bonne année
/bɔ.n‿a.ne/
bonne année is the French phrase for "happy new year".
Meaning: Happy New Year (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bonne (good, feminine) and année (year, feminine), literally meaning "good year".
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an object in a sentence, such as "I wish you a happy new year", the indefinite article une is used: une bonne année.
How do you pronounce it?
/bɔ.n‿a.ne/
Did you know?
- The word année in bonne année specifically refers to the duration of the year, whereas the word an refers to the year as a single point in time.
- A traditional French New Year's gift is la galette des rois, a cake containing a hidden trinket that determines who is 'king' for the day.
- In France, it is common to keep saying bonne année well into January, sometimes as late as the end of the month.
Examples in context
- Bonne année, Louise !Happy New Year, Louise!This shows how to address someone directly using bonne année.Tatoeba #8718865 by Micsmithel, translation #269365 by CP
- Joyeux Noël et bonne année !Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!This example uses bonne année alongside a Christmas greeting.Tatoeba #3708474 by GB3, translation #925023 by zvaigzne
- Je te souhaite une bonne année.I wish you a happy new year.This sentence demonstrates the use of the indefinite article with bonne année.Tatoeba #2373414 by Bruno, translation #9583347 by AlanF_US
- Que cette nouvelle année vous apporte bonheur et prospérité.May this new year bring you happiness and prosperity.
- Je vous souhaite une année remplie de joie, de santé et de succès.I wish you a year filled with joy, health, and success.
- Meilleurs vœux pour la nouvelle année!Best wishes for the new year!
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan meet at a cafe on January 1st.
- EmmaBonne année, Nathan !Happy New Year, Nathan!
- NathanMerci, bonne année à toi aussi, Emma.Thank you, happy New Year to you too, Emma.
- EmmaTu as passé un bon réveillon ?Did you have a good New Year's Eve?
- NathanOui, c'était très sympa, merci.Yes, it was very nice, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy new year” translations and entries bonne année, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
