A splendid guide to happy Chinese New Year greetings for 2026
Author:
Berlitz
In Dubai and across the UAE and the Gulf, you’ll see these words and phrases show up in real-life conversations, study, and work.
Want to celebrate Chinese New Year the right way? This ultimate guide will cover essential Chinese New Year vocabulary, cultural tidbits, and practical tips-all tailored for readers in the United Arab Emirates.
Whether you’re living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or elsewhere in the Emirates, this article will help you understand the traditions and say the right things in Mandarin. If you’re learning Mandarin, consider taking Mandarin classes in Dubai or joining a Chinese New Year workshop at Berlitz Berlitz Jumeirah Centre to practice vocabulary,calligraphy, and festive customs. You’ve probably heard of Chinese New Year and wondered why it’s different from the January 1st New Year. This tradition-the most important holiday for hundreds of millions of people-is based on the lunar calendar and has been celebrated for roughly 3,500 years(since the Shang Dynasty).
If you’re in the UAE during January or February, malls,community centres and hotels often hold Chinese New Year events,and language centres like Jumeirah Centre may offer themed classes, cultural workshops and family-friendly activities.Below you’ll find vocabulary, greetings, dates, foods, zodiac info and gifting etiquette-everything you need to wish friends and colleagues a prosperous new year.
Table of contents An introduction to Chinese New Year vocab
1.1 How to say Happy New Year in Chinese + essential vocab
1.2 Special dates and events
1.3 Traditional activities and objects
1.4 Traditional Chinese New Year foods
1.5 Chinese zodiac
Chinese greetings for Chinese New Year (incl. Year of the Wood Snake 2026)Movies &
songs for Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year gifting guide
FAQs about Chinese New Year
Conclusion-celebrating in the UAE &
learning at Jumeirah Centre
An introduction to Chinese New Year vocab
If you’re learning Mandarin, this section gives the key words you’ll use every year. Great to practise in Mandarin conversation clubs or in a one-to-one lesson at Berlitz Jumeirah Centre.How to say Happy New Year in Chinese and other essentials.
Special dates and events
Chinese New Year is an extended celebration-roughly two weeks-with several key dates: UAE note: many Chinese and wider East Asian communities in the UAE gather for reunion dinners, mall events and cultural performances (lion/dragon dances) organised by community centres and hotels. Jumeirah Centre often runs cultural workshops and Mandarin classes timed around the festival.
Traditional activities and objects
Tip: join a paper-cutting, calligraphy or lantern-making workshop at Jumeirah Centre to learn cultural crafts while practising Mandarin vocabulary.
Traditional Chinese New Year foods
Many Chinese restaurants and hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer special festive menus. Jumeirah Centre may run cooking demos or culinary vocabulary sessions around these dishes.
Chinese zodiac
The 12- animal zodiac is based on birth year (not month). Each animal carries traits and lucky symbols. For a full guide see our Chinese zodiac article- or join a zodiac-themed class at Jumeirah Centre for interactive lessons and cultural insights.
Chinese greetings for Chinese New Year
Using a greeting in Mandarin impresses friends, colleagues and clients. Use 祝你 (zhù nǐ) for peers and 祝您 (zhù nín) for e lders or those you wish to show respect. Examples: 新年快 乐 (xīn nián kuài lè) - Happy New Year 恭喜 发财 (gōng xǐ fā cái) - Wishing you prosperity 身体健康 (shēn tǐ jiàn kāng) - Wishing you good health
Greetings for the Year of the Wood Snake- 2026
In 2026 Chin ese New Year begins on January 29, 2026, marking the Year of the Wood Snake - a sign associated with wisdom, transformation and renewal. Typical well - wishes emphasise growth, opportunity and good fortune. In the UAE, cultural programmes and Mandarin cour ses often reference the zodiac in themed lessons and community events.
Movies & songs for Chinese New Year
Watching festive films and songs helps with language and culture. Consider family - friendly New Year specials, variety show clips ( 春 节 晚会 ), and seasonal songs used in language lessons. Jumeirah Centre sometimes hosts movie nights or listening sessions to practise Mandarin in context.
Lost on Journey
Chinese: 人在囧途
Pinyin: rén zài jiǒng tú
Description:
This comedy film follows a businessman and a mi grant worker as they encounter numerous misadventures while traveling home for the Chinese New Year. Their journey highlights the contrast between their social statuses and personal experiences, offering both humor and social commentary.
Great for:
Intermediate and advanced learners.
The Dream Factory
Chinese: 甲方乙方
Pinyin: jiǎ fāng yǐ fāng
Description: This comedy film revolves around four friends who start a business fulfilling people's fantasies for a fee. The film explores various human desires and dream s while also offering touching insights into contemporary Chinese society and its ever - changing values.
Great for: Intermediate and advanced learners.
Detective Chinatown
Chinese: 唐人街探案
Pinyin: táng rén jiē tàn àn
Description: This action - comedy movie follows a brilliant detective and his eager nephew as they solve a complex murder mystery in Bangkok's Chinatown. The film blends humor, suspense, and action, showcasing a diverse cast of characters and a vivid portrayal of Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown.
