The New Year’s season holds great significance in Japanese culture, and knowing how to say “Happy New Year” in Japanese allows you to participate in the festivities and share well wishes with others. In this blog post, we will explore different ways to say “Happy New Year” in Japanese and delve into the customs and traditions associated with the New Year’s season.
あけましておめでとうございます (Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu)
The most common and traditional way to say “Happy New Year” in Japanese is “あけましておめでとうございます” (Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu). This phrase is used to greet people during the New Year’s period and expresses the hope for a prosperous and joyful year ahead. It is a formal and respectful way to extend your New Year’s greetings to friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances.
明けましておめでとう (Akemashite omedetō)
In more casual settings or among friends and family, it is common to shorten the phrase to “明けましておめでとう” (Akemashite omedetō). This is a slightly less formal version but still conveys the same New Year’s greetings and well wishes.
新年おめでとうございます (Shinnen omedetō gozaimasu)
Another way to express “Happy New Year” is by saying “新年おめでとうございます” (Shinnen omedetō gozaimasu). This phrase emphasizes the beginning of the new year and is commonly used in both formal and informal situations.
Other New Year’s Greetings
Apart from saying “Happy New Year,” there are other phrases and customs associated with the New Year’s season in Japan:
- 明けましておめでとうございますと言ってあいさつをする (Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu to itte aisatsu o suru): This phrase means “to exchange New Year’s greetings” and refers to the custom of visiting friends, family, and neighbors during the first few days of the new year to offer greetings and well wishes.
- 年賀状 (Nengajō): These are New Year’s greeting cards that people send to their loved ones and acquaintances. It is a popular tradition to exchange nengajō as a way to express New Year’s greetings and maintain connections.
- 初詣 (Hatsumōde): This refers to the first shrine or temple visit of the year. Many people visit a shrine or temple during the New Year’s period to pray for good fortune, health, and success in the coming year.
Conclusion
Saying “Happy New Year” in Japanese with phrases like “あけましておめでとうございます” (Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu) or “明けましておめでとう” (Akemashite omedetō) allows you to participate in the New Year’s celebrations and extend well wishes to others. Embracing the customs and traditions associated with the New Year’s season, such as exchanging nengajō and making a hatsumōde visit, further enhances your experience of this important cultural event in Japan.
