an historic Chinese language follow that goals to harmonize people with their surrounding atmosphere. It includes arranging residing and dealing areas to optimize the circulate of qi (气 / 氣, qì), or life pressure vitality, primarily based on ideas of stability and the interplay of the 5 components (五行, wǔ xíng). Practitioners imagine that correct Feng Shui can convey luck, well being, and prosperity, whereas poor feng shui can result in misfortune and misery.
Now, Feng Shui and Chinese language astrology are associated, however they’re distinct practices inside conventional Chinese language metaphysics. Right here’s a quick rationalization of their relationship.
Each Feng Shui and Chinese language astrology are primarily based on the identical elementary ideas of Chinese language philosophy, together with:
- Yin and Yang (阴阳 / 陰陽, yīn yáng) – The idea of stability between opposing forces.
- 5 Parts (五行, wǔ xíng) – These are 木 (mù, Wooden), 火 (huǒ, Hearth), 土 (tǔ, Earth), 金 (jīn, Steel), and 水 (shuǐ, Water).
- Qi (气 / 氣, qì) or life pressure vitality
Feng Shui usually incorporates astrological components to find out auspicious dates, instructions, and placements. For instance:
- An individual’s beginning date (decided by astrology) would possibly affect their fortunate instructions (吉祥方位, jí xiáng fāng wèi) in Feng Shui.
- Astrological calculations is likely to be used to decide on favorable dates for implementing Feng Shui modifications.
However Feng Shui primarily offers with the association of bodily areas and objects
Chinese language astrology focuses on time cycles and their affect on private traits and future
Whereas they’re separate disciplines, Feng Shui and Chinese language astrology are sometimes used collectively in conventional Chinese language practices to supply a complete strategy to harmonizing one’s life with the pure and cosmic forces believed to affect human affairs.
Now, let me clarify this idea in additional element.
In Chinese language feng shui, sure instructions are believed to be extra auspicious or fortunate for people primarily based on varied elements, together with:
- Their beginning 12 months
- Their zodiac signal
- The present 12 months
- The structure of their house or workplace
Feng shui sometimes considers eight fundamental instructions:
- 东 / 東 (dōng): East
- 南 (nán): South
- 西 (xī): West
- 北 (běi): North
- 东北 / 東北 (dōng běi): Northeast (Discover Chinese language actually says “Eastnorth,” and related patterns beneath!)
- 东南 / 東南 (dōng nán): Southeast
- 西南 (xī nán): Southwest
- 西北 (xī běi): Northwest
Individuals would possibly use these fortunate instructions to find out:
- The orientation of their mattress
- The place to position necessary furnishings
- Which path to face when working or finding out
- The path to journey for enterprise or pleasure
Additionally, a person’s fortunate instructions are sometimes calculated primarily based on their beginning date utilizing the Ba Zhai (八宅 bā zhái) system or different Feng Shui strategies.
Often Requested Questions
Now, earlier than I wrap up, that can assist you additional perceive and use these good luck expressions in Chinese language, listed here are solutions to some frequent questions. Take into account this a recap of what we discovered right now!
Q1: How do you would like somebody luck in Chinese language?
A: Probably the most easy manner is to say 祝你好运 (zhù nǐ hǎo yùn), which immediately interprets to “want you good luck.” Nonetheless, Chinese language audio system usually want extra particular phrases tailor-made to the scenario, reminiscent of 加油 (jiā yóu) for normal encouragement or 祝你成功 (zhù nǐ chéng gōng) for wishing success.
Q2: What’s the Chinese language phrase for luck?
A: The Chinese language character for luck or luck is 福 (fú). This character is commonly seen in decorations, particularly throughout Chinese language New Yr. It’s utilized in phrases like 祝你福寿安康 (zhù nǐ fú shòu ān kāng), wishing somebody luck, longevity, and well being.
Q3: The right way to pronounce these good luck phrases appropriately?
A: Chinese language is a tonal language, which may make pronunciation difficult for non-native audio system. Listed below are some ideas:
- Take note of the pinyin, particularly the tone marks.
- Hearken to native audio system or use language studying apps with audio options.
- Apply often, specializing in the tones and rhythm of the phrases.
This fall: Are these phrases utilized in all Chinese language-speaking areas?
A: Whereas most of those phrases are extensively understood throughout Chinese language-speaking areas, there is likely to be slight variations in utilization or desire between Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and different Chinese language-speaking communities.
Q5: Is it acceptable to make use of elaborate good luck phrases in informal conversations?
A: It is determined by the scenario and your relationship with the individual. In informal settings with associates, easier phrases like 加油 (jiā yóu) are sometimes extra acceptable. Extra elaborate phrases are sometimes reserved for formal events or when addressing elders.
Q6: Can I take advantage of these phrases in written communication, like emails or messages?
A: Completely! Many of those phrases are generally utilized in written kind. However in skilled settings, it’s finest to stay to extra formal expressions except you may have an in depth relationship with the recipient.
Good Luck Studying Chinese language!
As we’ve explored on this complete information, there are quite a few methods to say “good luck” in Chinese language, every tailor-made to particular conditions or events. Some key factors to recollect:
- Context issues: Select your expression primarily based on the particular scenario, relationship, and degree of ritual.
- Cultural consciousness: Many Chinese language good luck phrases mirror deeply held cultural values, such because the significance of household, respect for elders, and the pursuit of prosperity.
- Versatility: Whereas some phrases are situation-specific, others like 加油 (jiā yóu) can be utilized in varied contexts to supply encouragement.
- Poetic nature: Chinese language good luck expressions usually draw on poetic imagery and idiomatic phrases. This could doubtlessly add depth and sweetness to your well-wishes. The flowery language is commonly extra generally utilized in Chinese language tradition than in English-speaking cultures.
- Sincerity: No matter which phrase you select, crucial side is the real sentiment behind your phrases. (Sarcasm is a common language, so watch out!)
By incorporating these phrases into your Chinese language language repertoire, you’ll not solely enhance your language abilities but in addition deepen your cultural understanding. Whether or not you’re a language learner, a enterprise skilled working with Chinese language colleagues, or just somebody fascinated by Chinese language tradition, these expressions will show you how to join extra meaningfully with native audio system.
So don’t hesitate to place these expressions into follow. With time and use, you’ll end up naturally integrating these good luck needs into your Chinese language conversations, spreading positivity and goodwill in a culturally resonant manner.
祝你学习进步，越来越棒！(zhù nǐ xué xí jìn bù, yuè lái yuè bàng!)
Wishing you progress in your research and steady enchancment!
