Welcoming the Lunar New Year is a joyous occasion celebrated by millions around the world. If you’re interested in extending warm wishes to your Japanese friends or acquaintances, learning how to say “Happy Lunar New Year” in Japanese is a thoughtful gesture. In this guide, we will provide you with formal and informal ways to convey these heartfelt wishes. Although there aren’t significant regional variations, we will highlight any nuances that may exist. So let’s dive in and explore the various ways to say “Happy Lunar New Year” in Japanese.
Table of Contents
Formal Greetings:
When it comes to formal greetings, it’s essential to use polite language and honorific expressions. Here are a few phrases to express your wishes elegantly:
1. 明けましておめでとうございます。
Pronunciation: Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu.
Translation: Happy New Year.
This is a standard, polite way to greet someone during the New Year season in Japan. It is not specific to the Lunar New Year, but it is well-received and appropriate to use.
2. 新年あけましておめでとうございます。
Pronunciation: Shinnen akemashite omedetō gozaimasu.
Translation: Happy New Year.
This phrase is similar to the previous one and can be used interchangeably. It expresses general New Year greetings.
3. 旧正月をお祝いします。
Pronunciation: Kyūshōgatsu o oiwai shimasu.
Translation: I congratulate you on the Lunar New Year.
This phrase specifically mentions the “Lunar New Year” and is a respectful and appropriate greeting to use during this festive period.
Informal Expressions:
If you’re addressing friends, family, or close acquaintances, you can use more informal expressions to convey your wishes more affectionately:
1. 明けましておめでとう。
Pronunciation: Akemashite omedetō.
Translation: Happy New Year.
This is a shorter and less formal version of the first formal greeting mentioned above. It is commonly used among friends and colleagues.
2. 良いお年を。
Pronunciation: Yoi otoshi o.
Translation: Have a good year.
While this phrase doesn’t specifically mention the “Lunar New Year,” it is a common expression used for both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Japan. It is often used amongst friends and family.
Wishing Prosperity:
In addition to saying “Happy Lunar New Year,” you may want to extend wishes for prosperity and good fortune. Here are a couple of phrases you can incorporate into your greetings:
1. 福が舞い込むように。
Pronunciation: Fuku ga maikomu yōni.
Translation: May fortune come flying in.
This phrase conveys the hope that good luck will arrive abundantly.
2. 富と幸せが訪れますように。
Pronunciation: Tomi to shiawase ga otozuremasu yōni.
Translation: May wealth and happiness come to you.
This expression specifically wishes for wealth and happiness to come to the recipient.
Additional Tips:
To ensure your greetings are well-received, here are some additional tips:
- Respect Cultural Traditions: Take the time to learn about Japanese customs and traditions surrounding the Lunar New Year. Respect and acknowledgment of their culture will be highly appreciated.
- Practice Proper Pronunciation: Pronunciation plays a vital role in conveying sincerity. Take the time to practice the phrases and ensure you are pronouncing them accurately.
- Pair Greetings with Small Gifts: If possible, consider pairing your greetings with small gifts such as lucky money envelopes or traditional Japanese New Year decorations. This thoughtful touch will enhance the sincerity of your wishes.
- Use Appropriate Body Language: When delivering your greetings, incorporate a warm smile, eye contact, and a slight bow to show respect.
Remember, the Lunar New Year is a time of celebration, so your warm wishes and positive intentions will certainly be appreciated. Whether you choose to use formal or informal greetings, the most important thing is to convey your heartfelt sentiments. So, embrace the spirit of the Lunar New Year and spread joy and prosperity with your Japanese friends. あけましておめでとうございます！(Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu! – Happy New Year!)
