春節おめでとう
shunsetsu omedetō
Happy Chinese New Year in Japanese is 春節おめでとう (shunsetsu omedetō).
This phrase is used to wish someone a happy Lunar New Year.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 春節 (shunsetsu) literally means 'Spring Festival'.
Which one should you use?
The form 春節おめでとう is casual and should be used with friends or family rather than in formal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
shunsetsu omedetō
Did you know?
- Japan stopped using the lunar calendar in 1873, which is why 春節 is viewed as a foreign holiday rather than a domestic one.
- Japanese culture uses 年賀状 (nengajō), which are special postcards sent specifically to wish others a happy new year.
- The word おめでとう (omedetō) comes from the adjective めでたい (medetai), which historically described something that was 'auspicious' or 'blessed'.
Examples in context
- 春節おめでとう！shunsetsu omedetou!Happy Chinese New Year!
- 皆さん、春節おめでとうございます。mina-san, shunsetsu omedetou gozaimasu.Happy Chinese New Year, everyone.
- 改めて、春節おめでとう。aratamete, shunsetsu omedetou.Once again, happy Chinese New Year.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are greeting each other during the Lunar New Year.
- 美咲 Misaki健太くん、春節おめでとう！Kenta-kun, shunsetsu omedetou!Happy Chinese New Year, Kenta!
- 健太 Kenta美咲さんも、春節おめでとう！Misaki-san mo, shunsetsu omedetou!Happy Chinese New Year to you too, Misaki!
- 美咲 Misaki今年は何をする予定？Kotoshi wa nani o suru yotei?What are your plans for this year?
- 健太 Kenta家族と美味しいものを食べるよ。Kazoku to oishii mono o taberu yo.I'm going to eat delicious food with my family.
