When the new year rolls around, people all over the world celebrate and exchange warm wishes with their loved ones. If you’re interested in expressing well wishes in Arabic, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to say “Happy New Year” in both formal and informal ways.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Greetings
If you want to express your wishes formally, here’s how to say “Happy New Year” in Arabic:
- “Sana Sa’ida Jadida” (سنة سعيدة جديدة): This phrase translates directly to “Happy New Year,” and it’s the most common formal greeting you can use.
- “Kull ‘am wa antum bi-khair” (كل عام وأنتم بخير): This phrase means “May every year find you well.” It’s a more traditional greeting used in formal contexts.
2. Informal Greetings
For casual conversations with friends and family, you can use these informal ways to say “Happy New Year” in Arabic:
- “Sana Sa’ida” (سنة سعيدة): This phrase is the shorter version of the formal greeting and is commonly used in informal settings. It’s equivalent to saying “Happy New Year!”
- “Kul ‘am wa inta/i b-khair” (كل عام وانت/انتي بخير): If you’re speaking to a male, use “intu” to address multiple people or “inta” for an individual. If you’re speaking to a female, use “inti” for an individual or “intunna” for multiple females. This phrase means “May every year find you well” and is more commonly used casually.
3. Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you confidently wish someone a happy new year in Arabic:
Useful Phrases:
- “Amal sa’ida” (أمل سعيد): This phrase means “Happy hope,” and it’s used to express well wishes for the upcoming year.
- “Afdal al-a’mal” (أفضل الأمل): Translated as “best hopes,” this phrase conveys your desire for the new year to bring about the best outcomes.
Additional Greetings:
While “Happy New Year” is the standard greeting, there are some variations used in specific regions:
“Kul ‘am wantum bikhair” (كل عام وأنتم بخير): This phrase, similar to the standard formal greeting, is more commonly used in regions like the Gulf and Saudi Arabia.
In conclusion, now you’re equipped with both formal and informal ways to wish someone a happy new year in Arabic. Whether you’re sending warm wishes to friends, family, or colleagues, these expressions will help you spread joy and goodwill in the festive season. Remember to choose the appropriate greeting based on the formality of the situation, and feel free to add some regional variations if you’re familiar with them. Happy New Year!
