Meaning
发财 literally means 'to develop wealth' and refers to the act of becoming rich or accumulating wealth. It's commonly used as a New Year greeting (恭喜发财) wishing others prosperity and financial success in the coming year.
Usage
This word is extremely common during Chinese New Year celebrations and in business contexts. It can be used seriously when discussing someone's financial success, or lightheartedly when wishing good fortune. The phrase 恭喜发财 (gōng xǐ fā cái) is one of the most standard New Year greetings. Native speakers use it to express aspirations for wealth or to congratulate someone on their financial success.
Examples
- 01恭喜发财，红包拿来！, !Wishing you prosperity, give me a red envelope!
- 02他靠做生意发财了。.He got rich by doing business.
Characters
Common collocations
- 恭喜发财wish you prosperity (New Year greeting)
- 发财梦dream of getting rich
- 发财机会opportunity to make money
- 想发财to want to get rich
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 发 (to develop/grow) with 财 (wealth), creating a straightforward compound meaning 'to develop wealth' or 'wealth develops.'