10 Chinese New Year Greetings For Year of the Horse
Tired of repeating Chinese New Year Greetings like “恭喜发财” (gōng xǐ fā cái) or “步步高升” (bù bù gāo shēng) every gathering? Let’s change that up with these 10 greetings to usher in the Year of the Horse! Wondering when to use them and its meanings? We’ve included them below in our article! Whether you’re making house visits, exchanging Lunar New Year wishes with colleagues and bosses, or leading the Loh Hei toss at reunion gatherings, these atypical CNY greetings blend cultural authenticity with modern flair.
1. 一马当先 (Yī mǎ dāng xiān)
- Literal Meaning: “One horse at the lead” – a single horse gallops at the forefront.
- Concept & Use:A dynamic praise for taking the initiative and leading the charge. It embodies the spirit of a pioneer who breaks away from the pack to set the direction and pace. Perfect for recognising a standout team member, a trailblazer in a field, or encouraging someone to step up and seize a leading role in a project or competition.
2. 马到功成 (Mǎ dào gōng chéng)
- Literal Meaning:“The horse arrives, and success is achieved.”
- Concept & Use: A powerful and optimistic wish for immediate and seamless success. It visualises success as an inevitable outcome the moment one sets out to achieve it. Commonly used as a blessing or encouragement for someone embarking on a new venture, starting a job, taking an exam, or launching a project – akin to saying, “Go forth and may victory be yours at once!”
3. 龙马精神 (Lóng mǎ jīngshén)
- Literal Meaning: “The spirit of the dragon and the horse.”
- Concept & Use: A powerful wish for vigorous, unyielding energy and an indomitable spirit. The dragon represents power, the horse represents endurance. Perfect for athletes, students, or anyone recovering from illness, or as a general pep talk for the year.
4. 瑞气盈门 (Ruì qì yíng mén)
- Literal Meaning: “Auspicious energies fill the home.”
- Concept & Use: This greeting focuses on the home as a vessel for good fortune. It’s perfect for wishing that the very atmosphere of someone’s dwelling becomes charged with positivity, luck, and harmony for the year ahead.
5. 竹报平安 (Zhú bào píng ān)
- Literal Meaning: “The bamboo reports peace.”
- Concept & Use: Stemming from an old tradition where firecrackers (made from bamboo) were used to ward off evil, this greeting specifically wishes for safe passage and peace. It’s thoughtful for friends who travel, or simply as a core wish for a stable, untroubled year.
6. 笑口常开 (Xiào kǒu cháng kāi)
- Literal Meaning: “May your laughter mouth always be open.”
- Concept & Use: This is a direct wish for constant joy and laughter. It’s cheerful, visual, and focuses on emotional well-being rather than material wealth. Uncommon in formal settings but wonderful for close friends and family in casual contexts.
7. 五谷丰收 (Wǔ gǔ fēng shōu)
- Literal Meaning: “Bountiful harvest of all five grains.”
- Concept & Use: A classic wish for material abundance and prosperity. The “Five Grains” (traditionally rice, millet, barley, wheat, and beans) represent all essential food crops and, by extension, all vital sustenance and resources. A wish for their bounty is a wish for fruitful labor, complete security, and thriving success in all tangible endeavours.
8. 吉星高照 (Jí xīng gāo zhào)
- Literal Meaning: “The lucky star shines brightly (upon you).”
- Concept & Use: This wishes for the direct influence of a celestial lucky star, implying that good fortune finds you effortlessly. Use it to wish someone serendipity and favourable circumstances.
9. 阖府康乐 (Hé fǔ kāng lè)
- Literal Meaning: “Good health and happiness to your entire household.”
- Concept & Use: This is a more formal, elegant way to extend wishes to someone’s whole family. “阖府” (hé fǔ) is a respectful term for “your entire esteemed household.” It’s comprehensive, classy, and emphasises health and joy.
10. 花开富贵 (Huā kāi fù guì)
- Literal Meaning: “Flowers bloom, bringing wealth and honour.”
- Concept & Use: This lush, visual greeting links the beauty of blooming flowers (like peonies, the king of flowers) to the arrival of prosperity and high status. It suggests that fortune will blossom as naturally and beautifully as flowers in spring. Highly poetic and shareable.
If you’re unsure about the pronunciations, keep a look out on our socials for a tutorial!
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Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant wishes everyone a fulfilling and prosperous year ahead!
