Since Chinese New Year 2026 marks the Year of the Fire Horse, the spirit of the season is all about momentum, speed, and vitality. To help you celebrate, here are the specific greetings you should use to impress friends, family, or business partners in the Philippines. We hope these tips help you secure more angpao and have a truly happy Chinese New Year!
Step 1: Simple Chinese Pronunciations
At first, let’s start with the simple Chinese pronunciations that every Filipino should know. These are the “essentials” you will hear in Binondo and at family gatherings:
- 恭喜发财 Gong Xi Fa Cai (Gong-See-Fah-Chai): “Wishing you wealth!”
- 新年快乐 Xin Nian Kuai Le (Shin-Nyan-Kway-Luh): “Happy New Year!”
- 红包 Ang Pao: The legendary red envelope. 🧧
- 马到成功 Mǎ Dào Chéng Gōng (Mah-Dow-Chuhng-Gong): “Success the moment the horse arrives.”
- 一马当先 Yī Mǎ Dāng Xiān (Ee-Mah-Dang-Syan): “The horse takes the lead” (Perfect for someone starting a new job!).
- 马上有钱 Mǎ Shàng Yǒu Qián (Mah-Shang-Yo-Chyan): “Money immediately!” (A funny pun because ‘on a horse’ sounds like ‘instantly’ in Chinese).
Step 2: Advanced Chinese New Year Greetings for 2026
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to use phrases longer that specifically celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse. These “Advanced” greetings will make you sound like a pro in any business meeting or family reunion.
1. For Parents & Grandparents (Focus on Longevity & Family)
These are warm and respectful, perfect for a card or a toast during dinner.
- “May the Year of the Fire Horse bring you the strength of a dragon and the tireless energy of a horse. I wish you a year where every day is filled with peace, your health remains unshakable, and our family continues to flourish under your love.”
- “Wishing you a Chinese New Year overflowing with joy. May you be blessed with a long life, a heart full of contentment, and may all the goodness you’ve given us return to you ten-fold this year.”
2. For the Office (Professional, Ambitious, & Strategic)
Use these for your boss, clients, or colleagues to show you mean business in 2026.
- “As we gallop into 2026, I wish you a Chinese New Year filled with incredible momentum. May your career and business reach new heights with the speed of a Fire Horse, and may every project you touch turn into a golden opportunity for success.”
- “Wishing you a prosperous Chinese New Year! May this year bring you the vision to lead and the speed to conquer new markets. Here’s to a 2026 where our partnership grows stronger and our achievements become legendary.”
3. For Friends (Wealth, Energy, & “Ang Pao” Luck)
These are upbeat and focus on the “vitality” and “immediate success” themes.
- “Happy Chinese New Year! I hope the Fire Horse ignites your passion and helps you gallop toward your dreams faster than ever before. May your bank account grow instantly, your stress disappear, and your pockets be filled with heavy Ang Paos!”
- “Wishing you a 2026 that is as ‘Fire’ as the Horse itself! May you have the energy to chase every goal and the luck to catch every blessing. Let’s make this a year of big wins and even bigger celebrations with the people we love.”
4. The “Traditional Philippine-Chinese” Long Blessing
This is a beautiful mix of classic wishes often heard in the local community:
“In this Chinese New Year, I wish for your home to be filled with the five blessings: longevity, wealth, health, virtue, and a peaceful end. May your family stay as united and sweet as tikoy, and may the Year of the Fire Horse bring you abundance that never runs dry.”
Step 3: The “Ang Pao” Etiquette & Celebration
The Art of the Ang Pao (Red Envelope) To truly maximize your luck (and your wallet) in 2026, etiquette is everything. In the Philippines, we value paggalang (respect).
Two-Handed Receive an Ang Pao
When an elder hands you a red envelope, remember these three rules to show you have “Good Manners” (Mabait): Always receive your Ang Pao with both hands as a sign of respect. This shows that you truly value the blessing being given to you.
The Greeting First
Never ask for the envelope directly! Start with a warm “Gong Xi Fa Cai” or “Long Ma Jing Shen” to show your sincerity before the elder hands it over.
*Tips: It’s a huge no-no to open your red envelope right in front of your Tito or Tita, You have to stay polite to wait until you are in private to check your “luck.
Red or Formal Wear
In Chinese society, your outfit is a powerful signal for the year ahead; wearing red is a traditional way to scare away bad energy and attract the high-speed success of the Fire Horse. If red isn’t your style, choosing formal attire—like long pants, a graceful dress (or cheongsam), and polished styling—shows respect while visiting others. Simply avoid all-black or all-white clothing to ensure you are perfectly prepared to welcome a prosperous Chinese New Year!
May your Chinese New Year 2026 be filled with the momentum of a galloping horse, the warmth of family, and—of course—a record-breaking number of Ang Paos! Gong Xi Fa Cai and get your CNY looks and outfit ideas here
Ready to be the best-dressed in the crowd? Click here for 2026 CNY outfit ideas!
