Chinese phrases
How to say congratulations on your wedding in Chinese
Congratulations on your wedding in Chinese is 新婚快乐 (xīn hūn kuài lè), literally “happy new marriage.” At the wedding itself, guests greet the couple and their parents with 恭喜恭喜 (gōng xǐ gōng xǐ).
新婚快乐
congratulations on your wedding (literally “happy new marriage”)
Guests usually give a 红包 (hóng bāo), a red envelope with money, instead of a present.
Ways to say congratulations on your wedding
新婚快乐
Everydayhappy wedding; best wishes to the newlyweds
The standard wish to the couple, at the wedding or in a message.
恭喜恭喜
Everydaycongratulations!
What guests say as they arrive, to the couple and to both sets of parents.
祝你们幸福
With friendsI wish you both happiness
Warm and personal, from friends. 你们 makes it a wish for both of them.
百年好合
Writtena hundred years of happy union
The set wish for a long marriage. People write it on the 红包 and in cards, and say it in toasts.
白头偕老
Writtengrow old together
Literally “together until your hair is white.” In cards and speeches more than in conversation.
早生贵子
Everydayhave a baby soon (literally “have a precious son soon”)
A traditional wish, mostly from older relatives. Some couples find it pushy (see below).
Words you hear around a wedding
喝喜酒
to go to a wedding banquet (literally “drink the happy wine”)
How people say they are going to a wedding: 我周六去喝喜酒.
喜糖
wedding sweets
Sweets that the couple hands out to guests, friends and colleagues.
红包
red envelope with money
The guests’ gift to the couple, handed over at the reception desk.
Common mistakes
Translating it word for word
恭喜你的婚礼, “congratulations on your wedding ceremony,” sounds translated. Say 新婚快乐, or 恭喜你们.
Saying 早生贵子 as a friend
早生贵子 is an old wish for a child, and some couples don’t plan one. From a friend or a colleague it can sound pushy. 百年好合 is always safe.
A 红包 with a 4 in it
四 (sì) sounds like 死 (sǐ), “death,” so people avoid amounts with a 4. Even amounts, such as 600 or 800, are the usual choice.
At the wedding
恭喜恭喜！新婚快乐！
Leon: Congratulations! Happy wedding!
谢谢你能来！
Bride: Thank you for coming!
祝你们百年好合！
Leon: Wishing you a long and happy marriage!
谢谢！快请坐，菜马上就来。
Groom: Thanks! Please sit down, the food is coming.
