As the year comes to an end, it is customary to greet friends, family, and loved ones with warm wishes for the New Year. If you want to extend your well-wishes in Russian, here is a comprehensive guide on how to say “Happy New Year.” Whether you’re looking for formal or informal expressions, we have you covered. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Greetings:
S Novym Godom!
This is the most common and standard way to say “Happy New Year” in Russian. It is the perfect phrase to use in formal situations, such as addressing colleagues, your boss, or people you are not familiar with.
Zhelayu S Novym Godom!
This expression, which translates to “I wish you a Happy New Year,” can be used in formal contexts when you want to emphasize your well-wishes. It is polite and respectful, making it suitable for professional settings or when addressing elders.
Informal Greetings:
S Novym Godom, Druzya!
When addressing friends or peers, this phrase conveys a sense of familiarity and warmth. It translates to “Happy New Year, friends!” You can adjust the phrase by substituting “druzya” (friends) with other informal terms like “drug” (buddy) or “devushka” (girlfriend).
Novogodnee Schastye Vam!
To express your New Year’s wishes in a more personal way, you can say “New Year’s happiness to you!” This phrase is a little more intimate and can be used when greeting close friends and family members.
Tips for Pronunciation:
Russian pronunciation might appear challenging at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to master the New Year’s greetings. Here are some tips to help you pronounce the phrases correctly:
1. “S” and “Novym”: The “S” is pronounced as “s” in the word “sam.” “Novym” is pronounced as “noh-vym” with the emphasis on the second syllable.
2. “Godom”: The “o” in “Godom” is pronounced as a short “o” sound, much like the “o” in “on.” The stress is placed on the second syllable.
3. “Druzya”: “Druzya” is pronounced as “droo-z’ya,” with the emphasis on the first syllable. The “r” sound is soft, similar to the “r” in Spanish or Italian.
Examples:
To help you understand how to use these greetings in context, here are a few examples of how you can incorporate them into New Year conversations:
1. Formal:
Person A: С Новым Годом! (S Novym Godom!)
Person B: Спасибо! И вам того же! (Spasibo! Ee vam toh-go zhe!) – Thank you! And the same to you!
2. Informal:
Person A: Новогоднее счастье вам! (Novogodnee Schastye Vam!)
Person B: Спасибо! И тебе того же! (Spasibo! Ee te-beh toh-go zhe!) – Thank you! And the same to you!
Regional Variations:
Across the vast expanse of Russia, you might come across regional variations or dialectical differences in how people greet each other for the New Year. However, the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and accepted throughout the country. It is always a good idea to stick to the common expressions to ensure clear communication.
With this guide, you are now equipped to extend warm New Year greetings in Russian. Whether you choose to use a formal or informal expression, it’s the sentiment behind the words that truly matters. So go ahead, spread some cheer, and welcome the New Year with open arms!
