The New Year is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. Across the world, people come together to celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones.

In this guide, you’ll not only learn how to wish "Happy New Year" in 35 different languages but also gain practical tips on pronunciation and cultural significance. This list is an ideal way to begin the year with a global perspective, whether you're traveling, meeting international friends, or simply seeking to broaden your horizons.

How to Say "Happy New Year" in 35 Languages

how to say ‘happy new year in different languages
How to say ‘Happy new year in different languages

European Languages

  1. Spanish: Feliz Año Nuevo – (Feh-lees AH-nyo NWEH-voh)

    Cultural Note: Eating 12 grapes at midnight is a Spanish tradition for good luck.

  2. French: Bonne Année – (Bon ah-NAY)

    Cultural Note: Fireworks and champagne are staples of French New Year celebrations.

  3. German: Frohes Neues Jahr – (Froh-hes Noy-es Yahr)

    Cultural Note: Germans pour molten lead into water to predict the future (Bleigießen).

  4. Italian: Felice Anno Nuovo – (Feh-LEE-cheh AHN-noh NWOH-voh)

    Cultural Note: Italians wear red underwear for good fortune.

  5. Portuguese: Feliz Ano Novo – (Feh-LEEZ AH-noh NOH-voh)

    Cultural Note: Brazilians jump over waves at the beach for luck.

  6. Russian: С Новым годом – (Snoh-vim GOH-dum)

    Cultural Note: Ded Moroz (Father Frost) delivers gifts to children.

  7. Greek: Καλή Χρονιά – (Kah-LEE Khro-nee-ah)

    Cultural Note: Greeks bake a Vasilopita cake with a hidden coin for luck.

  8. Dutch: Gelukkig Nieuwjaar – (Guh-LUK-ig NYEW-yahr)

    Cultural Note: Families enjoy oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts).

  9. Polish: Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku – (Shtshen-shlee-VEH-goh No-VEH-go ROH-koo)

    Cultural Note: Herring is a traditional dish for New Year’s Eve in Poland.

  10. Swedish: Gott Nytt År – (Got Noot Oar)

    Cultural Note: Celebrations include fireworks and festive gatherings.

  11. Finnish: Hyvää Uutta Vuotta – (Hoo-vah OOT-tah VOO-oht-tah)

    Cultural Note: Finns melt tin and interpret its shapes for fortune-telling.

  12. Norwegian: Godt Nytt År – (Got Noot Oar)

    Cultural Note: Norwegians celebrate with sparklers and family dinners.

  13. Danish: Godt Nytår – (Got NYOO-tor)

    Cultural Note: Danes "jump" into the new year by leaping off chairs at midnight.

  14. Icelandic: Gleðilegt Nýtt Ár – (GLAY-thih-lehk NYEET OW-r)

    Cultural Note: Community gatherings and fireworks mark the celebration.

  15. Czech: Šťastný Nový Rok – (SHTYAS-tny NOH-vee ROHK)

    Cultural Note: Traditional meals include pork and sauerkraut for good luck.

  16. Hungarian: Boldog Új Évet – (BOHL-dohg OOH-ee Eh-vet)

    Cultural Note: Hungarians enjoy fireworks and traditional lentil soup.

  17. Romanian: An Nou Fericit – (Ahn NOH Feh-ree-CHEET)

    Cultural Note: Romanians toast with champagne and recite New Year poems.

Asian Languages

  1. Chinese (Mandarin): 新年快乐 – (Sheen Nyehn Kwhy Luh)

    Cultural Note: Lunar New Year features red decorations and family gatherings.

  2. Japanese: 新年おめでとう – (Sheen-nen Oh-meh-deh-toh)

    Cultural Note: Japanese send nengajo (New Year postcards).

  3. Korean: 새해 복 많이 받으세요 – (Sae-hae Bohk Mah-nee Bah-deuh-say-oh)

    Cultural Note: Families eat rice cake soup (tteokguk).

  4. Vietnamese: Chúc Mừng Năm Mới – (Chook Mung Nam Moi)

    Cultural Note: Red envelopes and feasts are central to Tết celebrations.

  5. Thai: สวัสดีปีใหม่ – (Sah-waht-dee Pee Mai)

    Cultural Note: Songkran in April doubles as Thailand's water-based New Year celebration.

  6. Bengali: শুভ নববর্ষ – (Shoo-bhoh No-boh-borsho)

    Cultural Note: Celebrations include fairs, sweets, and family gatherings.

  7. Tamil: புத்தாண்டு வாழ்த்துகள் – (Poot-thaandu Vahl-thoo-kahl)

    Cultural Note: Puthandu, Tamil New Year, is celebrated with kolam designs.

African Languages

  1. Swahili: Heri ya Mwaka Mpya – (Heh-ree yah Mwah-kah Mp-yah)

    Cultural Note: East Africans celebrate with music and traditional dances.

  2. Zulu: Unyaka Omusha Omuhle – (Oon-yah-kah Oh-moo-shah Oh-moo-hleh)

    Cultural Note: Communal meals and festivities are common in South Africa.

  3. Afrikaans: Gelukkige Nuwe Jaar – (Guh-LUK-eh-guh NEE-wuh YAHR)

    Cultural Note: South Africans enjoy outdoor braais (barbecues).

Oceanian Languages

  1. Maori: Hari Tau Hou – (Hah-ree Toe Hoe)

    Cultural Note: Matariki, the Maori New Year, is celebrated in June.

  2. Hawaiian: Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou – (How-oh-lee Mah-kah-hee-kee Ho)

    Cultural Note: Polynesian traditions blend with modern celebrations in Hawaii.

Middle Eastern Languages

  1. Arabic: سنة جديدة سعيدة – (San-ah Jah-dee-dah Sah-ee-dah)

    Cultural Note: Fireworks are common across Arabic-speaking countries.

  2. Hebrew: שנה טובה – (Shah-nah Toh-vah)

    Cultural Note: This phrase is also used during Rosh Hashanah.

  3. Persian (Farsi): سال نو مبارک – (SAHL-eh NOH Moh-BAH-rak)

    Cultural Note: Nowruz, the Persian New Year, occurs in March.

Indigenous and Other Languages

  1. Gaelic (Scottish): Bliadhna Mhath Ùr – (Blee-ah-na Vah Oohr)

    Cultural Note: Hogmanay features traditional songs and bonfires.

  2. Kazakh: Жаңа жыл құтты болсын – (ZHAH-nah Zhuhl-KOOT Boohl-sin)

    Cultural Note: Kazakhs celebrate with traditional feasts and games.

  3. Uzbek: Yangi Yil Bilan – (Yahn-gee Yeel Bee-lahn)

    Cultural Note: Uzbek feasts include pilaf and sweets.

Conclusion: A Universal Celebration

The New Year is a celebration that transcends borders. By learning to say "Happy New Year" in 35 different languages, you’re not only expanding your linguistic skills but also fostering a sense of unity and respect for cultural diversity. Every language carries its unique rhythm, and every culture its own vibrant traditions.

As you step into the New Year, remember that even a small gesture like greeting someone in their language can create meaningful connections. Let’s make a year of understanding, kindness, and global friendship.

So, go ahead, share these greetings, and spread joy across the globe. Bonne Année, Frohes Neues Jahr, Xin Nian Kuai Le, or simply, Happy New Year—it’s the perfect way to celebrate the universal spirit of the season!

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