Great for: Intermediate and advanced learners.
All’s Well, Ends Well
Chinese: 家有喜事
Pinyin: jiā yǒu xǐ shì
Description: This is a classic Hong Kong comedy film that focuses on the romantic misadventures of three brothers. It explores themes of love and family and is known for its humor and star - studded cast. It intertwines various storylines to a climactic and humorous resolution, emphasizing the importance of happiness and family unity.
Great for: Intermediate and advanced learners.
New Year’s Coin
Chinese: 压岁钱
Pinyin: yā suì qián
Description: For cinema aficionados, this is a classic black - and - white Chinese film from 1937. The story revolves around a piece of New Year lucky money, initially gifted to a girl, which subsequently passes through various h ands. The film provides a glimpse into different social classes and their lifestyles, reflecting the diverse societal fabric of the time.
Great for: Intermediate and advanced learners.
Eat Drink Man Woman
Chinese:饮 食男女
Pinyin: yǐn shí nán nǚ
Description: This Taiwanese film is a heartwarming drama about a master chef and his three unmarried daughters in Taipei. The film explores the complexities of modern relationships and traditional values, using elaborate meals as a metaphor for their chang ing lives and emotional journeys.
Great for: All levels.
Reunion Dinner
Chinese: 团圆饭
Pinyin: tuán yuán fàn
Description: This movie focuses on the importance of having a family dinner for Chinese New Year. It follows the story of a soon - to - be - married couple, but the boyfriend hires a fake family because of his lack of a relationship with his mother. The film beautifully intertwines humour, family values, and emotional depth.
Great for: Beginner and intermediate learners.
Songs for Chinese New Year
Li stening to music is a great way to celebrate Chinese New Year and enjoy time with your loved ones. And it also happens to be a fantastic way to study Chinese! Here are three great songs that you can play during your CNY celebrations or during a festive stu dy sesh. 恭喜 发财 (gōng xǐ fā cái) - Andy Lau ( 刘德 华 )Andy Lau is a massively popular singer from Hong Kong. He released this Chinese New Year classic in 2005, which has since become one of the most popular songs to listen to on Chinese New Year. This is an excellent song for beginners and intermediate speakers a like to listen to.恭喜恭喜 (gōng xǐ gōng xǐ)-Nick Chung & Stella Chung (钟盛忠and钟晓玉)This vibrant and festive song embodies the joyous spirit of Chinese New Year. With its upbeat melody and cheerful lyrics, the song is a popular choice during Chinese New Year celebrations.新年好 (xīn nián hǎo)-Teresa Teng (邓丽君)This classic Chinese New Year song is known for its sweet melody and joyful lyrics. Sung by the legendary Teresa Teng, 新年好(xīn nián hǎo) combines traditional sentiments with her iconic vocal style, making it a timeless favorite for Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year gifting guide
Gift - giving etiquette is important: Avoid giving watches, shoes, umbrellas, scissors or green hats (culturally inappropriate). Prefer red or gold packaging for luck and prosperity. Avoid sets of four ( 四 / sì) - the word sounds like “death” ( 死 / sǐ). Don’t open gifts in front of the giver; it may embarrass them. For corporate gifting in the UAE, ask your language or cultural trainer at Berlitz Jumeirah Centre for a localised gifting list and etiquette briefing.
FAQs about Chinese New Year
Why does the date change each year?
Chinese New Year follows the lunar (lunisolar) calendar and falls between late January and mid - February.
Which countries celebrate Lunar New Year?
Mainly China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam (Tet), Korea (Seollal), and communities worldwide - including large celebrations in multicultural hubs like the UAE. How
long do celebrations last?
Traditionally 15 days - from New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival.
What to wear?
Red and gold are popular (luck and prosperity); avoid white and black. Traditional dresses like qipao ( 旗袍 ) or Tang suits ( 唐装 ) are common but not r equired. Celebrate Chinese New Year in the UAE & learn at Jumeirah Centre Recommended Jumeirah Centre services for Chinese New Year: Mandarin classes (beginner → advanced) Chinese New Year cultural workshops (calligraphy, paper - cutting, lanterns) Conversation clubs and movie nights Family and kids’ Mandarin programmes Corporate Mandarin & cultural awareness training Online Mandarin lessons and placement tests
Want to learn more?
For structured practice, Berlitz UAE can help - whether you learn at our Dubai branches (Jumeirah or JLT), study on - site in DIFC, or visit our Abu Dhabi branches in Khalidiya and Khalifa. If you’d like a printable vocabulary sheet, a short lesson plan for classrooms, or a social post to promote a Chinese New Year event at y our company or community group, I can adapt this content into a ready - to - use format. Or join Mandarin classes in Dubai at Berlitz Jumeirah Centre to practise vocabulary, greetings, and cultural customs before the next celebration.
