In the Chinese language, there are many ways to express one’s good wishes. A person can wish good health or success in an endeavor among other things. Here we look at some common and meaningful greetings that are essentially equivalent to saying “you good” in English.
General Well-Wishing
祝你好运 (zhù nǐ hǎo yùn) – “Wishing You Good Luck”
This phrase is a direct way of expressing the hope for success in any situation. It can be used before an exam or when someone embarks on a new venture among others.
加油 (jiā yóu) – “Go for It!”
Translated literally as “add oil,” this term is often used as an encouragement for one to keep going and do their best. In sports events, it may be shouted out loud or to motivate someone who is facing challenges.
心想事成 (xīn xiǎng shì chéng) – “May All Your Wishes Come True”
It is used when one wants another person to achieve all their dreams and desires. This phrase is mostly applied during festive seasons like New Year etc.
万事如意 (wàn shì rú yì) – “May Everything Go in Your Favor”
Another versatile saying which covers all spheres of life, hoping they come true for someone else.
Health and Longevity
身体健康 (shēn tǐ jiàn kāng) – “Wishing You Good Health”
Health being paramount, this saying represents a blessing towards good health for a sick person or any individual in general.
长命百岁 (cháng mìng bǎi suì) – ‘May You Live For 100 Years’
This phrase usually comes with birthdays when friends wish each other a long life. It can also be used during other important moments of life.
福如东海，寿比南山 (fú rú dōng hǎi, shòu bǐ nán shān) – ‘May Your Fortune Be As Boundless As The East Sea And Your Life As Long As The South Mountain’
It is a poetic saying combining wishes for wealth and long life, making it a complete blessing.
Success and Prosperity
恭喜发财 (gōng xǐ fā cái) – “May You Be Prosperous”
This phrase is commonly used during Chinese New Year celebrations where people wish others wealth and prosperity in the coming year.
财源广进 (cái yuán guǎng jìn) – “May You Have A Lot Of Money Coming In”
It is mostly applied in business circles to express the desire for financial success in somebody else’s venture.
马到成功 (mǎ dào chéng gōng) – “May You Succeed Immediately You Arrive At”
This saying can be used by anyone who wishes another person quick breakthroughs, especially when starting something new.
步步高升 (bù bù gāo shēng) – “May Every Step Higher Than Previous One”
Commonly employed to wish somebody higher promotions in their career;
indicating that one should keep climbing until they reach the topmost level
Happiness and Joy
笑口常开 (xiào kǒu cháng kāi) – “Wishing You Smiling All Time”
A simple but profound way of telling someone that you want them to have a happy life full of joy
always having a cheerful face.
祝你天天快乐 (zhù nǐ tiān tiān kuài lè) – “I Hope Every Day Is Happy For You”
This phrase is used to wish someone happiness every day; a state of being continuously happy
Wishing You Happiness and Bliss
This phrase is often used in the context of relationships and family to wish someone a happy and contented life.
Special Occasions
Happy New Year (xīn nián kuài lè，新年快乐)
This is the standard greeting for Chinese New Year, which means “wish you have a happy new year” or “happy spring”.
Happy Birthday (shēng rì kuài lè， 生日快乐）
It’s the most popular one among all good wishes. When Chinese people say this phrase, they just want to express their love and care toward the birthday man/woman.
Wishing You a Happy Marriage (xīn hūn yú kuài，新婚愉快)
This phrase is used to congratulate newlyweds and wish them happiness in their married life.
In conclusion, Chinese greetings are meaningful and varied, representing all aspects of life we can be concerned about or matters we can think of. They cover everything from birth to health, success, happiness, and different festivals. In any case, these words reflect kindness and hope for others.