Happy New Year in 15 different languages
From Europe to Asia, each language brings its own charm to a simple New Year’s wish. Let’s explore how to say Happy New Year in 15 different languages!
1. Spanish – ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
- Pronunciation:/feh-LEEZ AH-nyoh NWEH-boh/
- Used in: Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and across Latin America.
This phrase combines “Feliz” (Happy), “Año” (Year), and “Nuevo” (New). In Spain, people pair this greeting with hugs or cheek kisses, and a quirky midnight tradition: popping 12 grapes, one with each chime of the clock, to invite luck into every month ahead.
2. Chinese (Mandarin) – 新年快乐
Pronunciation: /ɕín njɛ̌n kʰwâɪ lɤ̂/ (sheen-nyen kwhy-luh)
Used in: China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia
The phrase 新年快乐 translates to “New Year happiness.” It’s commonly heard during Lunar New Year festivities, when streets glow with lanterns and families exchange red envelopes – hóngbāo – stuffed with lucky money. You might also hear 恭喜发财 (Gōngxǐ fācái), a wish for wealth and prosperity.
3. French – Bonne année
- Pronunciation: /bɔn‿a.ne/ (bon ah-nay)
- Used in: France, Belgium, parts of Switzerland, Canada (Québec)
In particular, “bonne” means “good,” and “année” means “year.” In French-speaking countries, it is said with warmth and often a kiss on each cheek. In France, especially, it’s common to extend the wish: Bonne année et bonne santé! (“Happy New Year and good health!”). This is just one way to say Happy New Year in 15 different languages.
For more useful French phrases, check out our guide on:
4. Japanese – 明けましておめでとうございます
- Pronunciation: /a.ke.ma.ɕi.te o.me.de.toː ɡo.za.i.masɯ̥/ (ah-keh-mash-teh oh-meh-deh-toh go-zai-mas)
- Used in: Japan
In Japan, this formal greeting means “Congratulations on the New Year’s opening.” It’s often accompanied by a respectful bow. As the new year begins, families send nengajo, beautifully decorated postcards, to friends, relatives, and even coworkers. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and fresh starts.
5. Korean – 새해 복 많이 받으세요
- Pronunciation: /sɛ.hɛ bok ma.ni pa.dɯ.se.jo/ (seh-heh bok ma-ni ba-deu-se-yo)
- Used in: South Korea
The phrase is a warm New Year’s wish in Korean, meaning “Please receive many blessings in the new year.” It’s most commonly heard during Seollal, Korea’s Lunar New Year when families dress in traditional hanbok and bow deeply to elders in a respectful ritual. Moreover, kids look forward to this moment, not just for the tradition, but for the bokjumeoni (silk pouches) filled with money they receive after saying the phrase!
6. German – Frohes neues Jahr
- Pronunciation: /ˈfʁoːəs ˈnɔʏəs ˈjaːɐ̯/ (FROH-es NOY-es YAHR)
- Used in: Germany, Austria, Switzerland (German-speaking regions)
It’s usually said after midnight on December 31st. Fireworks are a must across Germany, and it’s common to toast with sparkling wine. Instead of hugging, many Germans shake hands or clink glasses while saying “Frohes neues Jahr!”
7. Portuguese – Feliz Ano Novo
- Pronunciation: /feˈliz ˈɐ.nu ˈno.vu/ (feh-LEEZ AH-noo NOH-voo)
- Used in: Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde
In Brazil, this phrase is often shouted on the beach as midnight strikes. People dress in white for peace, gather on the beaches, and toss white flowers into the ocean as offerings to Yemanjá, the Afro-Brazilian sea goddess. The greeting is often shouted joyfully as midnight fireworks explode over the water.
8. Arabic – سنة جديدة سعيدة
- Pronunciation: /ˈsa.na dʒaˈdiː.da sa.ʕiː.da/ (SAH-nah jah-DEE-dah sah-EE-dah)
- Used in: Egypt, UAE, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and other Arabic-speaking countries
While New Year’s is a secular holiday in most Arab countries, it’s widely celebrated with festive dinners, countdowns, and fireworks. This phrase is a formal way to say “Happy New Year.” In places like Lebanon or the UAE, it’s often exchanged with a kiss on both cheeks and a plate of traditional sweets like kunafa or basbousa.
9. Italian – Buon anno
- Pronunciation: /ˈbwɔn ˈan.no/ (BWOHN AHN-no)
- Used in: Italy, parts of Switzerland, San Marino
When Italians say Buon anno at midnight, it’s usually followed by hugs, double cheek kisses, and a feast. One quirky tradition? Eating lentils (lenticchie) right after fireworks, because they resemble coins and are believed to bring wealth in the year ahead.
10. Vietnamese – Chúc mừng năm mới
- Pronunciation: /chook moong nahm moi/
- Used in: Vietnam
This greeting is central during the Lunar New Year. It’s customary to bow slightly when saying it to elders, often along with offering good wishes like sức khỏe dồi dào (plenty of health). And children receive lì xì, which is a red envelope with lucky money, after saying it respectfully.
