Sretna Nova godina
/srêtna nôʋa ɡôdina/Bosnian, Croatian, Latin
The English phrase "happy new year" is translated into Croatian as Sretna Nova godina. Wiktionary also lists Srećna Nova godina.
Meaning: Happy New Year (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Croatian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sretna Nova godina | /srêtna nôʋa ɡôdina/ | Bosnian, Croatian, Latin |
| Srećna Nova godina | /srêt͡ɕna nôʋa ɡôdina/ | Bosnian, Latin, Serbian |
A more formal and polite version is Sretna Nova Godina!, while an informal way to say this among friends and family is Sretna Nova!
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sretna (happy), nova (new) and godina (year).
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form Srećna Nova godina is used in Bosnian and Serbian, whereas Sretna Nova godina is used in Bosnian and Croatian.
How do you pronounce it?
/srêtna nôʋa ɡôdina/
When do people say it?
In Croatia, it is common to accompany New Year greetings with a kiss on the cheek or a warm hug. Another formal way to express well wishes is to say Svako dobro u Novoj godini, which means "All the best in the New Year".
Did you know?
- In many parts of Croatia, it is traditional to toast with rakija, a strong fruit brandy, specifically when uttering New Year's wishes. Saying Sretna Nova godina while clinking glasses of this spirit is a quintessential part of the holiday.
- The word godina for 'year' is rooted in the Proto-Slavic term for a 'fitting time' or 'season'. This reveals that the concept of a year was originally tied to the timing of events rather than a calendar count.
- In Croatia, it is common to exchange New Year wishes long after January 1st. It is not unusual to say Sretna Nova godina to friends and colleagues well into the second or even third week of January.
Examples in context
- Unaprijed hvala! Neka ti Nova Godina bude ispunjena srećom i uspjehom!Thank you in advance! May your New Year be filled with happiness and success!
- Sretna Nova godina svima!Happy New Year to everyone!
- Sretna Nova godina, dragi prijatelji.Happy New Year, dear friends.
Example conversation
Ivana and Mateo are greeting each other at a New Year's party.
- IvanaSretna Nova godina, Mateo!Happy New Year, Mateo!
- MateoHvala, Ivana, tebi isto!Thanks, Ivana, same to you!
- IvanaSretna Nova godina svima ovdje!Happy New Year to everyone here!
- MateoUživaj 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.
