The Most Common Way to Say “Congratulations”: 恭喜 (Gōng xǐ)

The most common way to say congratulations in Chinese is 恭喜 (Gōng xǐ). This phrase is widely used for a wide range of situations, like birthdays or job promotions. If you’ve ever heard the famous song “Gōng xǐ Gōng xǐ” during Lunar New Year, you already know how popular this phrase is!

Combining 恭喜 (Gōng xǐ) with other words can make your Chinese for congratulations more specific. For example:

  • 恭喜发财 (Gōng xǐ fā cái) – “Wishing you prosperity” (popular during Lunar New Year).
  • 恭喜你 (Gōng xǐ nǐ) – “Congratulations to you!”
  • 恭喜恭喜 (Gōng xǐ gōng xǐ) – A double congratulations, often used for extra emphasis.
  • 祝贺你 (Zhù hè nǐ) – “Congratulations!”
  • 祝你好运 (Zhù nǐ hǎo yùn) – “Wishing you good luck!”

Most Popular Phrases for Congratulation

When you achieve something noteworthy, saying "congratulations" is common
When you achieve something noteworthy, saying “congratulations” is common

If you want to say congratulations in Chinese, there are many other common phrases you can use. Here are some of the most popular Chinese for congratulations:

  • 祝贺你！(Zhù hè nǐ!) – “Congratulations to you!”
  • 你太棒了！(Nǐ tài bàng le!) – “You’re amazing!”
  • 祝你成功！(Zhù nǐ chéng gōng!) – “Wishing you success!”
  • 你真厉害！(Nǐ zhēn lì hài!) – “You’re incredible!”
  • 太精彩了！(Tài jīng cǎi le!) – “That was fantastic!”

These phrases work well in different contexts, whether you’re celebrating an award, a new job, or an engagement.

Casual Congrats in Daily Life

Incorporating these phrases can help the interactions sound natural
Incorporating these phrases can help the interactions sound natural

Sometimes, a formal phrase might be too much. If you just want to say congratulations in Chinese in a casual way, you can try :

  • 太好了！(Tài hǎo le!) – “That’s great!”
  • 真的厉害！(Zhēn de lì hài!) – “That’s really awesome!”
  • 太棒了！(Tài bàng le!) – “Fantastic!”
  • 你真厉害！(Nǐ zhēn lì hài!) – “You’re incredible!”
  • 太精彩了！(Tài jīng cǎi le!) – “That was fantastic!”
  • 太牛了！(Tài niú le!) – “Super impressive!”
  • 你太酷了！(Nǐ tài kù le!) – “You’re so cool!”

These Chinese for congratulations are perfect for informal conversations with friends, classmates, or coworkers. You can start a friendly chat by asking how old are you in Chinese to make it more engaging.

Congratulations in Chinese for Different Occasions

Now that you know the basics, let’s break it down by occasion. Whether it’s a festival, a work achievement, or a personal celebration, the right Chinese for congratulations can make all the difference.

Congratulating During Festivals

Festivals are also occasions people say congratulations to each other
Festivals are also occasions people say congratulations to each other

Festivals are a big deal in Chinese culture. Using the right expressions will show respect and cultural understanding.

  • 新年快乐，恭喜发财！(Xīn nián kuài lè, gōng xǐ fā cái!) – “Happy New Year, wishing you prosperity!”
  • 端午节快乐！(Duān wǔ jié kuài lè!) – “Happy Dragon Boat Festival!”
  • 中秋节快乐！(Zhōng qiū jié kuài lè!) – “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!”
  • 祝你佳节愉快！(Zhù nǐ jiā jié yú kuài!) – “Wishing you a joyful holiday!”
  • 祝福你平安喜乐！(Zhù fú nǐ píng ān xǐ lè!) – “Wishing you peace and happiness!”

If you’re celebrating with Chinese friends, adding a warm phrase for congratulations in Chinese will make your greetings more sincere.

Wishing Success in Work or Business

The overall tone of your congratulations message should be positive
The overall tone of your congratulations message should be positive

In business settings, congratulating someone properly is essential. Here are some polished ways to express congratulations in Chinese in work or business achievements:

  • 祝你步步高升! (Zhù nǐ bù bù gāo shēng!) – “Wishing you continuous promotions!”
  • 事业蒸蒸日上! (Shì yè zhēng zhēng rì shàng!) – “May your career keep rising!”
  • 财源滚滚! (Cái yuán gǔn gǔn!) – “Wishing you great financial success!”
  • 祝你马到成功! (Zhù nǐ mǎ dào chéng gōng!) – “Wishing you instant success!”
  • 祝你一帆风顺! (Zhù nǐ yī fān fēng shùn!) – “Wishing you smooth sailing!”

Besides, adding good luck in Chinese, which is 好运 (Hǎo yùn), you can wish them even more success!

Personal Life Celebrations

Crafting the right congratulations in Chinese depends on different events
Crafting the right congratulations in Chinese depends on different events

For personal achievements like weddings, graduations, or birthdays, you can use these Chinese for congratulations:

  • 祝你幸福美满！(Zhù nǐ xìng fú měi mǎn!) – “Wishing you happiness and fulfillment!”
  • 祝你前程似锦！(Zhù nǐ qián chéng sì jǐn!) – “Wishing you a bright future!”
  • 生日快乐！(Shēng rì kuài lè!) – “Happy birthday!”
  • 祝你梦想成真！(Zhù nǐ mèng xiǎng chéng zhēn!) – “Wishing your dreams come true!”
  • 祝你幸福安康！(Zhù nǐ xìng fú ān kāng!) – “Wishing you happiness and good health!”
  • 新婚快乐！(Xīn hūn kuài lè!) – “Happy wedding!”
  • 祝你们白头偕老！(Zhù nǐ men bái tóu xié lǎo!) – “Wishing you a long and happy marriage together!”

When parting after a celebration, you might also want to say goodbye in Chinese, which is 再见 (Zài jiàn). And if you happen to make a mistake while speaking, just say 对不起 (Duì bù qǐ), which means sorry. 

Final Thought

Whether you are an English person trying to learn Chinese vocabulary to congratulate a friend, knowing how to say congratulations in Chinese is a heartwarming gesture. Explore more with GuruLango for the sentiment and the universal expression of joy.