11. Russian – С Новым годом (S Novym godom)
- Pronunciation: /s ˈno.vɨm ˈɡo.dəm/ (s NOH-vim GOH-dum)
- Used in: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan
Normally, Russians celebrate New Year more elaborately than Christmas. As the Kremlin clock strikes twelve, people raise champagne glasses and say С Новым годом! Hugs follow fireworks fill the sky, and tables overflow with Olivier salad, caviar, and sparkling wine.
12. Dutch – Gelukkig nieuwjaar
- Pronunciation: /xəˈlʏkəx ˈniʋjaːr/ (khuh-LUH-kukh NEEUW-yaar)
- Used in: The Netherlands, parts of Belgium (Flanders)
In the Netherlands, people greet each other with Gelukkig nieuwjaar after midnight, often with a three-part cheek kiss. A beloved tradition is eating oliebollen, deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar, which are sold only around New Year’s and symbolize indulgence and comfort.
13. Greek – Καλή Χρονιά
- Pronunciation: /kaˈli xroˈɲa/ (kah-LEE hro-NYAH)
- Used in: Greece, Cyprus
When Greeks say Καλή Χρονιά, they’re wishing you a “Good Year” rather than just “Happy New Year.” The phrase is heard right after midnight, often accompanied by fireworks and sweet traditions. One of the most beloved customs is cutting the Vasilopita, a special New Year’s cake with a hidden coin inside. Whoever finds the coin is believed to have good luck all year long.
14. Turkish – Mutlu Yıllar
- Pronunciation: /mutˈlu jɯˈɫɐɾ/ (MOOT-loo yuhl-LAHR)
- Used in: Turkey, Northern Cyprus
Mutlu Yıllar is the standard way to wish someone “Happy Years” in Turkish, similar to saying “Happy New Year.” Turks often ring in the new year with family meals, countdowns on TV, and fireworks in big cities like Istanbul. Some also wear red underwear for luck (a tradition borrowed from Europe), and children eagerly await gifts from Noel Baba, the Turkish version of Santa Claus.
15. Hindi – नया साल मुबारक हो
- Pronunciation: /nə.jaː saːl mʊˈbaː.rək ɦoː/ (nuh-YAA saal moo-BAA-ruk ho)
- Used in: India
In Hindi, it literally means “May your New Year be blessed.” While January 1st is celebrated across urban India with parties and countdowns, many regions also observe their own traditional New Year based on local calendars. The phrase blends modern and cultural greetings and is often said along with sweets and warm embraces.
Bonus: Quick Pronunciation Chart
| Language | Phrase | Pronunciation |
| Spanish | ¡Feliz Año Nuevo! | /feh-LEEZ AH-nyoh NWEH-boh/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 新年快乐 | /sheen-nyen kwhy-luh/ |
| French | Bonne année | /bon ah-nay/ |
| Japanese | 明けましておめでとうございます | /ah-keh-mah-shteh oh-meh-deh-toh go-zai-mas/ |
| Korean | 새해 복 많이 받으세요 | /seh-heh bok ma-ni ba-deu-se-yo/ |
| German | Frohes neues Jahr | /FROH-es NOY-es YAHR/ |
| Portuguese | Feliz Ano Novo | /feh-LEEZ AH-noo NOH-voo/ |
| Arabic | سنة جديدة سعيدة | /ˈsa.na dʒaˈdiː.da sa.ʕiː.da/ |
| Italian | Buon anno | /BWOHN AHN-no/ |
| Vietnamese | Chúc mừng năm mới | /chook moong nahm moi/ |
| Russian | С Новым годом (S Novym godom) | /s NOH-vim GOH-dum/ |
| Dutch | Gelukkig nieuwjaar | /khuh-LUH-kukh NEEUW-yaar/ |
| Greek | Καλή Χρονιά | /kah-LEE hro-NYAH/ |
| Turkish | Mutlu Yıllar | /MOOT-loo yuhl-LAHR/ |
| Hindi | नया साल मुबारक हो | /nuh-YAA saal moo-BAA-ruk ho/ |
Tips to Remember These Greetings
Do you want to make sure you remember how to say Happy New Year in 15 different languages? Here are some practical tips to help you:
- Use flashcards or language apps: Apps like Gurulango, Duolingo, Memrise, or Anki can help reinforce what you’ve learned. They make memorization fun and interactive, letting you practice anytime, anywhere.
- Watch YouTube videos with native speakers: Hearing how native speakers pronounce the greetings will give you the confidence to speak them correctly. Plus, it’s a great way to absorb the rhythm and accent of each language.
- Say them out loud daily for the week leading up to New Year: The more you speak, the easier it becomes. Saying the phrases out loud will also help you remember them and improve your pronunciation.
- Group by similarity: For example, Spanish and Portuguese share many similarities, and so do French and Italian. Grouping similar languages together can make memorization faster and more efficient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ability to say Happy New Year in 15 different languages enriches your cultural understanding and helps you connect globally. For more language learning resources and to start mastering new languages, visit GuruLango today!
