In Korean culture, New Year holds great significance and is a widely celebrated holiday. Knowing how to greet someone and wish them a happy New Year in Korean is a wonderful way to connect with the culture and convey your warm wishes. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of saying “New Year” in Korean, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “New Year” in Korean:
1. 새해 (sae-hae): This is the most common and standard way to say “New Year” in Korean. It is the formal term used in official contexts, such as greetings in business settings or when addressing older individuals. It can be used interchangeably as a noun or an adjective.
Example: 새해 복 많이 받으세요! (Sae-hae bok man-i ba-deu-se-yo!) – May you receive many blessings in the New Year!
2. 설날 (seol-nal): While 새해 is widely used, Koreans also refer to the New Year as 설날, specifically when it coincides with the Lunar New Year. This term is more prevalent in traditional and family settings.
Example: 설날에는 가족과 함께 행복한 시간을 보내세요! (Seol-nal-e-neun ga-jok-gwa ham-kke haeng-bok-han shi-gan-eul bo-nae-se-yo!) – Spend a happy time with your family during Lunar New Year!
3. 신년 (sin-nyeon): Similar to 새해, 신년 is a formal term used to refer to the New Year. It carries a more official and serious tone and is commonly used in contexts like news broadcasts or formal speeches.
Informal Ways to Say “New Year” in Korean:
1. 새해 (sae-hae): Just like the formal version, 새해 can also be used in informal settings. It is casually used among friends, peers, or when speaking to someone of similar age.
Example: 새해 복 많이 받아! (Sae-hae bok man-i ba-da!) – Get lots of blessings in the New Year!
2. 새해 복 많이 받아 (sae-hae bok man-i ba-da): This phrase is a shortened form of the informal greeting. It can be used among friends, siblings, or with people you share a close relationship with.
Example: 새해 복 많이 받아서 건강하게 잘 지내! (Sae-hae bok man-i ba-da-seo geon-gang-ha-ge jal ji-nae!) – Receive many blessings in the New Year and stay healthy!
3. 복 많이 받아 (bok man-i ba-da): This is an even more casual way to wish someone blessings for the New Year. It is often used among very close friends or siblings.
Example: 올해도 복 많이 받아! (Ol-hae-do bok man-i ba-da!) – Receive many blessings this year too!
Tips for Greeting Koreans on New Year:
– When greeting someone, it is respectful to bow slightly, especially when using the formal terms like 새해 and 신년.
– It’s common to exchange small gifts during Lunar New Year, as a sign of good luck and respect. Traditional gifts may include food, tea, or Korean alphabet stamps called “도장” (do-jang).
– Koreans celebrate New Year’s Day on January 1st according to the Gregorian calendar, just like many countries worldwide. However, they also celebrate Lunar New Year (Seollal), which falls on different dates between January and February, depending on the lunar calendar.
Conclusion
Celebrating the New Year in Korean culture is full of traditions, warm wishes, and familial bonds. Whether using formal or informal expressions, expressing your well wishes for the New Year is always appreciated. Remember to consider the formality of the situation and your relationship with the recipient when choosing the appropriate greeting. So, 새해 복 많이 받으세요 (sae-hae bok man-i ba-deu-se-yo) – we hope you receive many blessings in the New Year!
