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15 Auspicious Chinese Idioms for New Year Wishes

Master the best Chinese idioms for New Year greetings, blessings, and celebrations.

Chinese New Year is the perfect time to use auspicious idioms (吉祥成语). These expressions bring good fortune, prosperity, and happiness - ideal for greetings and red envelope messages.

厚积薄发

hòu jī bó fā

Success after long preparation

Literal meaning: Thick accumulation thin launch

This idiom compares patient accumulation (积) of deep (厚) knowledge with the eventual release (发) that requires minimal (薄) effort. It emerged during the Tang Dynasty literary circles, where scholars emphasized sustained preparation over hasty creation. Historical accounts describe how poet Du Fu spe...

Example

After years of quiet research, her breakthrough theory revolutionized the field

经过多年的默默研究，她的突破性理论彻底革新了这个领域

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百发百中

bǎi fā bǎi zhòng

Perfect accuracy every single time

Literal meaning: Hundred shots hundred hits

This idiom originated from Tang Dynasty military assessments of elite archers who could hit the target (中) with every single shot (百发) fired. It first appeared in military texts describing the extraordinary precision achieved by master bowmen after decades of practice. During the Song Dynasty, it ex...

Example

The veteran investor made consistently successful decisions throughout the volatile market

这位资深投资者在波动的市场中始终做出成功的决策

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一帆风顺

yī fān fēng shùn

Smooth sailing; everything going well

Literal meaning: One sail with favorable wind

This idiom depicts a sailing vessel with one (一) sail (帆) catching favorable (顺) wind (风), moving smoothly toward its destination. It emerged from China's rich maritime history, particularly during the Song Dynasty when seafaring commerce flourished. The image of effortless progress powered by natur...

Example

We wish you smooth sailing in your new career.

祝你在新的职业生涯中一帆风顺。

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