How to Say ‘Just for good luck.’ in Simplified Chinese
图个吉利。
tú gè jí lì
[too guh jee-lee]
💬 Usage Tip: The pattern 图个 + noun/adjective-like idea means "just for a bit of ..." or "for the sake of ...": 图个方便, 图个安心. Here 个 doesn't mean "one"; it helps package the idea after 图.
🇨🇳 In China: People say this to explain a festive choice that's more about symbolism than practical value. Around New Year, doing something 图个吉利 means "it's for the good luck it represents."
Phrase Breakdown
图
tú
[too]
to seek; to do something for the sake of (a result)
Here 图 introduces the purpose: doing something mainly to “seek” a good sign. Often used with a light, casual tone.
我们买点橘子回家，图个吉利。
Let’s buy some tangerines to take home, just for good luck.
个
gè
[guh]
(measure word) one; a (general classifier)
个 is the most common general measure word. In “图个吉利,” 个 links 图 with the desired result, meaning “to seek a bit of… / to have a… (good-luck feeling).”
红包里放八十八块，图个吉利。
Put 88 yuan in the red envelope, just for good luck.
吉利
jí lì
[jee-lee]
lucky; auspicious
In this phrase, 吉利 is the “good-luck” you’re trying to obtain symbolically (through words, actions, or traditions).
说句吉利话：恭喜发财，图个吉利。
Say something auspicious: “Wishing you prosperity,” just to bring good luck.
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