Published: February 7, 2024 | Updated: February 2, 2026
Yee Sang prepared for the tossing ritual with sauces and dressings.
Tossing Yee Sang is the highlight of Chinese New Year gatherings in Malaysia. But when the chopsticks go up and the ingredients start flying, many people freeze. They join the toss, smile along, and hope a loud “Huat!” is enough.
If you want to join in confidently in 2026 and impress your elders, bosses, and clients, this guide shows you exactly what to say when tossing Yee Sang, what each phrase means, and when to use it.
Even if your Mandarin isn’t strong, you’ll still sound like you know what you’re doing.
Quick Yee Sang Phrases Cheat Sheet (2026)
Not sure what to say when tossing Yee Sang? Use this quick guide. These are the most common phrases people shout during the toss, matched to each ingredient.
Lime / Pomelo
Pomelo fruit before cutting, a key ingredient for prosperity in Yee Sang
- Da Ji Da Li (大吉大利) – Good luck and good profits
Fish (Salmon / Abalone)
Whole abalone, a symbol of abundance, before slicing for Yee Sang.
Nian Nian You Yu (年年有余) – Always have more than enough
Oil
- Cai Yuan Guang Jin (财源广进) – May wealth flow in from all directions
Plum Sauce
- Tian Tian Mi Mi (甜甜蜜蜜) – May life be sweet and happy
Sesame Seeds & Nuts
- Wu Gu Feng Shou (五谷丰收) – Abundance and prosperity
Fried Crisps
Adding fried crisps to Yee Sang, symbolizing wealth and abundance
- Jin Yu Man Tang (金玉满堂) – May your home be filled with wealth and treasure
When everyone starts tossing together
- Gong Xi Fa Cai (恭喜发财)
- Wan Shi Ru Yi (万事如意)
- Lou Hei! (捞起!)
- Huat! (发啊!)
How to Use This at the Table
You don’t need to remember everything.
Pick one or two phrases and say them confidently when that ingredient is added.
When the tossing starts, a loud “Lou Hei!” is always welcome.
Pro Tip: Each ingredient has a symbolic meaning and corresponding saying, making it easy to remember as you toss.
What to Say When Tossing Yee Sang (Ingredient-by-Ingredient Guide)
Here’s a step-by-step guide for a typical Yee Sang toss, with the most common phrases at each step.
Squeezing the Lime
- Da Ji Da Li (大吉大利) – Good luck and good profits.
Sets the tone for the toss.
Adding the Fish (Salmon or Abalone)
- Nian Nian You Yu (年年有余) – May you have more than enough every year.
Seasonings Step
Red seasoning
- Hong Yun Dan Tou (鸿运当头) – May good fortune come your way
Green seasoning
- Qing Chun Chang Zhu (青春常驻) – May you stay youthful and full of energy
Pouring the Oil
- Cai Yuan Guang Jin (财源广进) – May wealth flow in from all directions
- Optional: Yi Ben Wan Li (一本万利) – May your profits multiply many times over
Drizzling the Plum Sauce
Plum sauce being drizzled over Yee Sang to symbolize sweetness and happiness
Tian Tian Mi Mi (甜甜蜜蜜) – May life be sweet and happy
Sprinkling Sesame Seeds and Nuts
- Wu Gu Feng Shou (五谷丰收) – Abundance and prosperity
Topping with Fried Crisps
- Jin Yu Man Tang (金玉满堂) – May your home be filled with wealth and treasure
Special 2026 “Year of the Horse” Phrases
Because 2026 is the Year of the Horse, focus on themes of progress and speed:
- Ma Dao Cheng Gong (马到成功): “May you achieve instant success” or “success upon arrival”.
- Ma Xing Qian Li (马行千里): “As the horse travels a thousand miles, may your career shine bright”.
- Ma Nian Xing Wang (马年兴旺): “Prosperity in the Year of the Horse”.
- Ma Wu Chun Feng (马舞春风): “As the horse dances in the spring breeze, may all your wishes come true”.
Tossing Together
A boisterous Yee Sang toss full of laughter, prosperity, and festive cheer
Lift your chopsticks and toss high! Common phrases include.
- Gong Xi Fa Cai (恭喜发财) – Wishing prosperity
- Wan Shi Ru Yi (万事如意) – May everything go your way
- Lou Hei! (捞起!) – Toss it up!
- Huat! (发啊!) – A joyful shout for good fortune
Enthusiasm matters more than perfect pronunciation. The messier the toss, the better the year ahead!
Explore More About Chinese New Year
- Learn more about the history of Yee Sang in Malaysia and Singapore
- Discover Chinese New Year food traditions for 2026
Celebrate 2026 With Confidence
With this guide, you now know exactly what to say when tossing Yee Sang and how to do it confidently. Share joy with family, impress your elders, and start the Year of the Horse with health, wealth, and prosperity.
Even if your Mandarin isn’t perfect, a loud “Lou Hei!” and heartfelt wishes will make your Yee Sang toss memorable.
Grab your chopsticks, toss high, and let the good fortune flow!
