Is it better to say Happy Chinese New Year or Happy Lunar New Year?

Both “Happy Chinese New Year” and “Happy Lunar New Year” are widely used greetings, but they have slightly different meanings and contexts.

Happy Chinese New Year specifically refers to the traditional celebration rooted in Chinese culture and the lunar calendar. It’s the most common phrase used in China and among Chinese communities worldwide.

Happy Lunar New Year is a more inclusive term that acknowledges the new year celebrations observed by various East and Southeast Asian cultures—including Vietnamese (Tết), Korean (Seollal), and others—that follow a lunar calendar but have distinct customs and traditions.

If you’re addressing a diverse audience or want to be culturally sensitive, “Happy Lunar New Year” can be a thoughtful choice. However, if you’re speaking specifically about Chinese traditions or people, “Happy Chinese New Year” is perfectly appropriate.

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