Common Lunar New Year Greetings (And When to Use Them)
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Simple English Guide for ESL Learners
During Lunar New Year, people exchange greetings to share good wishes, luck, and positive feelings. Knowing what to say — and when to say it — helps you sound polite and confident in English.
In this guide, you’ll learn common Lunar New Year greetings in simple English, plus tips on how and when to use them.
👉 New to Lunar New Year culture?
🎥 Check out the YouTube Shorts Video:
What Do People Say During Lunar New Year?
People use greetings to wish others:
Good health
Happiness
Success
A lucky new year
Some greetings are used before, during, or after Lunar New Year.
The Most Common Lunar New Year Greeting
“Happy Lunar New Year”
When to use:
Before and during the New Year period
With friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues
Why it works: It is polite, simple, and safe to use in all situations.
Example:
Happy Lunar New Year! I hope you have a great year.
Greetings for Health and Happiness
“Wishing You Good Health”
When to use:
With older family members
In cards or messages
Example:
Wishing you good health and happiness this year.
“Wishing You Happiness”
When to use:
With friends and family
In casual conversations
Example:
Wishing you happiness in the new year!
Greetings for Success and Good Luck
“Wishing You Success”
When to use:
With colleagues
In professional messages
Example:
Wishing you success in the coming year.
“Wishing You Good Luck”
When to use:
With anyone
Informal or friendly tone
Example:
Wishing you good luck and a happy new year!
Greetings Used with Gifts and Hong Bao
When giving gifts or red envelopes (hong bao), people often add a short wish.
Common phrases:
“Best wishes for the new year.”
“May this year bring you happiness.”
Example:
Here’s a small gift. Best wishes for the new year!
👉 Learn more about hong bao here:Lunar New Year Traditions Explained for ESL Learners
Formal vs Informal Greetings (Simple Guide)
Informal
Happy Lunar New Year
Wishing you happiness
Used with friends, classmates, close family.
More Formal
Wishing you good health and success
Best wishes for the new year
Used with elders, teachers, colleagues.
🌏 Culture Tip
Lunar New Year greetings can be different in each region and language. Using simple English greetings is polite and always acceptable.
💬 Mini Dialogue (Real-Life Example)
A: Happy Lunar New Year!
B: Thank you! Wishing you good health and happiness.
A: Thank you! I hope this year brings you success.
✍️ Practice
Which greeting would you use with a colleague?
______________________________________
Which greeting would you use with an older family member?
______________________________________
Write one greeting you can use this year.
______________________________________
👉 Practise more with our Lunar New Year Greetings Worksheet (free download).
🔗 Related ESL Blog Posts
Lunar New Year Traditions Explained for ESL Learners
🎁 Free ESL Resource
🧧 Lunar New Year Greetings – Phrase List & Practice PDF
Perfect for self-study, lessons, or quick revision.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lunar New Year Greetings
❓ FAQ 1
What is the most common Lunar New Year greeting in English?
The most common greeting is “Happy Lunar New Year.” It is polite, simple, and safe to use with anyone.
❓ FAQ 2
When should I say Lunar New Year greetings?
People usually say Lunar New Year greetings before and during the New Year celebration period.
❓ FAQ 3
What should I say when giving hong bao or a gift?
You can say “Best wishes for the new year” or “Wishing you happiness and good health.”
❓ FAQ 4
Are Lunar New Year greetings formal or informal?
Some greetings are informal for friends and family, while longer wishes are more formal and polite for elders or colleagues.
❓ FAQ 5
Can I use English greetings during Lunar New Year?
Yes. Simple English greetings are polite and commonly used, especially in international or mixed-language settings.
🔔 Practise More:
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