Common Greetings of Happy New Year in French

French people have a ton of ways to say happy new year in French—some formal, some cute, some just straight-up warm. And just like when you learn to say hello in French, greetings change depending on tone and occasion.

Bonne année

If you're greeting a group—like coworkers or friends—this is how to say happy new year everyone in French
If you’re greeting a group—like coworkers or friends—this is how to say happy new year everyone in French

This is hands-down the most popular and widely used way to say happy new year in French. Literally meaning “good year,” it’s short, sweet, and universally accepted in all situations—from friends to colleagues to strangers at the bakery. You’ll hear this greeting non-stop during the first week of January.

Bonne année à tous

You can say this to literally anyone, from your neighbor to your boss—it’s universal.
You can say this to literally anyone, from your neighbor to your boss—it’s universal.

If you want to say happy new year everyone in French, this is the perfect go-to phrase. It translates to “Happy New Year to all”, and it’s especially common in group messages, emails, or holiday posts on social media. It adds a collective warmth to your greeting, making it feel inclusive and thoughtful.

Meilleurs vœux

This-is-a-formal-greeting-often-used-in-cards-and-emails-to-express-best-wishes-for-the-year
This is a formal greeting often used in cards and emails to express best wishes for the year

This phrase means “best wishes” and is a bit more formal than just “Bonne année.” It’s often used in greeting cards or professional settings, paired with longer messages about success, health, and happiness. If you want to level up your French new year greeting, this is a classy choice.

Bonne santé

French people value health deeply, which is why they often follow up with “et bonne santé”
French people value health deeply, which is why they often follow up with “et bonne santé”

While it directly translates to “good health,” this phrase is almost always tacked on right after “Bonne année.” Together, they form the popular combo: “Bonne année et bonne santé.” In French culture, health is a top wish for the new year, so this greeting is full of sincerity and tradition.

Tous mes vœux

This phrase adds a more emotional tone to your French new year greeting, often used with close ones
This phrase adds a more emotional tone to your French new year greeting, often used with close ones

This slightly poetic phrase means “all my wishes” and is perfect for when you want to express a more heartfelt sentiment. While it’s not the most casual way to say happy new year in French, it shows effort and depth, making it ideal for close friends or formal messages.

Joyeuse année

This isn’t as common as “Bonne année,” but it adds extra cheer to your new year wishes.
This isn’t as common as “Bonne année,” but it adds extra cheer to your new year wishes.

Think of this as the peppier cousin of “Bonne année.” It means “joyful year” and carries an extra burst of cheer and energy. It’s not as frequently used as “Bonne année,” but it adds a touch of uniqueness to your French new year greeting, especially in creative writing or festive settings.

Que cette année soit belle

You can say this in written notes or heartfelt messages when you want to wish someone a great year.
You can say this in written notes or heartfelt messages when you want to wish someone a great year.

This beautiful phrase means “May this year be beautiful.” It’s more of a well-wish than a direct greeting, often used in cards or messages that express deeper hopes for the new year. It’s great if you’re looking to go beyond the basics and sound a bit more poetic.

Une année pleine de bonheur

This poetic phrase adds a hopeful tone, great for resolutions or thoughtful reflections.
This poetic phrase adds a hopeful tone, great for resolutions or thoughtful reflections.

Translating to “a year full of happiness,” this greeting is a warm and affectionate way to wish someone well. It’s often added to other greetings like “Bonne année” for extra good vibes. It helps you deliver a more complete and heartwarming happy new year in French.

Vœux de bonheur

This classic phrase is a staple in traditional French new year greetings.
This classic phrase is a staple in traditional French new year greetings.

This phrase means “wishes for happiness” and is often used in formal or traditional contexts, such as written notes or holiday cards. It’s a thoughtful and elegant French new year greeting, especially when combined with other well-wishes like health and success. 

À l’année prochaine

It’s playful and casual—people say it jokingly just before midnight on New Year’s Eve.
It’s playful and casual—people say it jokingly just before midnight on New Year’s Eve.

This casual, cheeky phrase means “See you next year!” and is commonly used right before midnight on New Year’s Eve. It’s a fun way to sign off with friends or coworkers as the clock ticks down. While not a direct translation of happy new year in French, it still fits the holiday mood perfectly.

How to Say “Happy New Year” in French

French isn’t just about sounding chic—it’s also about nailing the vibe of what you’re saying. From how you say good afternoon in French to festive expressions, pronunciation and usage matter.

Pronunciation Guide

Saying happy new year in French clearly takes practice—especially with nasal vowels and silent letters.
Saying happy new year in French clearly takes practice—especially with nasal vowels and silent letters.

Learning how to say happy new year in French means you also train your ears and your mouth. French sounds can trip you up, especially nasal vowels and liaisons. But don’t worry—it’s all about rhythm, repetition, and a little attitude, too.

  • Bonne année (bun ah-nay)
  • Bonne année à tous (bun ah-nay ah toos)
  • Meilleurs vœux (meh-yur vuh)
  • Bonne santé (bun sahn-tay)
  • Tous mes vœux (too meh vuh) 
  • Joyeuse année (zhwah-yuhz ah-nay)
  • Que cette année soit belle (kuh set ah-nay swah bell) 
  • Une année pleine de bonheur (ewn ah-nay plehn duh boh-nuhr)
  • Vœux de bonheur (vuh duh boh-nuhr)
  • À l’année prochaine (ah lan-nay pro-shen)

Contextual Usage

Knowing when to say each phrase helps you avoid awkward moments and sound way more fluent.
Knowing when to say each phrase helps you avoid awkward moments and sound way more fluent.

Learning how to say happy new year in French also means understanding how the French actually use these phrases. From cheek kisses to midnight messages, or wishing a friend in French with a warm “Bonne année,” here’s how to naturally drop these greetings into your New Year’s conversations

  • Bonne année: French people say this phrase right after midnight on December 31 to wish others a happy new year.
  • Bonne année à tous: Speakers use this greeting when they want to wish a happy new year to a group of people.
  • Meilleurs vœux: French people write this phrase in formal cards or emails to send their best wishes for the new year.
  • Bonne santé: People often add this phrase after “Bonne année” when they want to wish someone good health.
  • Tous mes vœux: Friends or acquaintances say this when they want to express warm and personal New Year wishes.
  • Joyeuse année: This phrase appears less often in speech but is sometimes used in festive or decorative greetings.
  • Que cette année soit belle: French speakers say this when they want to offer a heartfelt and hopeful wish for the year.
  • Une année pleine de bonheur: People use this phrase when they want to sincerely wish someone a joyful and happy year.
  • Vœux de bonheur: French people include this phrase in greeting cards to share elegant and kind wishes.
  • À l’année prochaine: This phrase is what someone says playfully on New Year’s Eve to mean “see you next year.”

Conclusion

It’s time to start your year with confidence by mastering how to say happy new year in French naturally. Learn French online with GuruLango and unlock a whole new world of language and culture!