Welcome to your guide on how to say “Happy New Year” in Korean! The New Year is an important holiday in Korea, and knowing how to wish someone a happy new year in their language can truly brighten their day. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to say it, as well as some tips, examples, and regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Happy New Year
When addressing your elders, superiors, or people you just met, it’s important to use formal language. Here are a few formal expressions to use:
1. 새해 복 많이 받으세요 (sae-hae bok ma-ni ba-deu-se-yo)
This expression is a polite and formal way to wish someone a Happy New Year in Korean. It translates to “Please receive a lot of blessings for the New Year.”
2. 새해 복 많이 주세요 (sae-hae bok ma-ni ju-se-yo)
This phrase is similar to the previous one but has a slight difference. It means “Please give many blessings for the New Year.”
3. 새해 복 많이 받으십시오 (sae-hae bok ma-ni ba-deu-ship-si-o)
This expression is even more formal than the previous ones. You would use it in very formal situations or when addressing a large audience. It means “Please receive a lot of blessings for the New Year.”
Informal Ways to Say Happy New Year
When speaking with your friends, classmates, or people of similar age or social status, you can use a more casual language. Here are some informal expressions:
1. 새해 복 많이 받아 (sae-hae bok ma-ni ba-da)
This is a casual way to say “Happy New Year” to someone you are close to. It translates to “Receive a lot of blessings for the New Year.”
2. 새해 복 많이 주게 (sae-hae bok ma-ni ju-ge)
This expression is similar to the previous one and means “Give many blessings for the New Year.”
Tips and Examples
Here are some useful tips and examples to help you understand how to use these phrases in context:
1. Example Conversation:
Person A: 새해 복 많이 받으세요! (Happy New Year!)
Person B: 감사합니다. 올해에도 잘 부탁드립니다. (Thank you. Please take care of me this year as well.)
2. Cultural Tip: Bowing
In Korea, it is customary to bow while saying these greetings. The depth of the bow depends on the formality of the situation. A slight nod is sufficient for casual situations, while a deeper bow is appropriate in more formal settings.
3. Seasonal Expressions:
During the New Year period, Koreans also use various expressions related to the season. For example:
- 새해 복 많이 나세요 (sae-hae bok ma-ni na-se-yo) – Have a lot of blessings for the New Year.
- 건강하시고, 새해 복 많이 받으세요 (geon-gang-ha-shi-go, sae-hae bok ma-ni ba-deu-se-yo) – Be healthy and receive many blessings for the New Year.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned the formal and informal ways to say “Happy New Year” in Korean, you can confidently greet your Korean friends, colleagues, or acquaintances during this festive season. Remember to match the level of formality with the person you are speaking to, and don’t forget to include a respectful bow. Learning a few simple phrases in Korean can go a long way in building friendships and showing cultural appreciation. 새해 복 많이 받으세요!
