As the New Year approaches, it is customary to exchange warm greetings with friends, family, and acquaintances. If you are interested in extending your wishes in Arabic, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “Happy New Year” in Arabic, providing you with tips, examples, and even a brief introduction to regional variations. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say Happy New Year in Arabic
When addressing elders, strangers, or using a formal tone, it is essential to use polite and respectful language. Here are a few ways to express your New Year greetings formally:
1. كل عام وأنتم بخير (kul ‘aam wa ‘antum bikhair)
This expression translates to “May every year find you in good health” and is commonly used in formal contexts. It acknowledges the well-being of the person you are addressing and is a popular way to wish someone a happy and prosperous New Year.
2. أطيب الأماني بمناسبة العام الجديد (atyyib al-amani bimunasabat al-‘aam al-jadid)
This phrase means “Best wishes on the occasion of the New Year” and is another formal way to express your greetings. It conveys your hope for the recipient to have a joyful and successful year ahead.
3. تمنياتي لكم بعام جديد سعيد (tamanayati lakum bi’aam jadid sa’id)
This expression translates to “My wishes for you for a happy New Year.” It is an elegant and appropriate way to extend your greetings in formal settings.
Informal Ways to Say Happy New Year in Arabic
When addressing friends, family, or using a more casual tone, you can opt for informal expressions that convey warmth and familiarity. Here are a few commonly used informal ways to say “Happy New Year” in Arabic:
1. سنة سعيدة (sana sa’eeda)
This simple yet widely used greeting translates to “Happy New Year.” It is appropriate to use among friends, siblings, or close acquaintances to exchange heartfelt wishes.
2. كل سنة وأنت طيب (kul sana wa ‘anta tayyib)
This expression means “Every year, may you be well.” It is a warm and informal way to convey your New Year wishes to someone you have a close relationship with.
3. عام سعيد (aam sa’eed)
A simple and popular way to say “Happy New Year” is by using this phrase, which translates directly to “Happy year.” It embodies a sense of joy and is suitable for informal settings.
Regional Variations
Arabic is spoken across several countries and regions, which naturally gives rise to some variations in the way people greet each other on New Year’s Day. Here, we will briefly explore a few regional ways to say “Happy New Year” in Arabic:
Egyptian Arabic
In Egyptian Arabic, you can use the phrase “سنة حلوة يا جماعة” (sana helwa ya gam’a), which translates to “Have a sweet year, everyone!” This friendly and widely used expression is specific to Egypt and is suitable for both formal and informal settings.
Levantine Arabic
In the Levant region (including countries like Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan), a common phrase to wish someone a Happy New Year is “سنة حلوة وكل عام وأنتو بخير” (sana helwa w kul ‘aam w ento bekheir). This expression combines the sweetness of the year with the formal well-being wishes we mentioned earlier.
Conclusion
As you prepare to welcome the New Year, expressing your greetings in Arabic can bring a joyful touch to your interactions with Arabic-speaking friends and colleagues. In this guide, we covered both formal and informal ways to say “Happy New Year” in Arabic, provided tips, examples, and even explored regional variations. Remember, regardless of the phrase you choose to use, the most important thing is to convey your warm wishes and sincere hopes for success, joy, and prosperity in the year to come. Happy New Year – كل عام وأنتم بخير!
