Kung Hei Fat Choi: Meaning, How to Respond, and Common Blessings

Around Lunar New Year in Hong Kong, you will hear “Kung Hei Fat Choi” everywhere—on the street, at family gatherings, and even in office group chats. If you are wondering what Kung Hei Fat Choi means, how to reply properly, and how it differs from “Gong Xi Fa Cai,” this guide is for you.

1) Kung Hei Fat Choi meaning (恭喜發財)

Kung Hei Fat Choi is the Cantonese pronunciation of 恭喜發財.

Literal meaning: “Congratulations, may you become prosperous.”
In real life: It is a festive greeting wishing someone wealth and good fortune in the new year.
Where it is used: Most commonly in Hong Kong, and among Cantonese-speaking communities.

Tip: In Hong Kong, Kung Hei Fat Choi is often used as a general “Happy New Year,” but it is specifically prosperity-focused.

2) How do you respond to Kung Hei Fat Choi?

The easiest and most natural reply is to say it back, often with an extra blessing.

Simple replies (Cantonese romanisation + English meaning)

Kung Hei Fat Choi! (恭喜發財)
- “Wishing you prosperity too!”
Kung Hei Fat Choi, San Tai Kin Hong! (恭喜發財，身體健康)
- “Wishing you prosperity and good health!”
San Nin Fai Lok! (新年快樂)
- “Happy New Year!”

Polite office-friendly reply (English + Cantonese)

“Kung Hei Fat Choi! Wishing you a prosperous and healthy new year.”
“Kung Hei Fat Choi, San Tai Kin Hong!”

3) What is the difference between Gong Xi Fa Cai and Kung Hei Fat Choi?

They mean the same phrase (恭喜發財), but in different Chinese varieties:

Phrase	Language/Pronunciation	Common region
Gong Xi Fa Cai	Mandarin (Pinyin)	Mainland China, Taiwan, global Mandarin speakers
Kung Hei Fat Choi	Cantonese (Jyutping-style romanisation)	Hong Kong, Cantonese communities

Bottom line:

Use Kung Hei Fat Choi in Hong Kong settings.
Use Gong Xi Fa Cai when greeting Mandarin-speaking friends or in Mandarin contexts.

4) Some simple Cantonese blessings and their meaning

Below are common Cantonese New Year blessings you can add after Kung Hei Fat Choi. I am including a practical “when to use” note so you do not feel awkward.

1) San Tai Kin Hong (身體健康)

Meaning: “Good health.”
When to use: Everyone—family, colleagues, elders.

2) San Nin Fai Lok (新年快樂)

Meaning: “Happy New Year.”
When to use: Universal, safe, and simple.

3) Dai Gut Dai Lei (大吉大利)

Meaning: “Good luck and may things go smoothly”
When to use: Universal, safe, and simple.

4) Soy Soy Ping On (歲歲平安)

Meaning: “Peace and safety year after year.”
When to use: Family, elders.

5) Sum Seung Si Sing (心想事成)

Meaning: “May everything go your way.”
When to use: Friends, colleagues.

6) Si Si Yu Yi (事事如意)

Meaning: “May everything go smoothly.”
When to use: Very common, suitable for almost anyone.

7) Man Si Seng Yi (萬事勝意)

Meaning: “May everything be better than expected.”
When to use: Hong Kong-style greeting; works well in cards and messages.

If you want one “all-in-one” line for Hong Kong:
Kung Hei Fat Choi, San Tai Kin Hong, Man Si Seng Yi!
“Wishing you prosperity, good health, and all the best.”

What to bring when visiting a Chinese New Year open house?

Bring something easy to share and symbolically lucky:

Fruit (most common): a bag/box of mandarins (gold = prosperity), or a mixed fruit box
Sweets: chocolates, cookies, or a small CNY snack gift box (nice for the table)
Tea: a good-quality tea tin (safe, classy, non-perishable)
For families with kids: kid-friendly snacks, small toys, or a simple craft set
If you know they drink: a bottle of wine or premium non-alcoholic sparkling drink

Avoid : clocks or watches (dead), shoes (evil spirits)

What to wear when visiting a Chinese New Year open house？

Red is the safest, most festive choice for a Chinese New Year open house. You do not need to wear full red—one strong red piece is usually enough.