Wishing someone a happy new year is a universal tradition that spreads joy and positivity as we welcome a fresh beginning. If you want to convey your well wishes in Hebrew, this guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to say “happy new year” in Hebrew letters. So whether you’re greeting a colleague, a friend, or a loved one, read on to learn how to spread holiday cheer!
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Formal Way to Say Happy New Year in Hebrew
When addressing someone formally, such as a coworker or an elderly person, the phrase “happy new year” in Hebrew can be expressed as:
שָׁנָה טוֹבָה! (Shanah Tovah!)
The phrase “שָׁנָה טוֹבָה” translates to “good year” and is commonly used to wish someone a happy new year in Hebrew in formal settings. It’s a versatile expression that can be used for both Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and the secular New Year.
If you’re writing a formal greeting, you can use the following example:
Dear [Name],
שָׁנָה טוֹבָה! May this new year bring you happiness, health, and success.
Informal Way to Say Happy New Year in Hebrew
When greeting friends, family, or people in a more casual setting, you can use the informal expression:
שָׁנָה טוֹבָה וּמְבֹרָכָה! (Shanah Tovah u-Mevorachah!)
The phrase “שָׁנָה טוֹבָה וּמְבֹרָכָה” means “a good and blessed year” and signifies your desire for both goodness and blessings in the coming year. This expression is commonly used among friends and family during the holiday season.
An example of an informal greeting could be:
Hey [Name],
Wishing you שָׁנָה טוֹבָה וּמְבֹרָכָה! May the new year bring you joy, love, and prosperity.
Regional Variations
Hebrew is spoken in various regions around the world, and there might be slight differences in how “happy new year” is expressed. However, the formal and informal phrases mentioned earlier are widely understood and can be used in most Hebrew-speaking communities. That being said, here are a couple of regional variations:
- Israeli Hebrew: In Israel, the formal way to say “happy new year” is often abbreviated to “שנה טובה” (Shana Tova). The informal expression remains the same.
- Sephardic Hebrew: Sephardic Jewish communities might use the phrase “שנה טובה ומתוקה” (Shana Tova u’Metukah), which adds the word “sweet” to convey additional blessings.
Remember, the formal and informal phrases provided earlier are widely understood, so you can confidently use them to wish happy new year to anyone in the Hebrew-speaking world.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to say “happy new year” in Hebrew, you can bring joy and warmth to your Hebrew-speaking friends, family, and colleagues during the holiday season. Remember, “שָׁנָה טוֹבָה” (Shanah Tovah) is the formal expression, while “שָׁנָה טוֹבָה וּמְבֹרָכָה” (Shanah Tovah u-Mevorachah) is the informal one. Feel free to adapt these greetings based on the specific Hebrew-speaking community or individual you’re addressing, while keeping the warm, heartfelt tone intact.
Here’s to a happy new year filled with love, happiness, and success!
