Happy New Year in Vietnamese: Common phrases and more to keep in mind

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Tet involve sending cards with heartfelt messages, often starting with Happy New Year in Vietnamese (Source: Collected)

Tet, or the Vietnamese New Year, paints the country in vibrant hues of cultural richness. This enchanting occasion, rooted deeply in tradition, embodies the essence of family, respect, and prosperity. At the core of this occasion lies the beautiful art of expressing joy and well-wishes, encapsulated in the phrase “Chuc Mung Nam Moi” – Happy New Year in Vietnamese.

1. Basic ways to say Happy New Year in Vietnamese

The Vietnamese New Year is a celebration that transcends generations, intertwining cultural significance with heartfelt expressions of happiness and prosperity. Rooted in profound cultural traditions, this enchanting festivity marks the commencement of a new lunar year and serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of family.

At the core of Tet lies a profound respect for elders. During this festive period, saying Vietnamese New Year wishes for elders is a symbolic ritual that symbolizes respect and gratitude. These wishes become a means to express profound thanks and hope for health, prosperity, and longevity. This tradition gradually spread, and now Vietnamese people not only give New Year wishes to the elderly but to everyone.

Vietnamese New Year is the most significant holiday in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

When extending wishes during Tet, the customary phrase “Chuc Mung Nam Moi”, meaning Happy New Year in Vietnamese, echoes through homes, markets, and streets. Alongside this foundational greeting, a tapestry of well wishes adorns the Tet celebrations, each phrase a testament to the values that Vietnamese people hold dear.

Some other popular wishes including:

• Chuc nam moi nhieu suc khoe: May you be healthy and happy
• Chuc gia dinh an khang thinh vuong: May you and your family be prosperous
• Chuc nam moi van su nhu y: May all your dreams come true

These poetic expressions encapsulate a genuine desire for well-being, happiness, and fulfillment. Moreover, this gesture represents enduring connections between friends and family, a testament to the bond that ties generations together.

As the fireworks light up the night sky, friends and families come together and say Happy New Year in Vietnamese (Source: Collected)

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2. How to wish Happy New Year in Vietnamese to different people?

2.1. Vietnamese New Year wishes for elders

• Chuc ong ba song lau tram tuoi: May you live a hundred years
• Chuc ong ba phuc nhu dong hai, tho ty nam son: Hope you have as much luck as the sea water and live as long as the bamboo tree
• Chuc ong ba nam moi bon mua manh khoe, quanh nam sung tuc an vui: Wish you a new year with good health, affluence, peace, and happiness all year long
• Chuc ong ba suc khoe nhieu nhieu, con chau day dan, dau hien chau thao: Wish you a lot of health, kids, and grandkids

2.2. Vietnamese New Year wishes for children

• Hay an chong lon: Hope you eat much and grow fast
• Hoc hanh tan toi: Hope you make good progress in school
• Cong thanh danh toai: Hope you gain academic achievements
• Chuc con nam moi tran ngap tieng cuoi va tinh yeu thuong: Hope your new year are filled with laughter and love

Happy New Year in Vietnamese brings smiles (Source: Collected)

2.3. Vietnamese New Year wishes for friends

• Tien vao nhu nuoc: Hope you get lots of money
• Hanh phuc dong day: Wish you an abundance of happiness
• Van su nhu y: May everything go your way
• May man binh an: Wish you luck and peace

2.4. Vietnamese New Year wishes for colleagues

• Chuc ban nam moi suc khoe, hanh phuc va thanh cong: Wish you health, happiness, and success
• Chuc ban nam moi an khang thinh vuong, van su nhu y: Wish you a new year with prosperity, peace, and everything as expected
• Chuc ban nam moi sung tuc, binh an: Wish you a new year full of affluence and peace
• Nam moi thang quan tien chuc: Hope you will get promoted in the new year

>>> Get to know more about Vietnamese people!

3. Other way to express Happy New Year in Vietnamese culture

Beyond words, Vietnamese people also express Happy New Year through gestures and gifts. Vietnamese culture, rich in tradition, shines brightly through these non-verbal expressions during the auspicious occasion of Tet.

3.1. Using gestures

Tet is a time of reverence and kinship, and gestures play a vital role in conveying heartfelt greetings. Among the most common gestures is the act of bowing combined with a clasped hands gesture known as “cung hy”. This gesture signifies deep respect and is often accompanied by a warm smile. Additionally, the act of shaking hands is a gesture of mutual respect, reinforcing the bonds of camaraderie during this festive season.

As the fireworks light up the night sky, the collective voice of the crowd echoes Happy New Year in Vietnamese (Source: Collected)

3.2. Offering gifts

Gift-giving during Tet is a tradition deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture. It is a tangible way to show appreciation. As this cherished occasion approaches, let’s explore some of the top Vietnamese New Year gift ideas:

• Red envelopes, or “li xi”, are a symbol of good luck in Vietnamese culture. Containing lucky money, they are given to children and youngsters as a gesture of prosperity for the coming year. The amount inside varies, ranging from modest sums to significant amounts, but the true value lies in the blessings they carry. Nowadays, li xi might also contain dollar bills or other currencies, signifying the wishes for luck from around the world.
• “Banh chung”, or sticky rice cakes, are a traditional Vietnamese New Year delicacy. Crafted with sticky rice, mung beans, and pork wrapped in banana leaves then steamed, they symbolize fertility and prosperity. These cakes are often given as gifts, signifying blessings for a fruitful future.
• Traditional fruits like kumquat trees, watermelons, and oranges are cherished Tet gifts. Kumquats represent good luck, while watermelons and oranges symbolize health and wealth. These fruits, often presented to the elderly, carry profound wishes for their well-being.

The elderly often give red envelopes containing lucky money to children for good fortune (Source: Collected)

>>> Discover other Vietnamese holidays besides the Vietnamese New Year!

4. Do’s and don’ts while expressing Happy New Year in Vietnamese culture

Tet is a time of customs and etiquettes, where conveying wishes comes with its own set of guidelines:

• Use honorific and appropriate titles, such as “ong” (for men) and “ba” (for women), to show respect.
• Offer good wishes for prosperity, employing phrases like “chuc mung nam moi” (Happy New Year in Vietnamese) and “an khang thinh vuong” to convey heartfelt blessings.
• When offering li xi, do so with both hands as a sign of respect.

On the other hand, here are some phrases to avoid:

• Steer clear of numbers like 4 or 13, which are considered unlucky numbers in Vietnam.
• Avoid discussions about misfortunes. Tet is a time of celebration and joy, and conversations should reflect this positivity.
• Respect personal spaces. While Tet encourages connection, be mindful of boundaries. Refraining from prying into sensitive topics or asking overly personal questions.

Saying Happy New Year in Vietnamese is a long-standing tradition (Source: Collected)

Embarking on Vietnam travel during Tet will be a unique experience for visitors. Consider coming to Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, or Phu Quoc. These are the top destinations in Vietnam with great cuisine, friendly people, beautiful attractions, and various activities to try during Tet.

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VinWonders offers a harmonious blend of modern entertainment and tradition

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In the heart of Vietnamese culture, the Vietnamese New Year embodies respect, love, and unity. As “chuc mung nam moi” – Happy New Year in Vietnamese – echoes through bustling markets, serene temples, and lively beaches, it paints a picture of familial ties and the promise of a prosperous future.