Celebrating the arrival of a new year is a joyful occasion in many cultures, and Kazakhstan is no exception. If you’re looking to greet your Kazakh friends or acquaintances on this special occasion, knowing how to say “Happy New Year” in their native language will surely bring a smile to their faces. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to say “Happy New Year” in Kazakh, along with some regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive right in and discover the various ways to extend your heartfelt wishes in Kazakh!
Table of Contents
Formal Greetings for the New Year:
When addressing someone formally, such as your boss, a respected elder, or during official events, you should use the appropriate formal language. In Kazakh, the most common formal way to say “Happy New Year” is:
Жаңа жылдыңізді құтты болсын!
(jaña jyldınızdı quttı bolsın)
The literal translation of this phrase is “May your new year be blessed!” It carries a formal tone and demonstrates respect towards the person you are addressing. Remember to pronounce the Kazakh letters accordingly, as each sound adds its own unique flavor to the language and culture.
Informal Greetings for the New Year:
When greeting friends, family, or people of a similar age, a more casual and friendly approach is appropriate. The informal way to say “Happy New Year” in Kazakh is:
Жаңа жылды саған қуанышты болсын!
(jaña jyldı sağan quanışty bolsın)
This warm greeting translates to “May your new year be joyful!” Using this phrase will create a sense of familiarity, showing your friendliness and genuine care for the person you are addressing. In Kazakh culture, building strong personal relationships is highly valued, and this informal greeting reflects that ethos.
Regional Variations:
While the formal and informal greetings mentioned above are widely understood and accepted throughout Kazakhstan, it’s important to note that there may be regional variations in dialects and customs. Here are a few examples of how “Happy New Year” can be expressed in different regions of the country:
1. Southern Kazakhstan:
In southern regions, such as Almaty and Shymkent, a common variation of the informal greeting is:
Жаңа жылыңмен бар болыңыздар!
(jaña jylyñmen bar bolıñyzdar)
This variation doesn’t just wish happiness for the new year but also envisions the recipient actively moving forward in the coming year.
2. Western Kazakhstan:
In the western regions, like Atyrau and Oral, a regional variation of the informal greeting is commonly used:
Жаңа жылыңыздың белгілі күндерінен қуанышты мақтанамыз!
(jaña jylyńızdyń belgilі kündeřіnen quanışty maqtanamyz)
This greeting not only wishes joy for the new year but also emphasizes the celebration of specific festive days and highlights the importance of celebrating together.
Tips for Pronunciation:
Pronouncing Kazakh words can be intimidating for beginners, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to confidently say “Happy New Year” in Kazakh. Here are some tips to help you with pronunciation:
- Emphasize the stress on the bold syllables in each word.
- Listen to the pronunciation from native speakers or language resources to understand the intricate sounds.
- Pay attention to the unique Kazakh letters, such as “ң” (sound similar to “ng” in “sing”) and “ы” (sound similar to “uh” with a throaty pronunciation).
- Practice speaking slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
Examples in Conversations:
To provide you with some real-life context, here are a few examples of how “Happy New Year” can be used in conversations:
Example 1:
A: Жаңа жылдыңізді құтты болсын!
(Jaña jyldınızdı quttı bolsın!)
B: Рахмет! Сізге де жаңа жылыңыздың қуанышты болуын қалаймын ғана!
(Rakhmet! Sızge de jaña jylyńyzdyń quanışty boluın qalaymyn ğana!)
Translation:
A: May your new year be blessed!
B: Thank you! I wish you a joyful new year as well!
Example 2:
A: Жаңа жылды саған қуанышты болсын!
(Jaña jyldı sağan quanışty bolsın!)
B: Рахмет! Таңдаймын!
(Rakhmet! Tañdaymyn!)
Translation:
A: May your new year be joyful!
B: Thank you! Same to you!
Conclusion
By learning how to say “Happy New Year” in Kazakh, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the language and culture of Kazakhstan. Whether you choose to use the formal expression “Жаңа жылдыңізді құтты болсын!” or the informal one “Жаңа жылды саған қуанышты болсын!”, your warm wishes will undoubtedly be appreciated by your Kazakh friends and acquaintances. Don’t forget to practice the pronunciation, pay attention to regional variations if necessary, and most importantly, celebrate the joy of welcoming a new year together!
