Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year (農曆新年 Nónglì Xīnnián), is one of the most important festivals in Taiwan and many Chinese-speaking communities around the world.
If you’re learning Mandarin, this is the perfect time to expand your Chinese New Year vocabulary and understand the traditions behind the words.
In this guide, you’ll learn essential Lunar New Year vocabulary in Mandarin, including common greetings, traditional activities, and festive foods.
What Is Chinese New Year in Mandarin?
Chinese New Year in Mandarin is:
• 農曆新年 (Lunar New Year)
Nónglì Xīnnián
You may also hear:
• 春節 (Spring Festival)
Chūnjié
In Taiwan, people commonly say 春節 or simply 過年 (Guònián), which means “celebrating the New Year.”
Essential Chinese New Year Greetings in Mandarin
Here are the most common Lunar New Year greetings:
• 新年快樂 (Happy New Year)
Xīnnián kuàilè
• 恭喜發財 (Wishing you prosperity)
Gōngxǐ fācái
• 萬事如意 (May everything go as you wish)
Wànshì rúyì
• 身體健康 (Good health)
Shēntǐ jiànkāng
These phrases are widely used in Taiwan during Lunar New Year visits and family gatherings.
Chinese New Year Traditions Vocabulary
(Mandarin + Meaning)
Here are important Chinese New Year tradition words you should know:
• 大掃除 (Spring cleaning) 🧹
Dà sǎochú
Traditional cleaning before New Year to remove bad luck.
• 貼春聯 (Pasting Spring Festival couplets) 📜
Tiē chūnlián
Red couplets with auspicious phrases placed on doors.
• 年夜飯 (Reunion dinner) 🍲
Niányèfàn
The big family dinner on Lunar New Year’s Eve.
• 發紅包 (Giving red envelopes) 🧧
Fā hóngbāo
Money gifts placed in red envelopes for children.
• 守歲 (Staying up late on New Year’s Eve)
Shǒusuì
Children traditionally stay awake to wish parents longevity.
• 放鞭炮 (Setting off firecrackers)
Fàng biānpào
Firecrackers are believed to drive away evil spirits.
Chinese New Year Food Vocabulary in Mandarin
Food plays an important symbolic role during Lunar New Year.
• 火鍋 (Hot pot)
Huǒguō
A popular reunion dinner dish symbolizing warmth and togetherness.
• 魚 Fish 🐟
Yú
Fish is commonly eaten during Lunar New Year’s Eve dinner. In Chinese culture, the word fish (魚 Yú) sounds the same as the word for surplus (餘 Yú). This is connected to the phrase 年年有餘 (nián nián yǒu yú), which means “may you have abundance every year.” Because of this symbolism, eating fish represents prosperity, good fortune, and financial abundance in the coming year.
• 年糕 (New Year cake)
Niángāo
Niangao (年糕) is a traditional Lunar New Year rice cake. The word 糕 (gāo) sounds the same as 高 (gāo), meaning “high” or “tall.” This is why the phrase 年年高升 (nián nián gāo shēng) is associated with eating niangao, symbolizing growth, promotion, and improving fortune in the coming year.
• 餃子(Dumplings)
Jiǎozi
Dumplings are a popular food during Lunar New Year celebrations, especially in northern Chinese traditions. Their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold ingots, which symbolized wealth and prosperity. Because of this, eating dumplings during the New Year is believed to bring financial luck and prosperity in the coming year.
• 橘子(Oranges)
Júzi
Oranges are commonly exchanged during Lunar New Year visits because they symbolize good luck and fortune. In Chinese culture, the word for orange sounds similar to the word for luck or wealth in several Chinese dialects. Giving oranges to family and friends represents wishes for prosperity and success in the new year.
These symbolic meanings are widely recognized in Taiwanese and Chinese culture.
Practice: Use These Mandarin New Year Words
Speaking full sentences helps reinforce vocabulary much faster.
Try saying:
Q1 : This year I will paste Spring Festival couplets.
…Ready for the answer?
今年過年我要貼春聯。
Jīnnián guònián wǒ yào tiē chūnlián.
Q2 : Our whole family eats reunion dinner together.
我們全家一起吃年夜飯。
Wǒmen quánjiā yìqǐ chī niányèfàn.
Why Learning Chinese New Year Vocabulary Matters
Learning Lunar New Year vocabulary in Mandarin is not just about memorizing words.
It helps you:
• Understand Taiwanese culture
• Speak more naturally during holidays
• Connect with native speakers
• Teach children cultural traditions in Chinese
If you are learning Taiwanese Mandarin, cultural vocabulary like this makes your Mandarin sound more authentic and context-aware.
To understand the full meaning behind these traditions, read our complete guide to Taiwan Lunar New Year traditions from Day 1 to 15.
👉 Taiwan Lunar New Year Traditions (Day 1–15 Explained)
Learn Mandarin Through Taiwanese Culture
At Tutor ChienMilesAway, we believe that learning Mandarin is more meaningful when you understand the culture behind the language.
Our teachers from Taiwan help students explore:
• Festival vocabulary
• Cultural traditions
• Real-life Mandarin conversations
• Kid-friendly learning experiences
If you’d like your child to learn Taiwanese Mandarin in a fun and personalized way, explore our 1-on-1 online Mandarin lessons.
Written by Teacher Chien Chien