by Tomoyuki Higuchi
How do you say “Happy New Year!” in Japanese?
Today’s phrases are :
Happy Holidays!
良いお年を！
yoi otoshio
Pronunciation
There is no expression equivalent to “Happy Holidays!” in Japanese.
After Christmas until the end of the year we say “良いお年を！”.
“良い yoi” means “happy” and “お年を otoshio” means “year”. So, “良いお年を！” literally means “Happy New Year!”.
“良いお年を” can be used in any situation, formal or casual.
Happy New Year!
明けましておめでとう！
akemashite omedetou*
*We pronounce “omedetou” like “omedetō“.
After January 1, we say “明けましておめでとう！”.
If you want to speak politely, you can say :
明けましておめでとうございます！
akemashite omedetou gozaimasu
Pronunciation
Until December 31
➜
良いお年を！
After January 1
➜
明けましておめでとう！
明けましておめでとうございます！
