Lifestyle

5 CNY Greetings with “蛇” So You’ll Get More Ang Bao This CNY

2025-01-24 , 5:10 pm

Let’s be real: most of us (including myself) only vaguely understand the stream of Chinese words we say to our relatives while bainian-ing. Or, if we do, it’s probably just the super basic and boring “身体健康” or “新年快乐”.

Want to level up your game in impressing your relatives (psst…perhaps even help you get more angbaos)?

Well, Goody Feed has your back–we have compiled 5 CNY greetings with the word “蛇” in them, accompanied by an in depth analysis of its meaning, so that you will be able to show-off your (ahem…fake) Chinese language skills to them confidently.

Even if sucking up to your relatives is not your thing, these greetings are the perfect way to spice things up during “lao yu sheng” for the year of the snake.

We’ve even included some bonuses at the back, so be sure to read to the end!

(Don’t worry, there’s hanyu pinyin).

蛇舞如龙，财源滚滚，步步高升

shé wǔ rú lóng, cái yuán gǔn gǔn, bù bù gāo shēng

We’re starting off strong with a longer greeting, so let’s break it down slowly.

蛇舞如龙

Directly translation: “the snake dances just like a dragon”.

The snake and the dragon are auspicious symbols in Chinese culture–the former representing wisdom and adaptability and the latter signifying power and success. Thus, the phrase is a figurative combination of the best of these two animals, and bears the meaning of success and harmony in the year ahead.

财源滚滚

Direct translation: “money rolling in”.

This phrase is truly music to my ears, and I’m sure to many of yours too.

As implied, one would say this phrase to wish its recipient wealth and prosperity.

步步高升

This phrase refers to constantly reaching new heights.

蛇行天下

shé xíng tiān xià

Direct translation: the snake travels around the world.

I’m not so sure about you, but I certainly wouldn’t want a snake to travel from across the world to terrorise me at home.

For this phrase however, I will make an exception.

This phrase expresses the snake’s graceful and purposeful movement. It can mean spreading one’s influence far and wide, or more generally, immense success and smooth-sailing endeavours.

祥蛇贺岁

xiáng shé hè suì

Direct translation: “the auspicious snake welcomes the new year”

This phrase conveys blessings and good fortune–the perfect replacement for the usual “新年快乐” or “万事如意”.

蛇运当头

shé yùn dāng tóu

Extremely direct translation: “the luck of the snake as the head”

Slightly less direct translation: “the luck of the snake leading the way”

One would say this phrase to wish someone good luck and fortune for the year of the snake.

金蛇呈祥

jīn shé chéng xiáng

Direct translation: “the golden snake brings auspicious blessings”

The colour gold is often associated with wealth, good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture. One would say this phrase to wish its recipient these blessings for the new year.

Considering the extra “luck” that the 金 brings, I’ll probably be reserving this phrase for just the nicest aunties and uncles.

Some (Not So Legit) Bonus Greetings

Here are some Chinese snake puns that you can say to brighten up the festive mood even further!

魯蛇(loser)翻身(lǔ shé fān shēn): a complete transformation of a loser (for the better)

蛇么都旺(shé me dōu wàng): everything will prosper

蛇么都不怕(shé me dōu bù pà): to be unafraid of anything

Wishing all readers a happy Chinese New Year!