Sretna Nova godina
/srêtna nôʋa ɡôdina/Bosnian, Croatian, Latin
Happy New Year in Bosnian is Sretna Nova godina. Wiktionary also lists Srećna Nova godina.
Meaning: Happy New Year (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Bosnian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sretna Nova godina | /srêtna nôʋa ɡôdina/ | Bosnian, Croatian, Latin |
| Srećna Nova godina | /srêt͡ɕna nôʋa ɡôdina/ | Bosnian, Latin, Serbian |
Which one should you use?
The form Sretna Nova godina is the standard way to express this greeting in both Bosnian and Croatian.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Srećna Nova godina is used in Serbian contexts, while Sretna Nova godina is the standard form in Bosnian and Croatian.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use the phrase as a direct object in a sentence, such as when saying 'I wish you a Happy New Year', the phrase changes to the accusative case: Sretnu Novu godinu.
How do you pronounce it?
/srêtna nôʋa ɡôdina/
Did you know?
- The word godina for 'year' is derived from the Proto-Slavic root for 'fitting' or 'suitable', suggesting that a year was originally viewed as a 'fitting time' for certain events.
- In Bosnian culture, the New Year is often more widely celebrated as a secular holiday than Christmas, meaning Sretna Nova godina is the most universal greeting of the winter season.
- The word sretna is related to the concept of 'luck' or 'fortune' rather than just a temporary emotional state of 'happiness'.
Examples in context
- Sretna Nova godina svima!Happy New Year to everyone!
- Sretna Nova godina, dragi prijatelji.Happy New Year, dear friends.
Example conversation
Amra and Emir are greeting each other at a New Year's party.
- AmraSretna Nova godina, Emire!Happy New Year, Emir!
- EmirHvala, Amra, tebi isto!Thanks, Amra, the same to you!
- AmraHvala ti puno.Thank you very much.
- EmirUživaj u večeri.Enjoy the evening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy new year” translations and entries Sretna Nova godina, Srećna Nova godina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries godina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
