feliz ano novo
/feˈliz ˈɐ̃.nu ˈno.vu/
feliz ano novo is the Portuguese way to say Happy New Year.
You may also encounter the alternative Próspero Ano Novo!, which means Prosperous New Year!
Meaning: Happy New Year (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of feliz (happy), ano (year) and novo (new).
How do you pronounce it?
/feˈliz ˈɐ̃.nu ˈno.vu/. The stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word feliz comes from a root meaning 'to suckle', tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European word *dʰeh₁(y)-. This suggests an ancient connection between the feeling of happiness and the comfort of nursing.
- During the New Year celebrations, it is a common custom to jump over seven waves in the ocean while making wishes.
- In Portugal, it is common to eat twelve grapes at midnight while saying feliz ano novo, with one grape for each month of the upcoming year.
Examples in context
- Desejo-lhe um feliz ano novo.I wish you a Happy New Year.This sentence shows how to use feliz ano novo in a formal wish.Tatoeba #1333356 by alexmarcelo, translation #30091 by Eldad
- Feliz ano novo!Happy New Year!This is a simple, direct way to say the greeting.Tatoeba #404952 by brauliobezerra, translation #361350 by blay_paul
- Estou tão leve qual uma pluma, tão feliz quanto um anjo, tão alegre quanto um escolar. Estou mais tonto que um homem embriagado. Um Feliz Natal para todos! Um feliz ano novo para todo o mundo.I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to all the world.This example uses feliz ano novo within a longer paragraph of well-wishes.Tatoeba #3714803 by carlosalberto, translation #3714148 by Hybrid
- Feliz Ano Novo! Que o próximo ano seja cheio de conquistas!Happy New Year! May the next year be filled with achievements!
- Feliz ano novo! Tudo de bom, meu amigo!Happy New Year! All the best, my friend!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Juliana are meeting at a party on December 31st.
- FelipeFeliz ano novo, Juliana!Happy New Year, Juliana!
- JulianaObrigada, Felipe! Feliz ano novo para você também.Thank you, Felipe! Happy New Year to you too.
- FelipeDesejo um feliz ano novo cheio de saúde.I wish you a happy new year full of health.
- JulianaAmém! Um feliz ano novo para nós.Amen! A happy new year to us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy new year” translations and entries feliz ano novo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ano, feliz, novo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
