When the countdown begins and the clock strikes midnight, people all around the world greet each other with well wishes for the New Year. If you’re interested in learning how to say “Happy New Year” in Russian, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express this popular phrase, along with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
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Formal Way: С Новым Годом! (S Novym Godom!)
When addressing someone with respect or in a formal setting, it’s appropriate to use the phrase “С Новым Годом!” (S Novym Godom!). This is the mainstream and widely accepted way to wish someone a Happy New Year in Russia. Let’s break down this phrase further to understand its pronunciation:
“С” (S) is pronounced as “s” in “sun”.
“Новым Годом” (Novym Godom) is pronounced as “No-vihm GOH-dahm”.
To make yourself even more impressive, you can also add “Вас” (Vas) before “С Новым Годом!” to say “Вас с Новым Годом!” (Vas s Novym Godom!). This translates to “Wishing you a Happy New Year.” This addition shows additional respect and formality towards the person you’re greeting.
Tips:
- When wishing Happy New Year to multiple people, you can use “С Новым Годом!” without any modification. It works both for a single person and a group.
- Try to maintain eye contact and a warm smile when delivering your wishes. It adds sincerity and a personal touch to your greeting.
Informal Way: С Новым годом, дружище! (S Novym godom, druzhishche!)
For close friends, family members, or in informal situations, you can opt for a more relaxed and friendly greeting. Saying “С Новым годом, дружище!” (S Novym godom, druzhishche!) will make your wishes sound casual and full of warmth. Here’s a breakdown for pronunciation:
“С” (S) is pronounced as “s” in “sun”.
“Новым годом” (Novym Godom) is pronounced as “No-vihm GOH-dahm”.
“дружище” (druzhishche) is pronounced as “droo-ZHEESH-cheh”.
Adding “дружище” (druzhishche), which means “buddy” or “pal” in English, adds an extra touch of familiarity and affection to your New Year’s greeting.
Tips:
- Feel free to modify “дружище” (druzhishche) to suit your relationship or the tone you wish to convey. For example, you could use “друг” (drug) meaning “friend” or “приятель” (priyatel) meaning “comrade” instead, depending on your personal dynamic with the person.
- Using nicknames or terms of endearment can make your wishes even more heartfelt and personal. It’s a lovely way to show you care.
Example Sentences:
To help you understand the usage of these greetings, here are a few examples of how you can incorporate them into your conversations:
Formal:
1. С Новым Годом! Желаю вам успехов и благополучия в новом году! (S Novym Godom! Zhelayu vam uspekhov i blagopoluchiya v novom godu!) – Happy New Year! I wish you success and prosperity in the new year!
2. Вас с Новым Годом! Пускай следующий год будет полон радости и достижений! (Vas s Novym Godom! Puskay sleduyushchiy god budet polon radosti i dostizheniy!) – Wishing you a Happy New Year! May the next year be filled with joy and achievements!
Informal:
1. С Новым годом, дружище! Желаю тебе всего наилучшего в новом году! (S Novym godom, druzhishche! Zhelayu tebe vsego nailuchshego v novom godu!) – Happy New Year, buddy! I wish you all the best in the new year!
2. Ну что, друг, с Новым годом! Пусть этот год принесет тебе только радость и счастье! (Nu chto, drug, s Novym godom! Pust etot god prineset tebe tolko radost’ i schast’ye!) – Well, my friend, Happy New Year! May this year bring you only joy and happiness!
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You’ve now mastered the art of wishing someone a Happy New Year in Russian. Whether you choose to use the formal “С Новым Годом!” or the more friendly “С Новым годом, дружище!” depends on the person you’re greeting and the situation. Remember to speak with warmth and sincerity to make your wishes truly meaningful.
So, when the clock strikes midnight and it’s time to embrace the New Year, impress your Russian friends or colleagues by confidently delivering your heartfelt wishes in their native language. С Новым Годом! Happy New Year!
