臨別尚迟迟。
Long, long will he linger before he parts.
人行猶可復，
Though gone away, he may come back some day.
歲行那可追。
Where can we find the old year once it departs?
問歲安所之？
May I ask whither the old year has passed?
遠在天一涯。
At the end of the earth it leaves no track.
已逐東流水，
It is gone with the water flowing fast
赴海歸無時。
To the East Sea and will never come back.
東鄰酒初熟，
Wine is warmed by our neighbors on the east
西舍餾亦肥。
And the pork of those on the west is fat.
且為一日歡，
I'd like to have one happy day at least
慰此窮年悲。
So that the lean year may not be grieved at.
勿嗟舊歲別，
Do not sigh for the departing old year!
行與新歲辭。
Soon we shall say goodbye to New Year's Day.
去去勿回顧，
Do not look back but let them disappear.
還君老與衰。
Man will grow old and his powers decay.