Language of the Day: Happy New Year in languages around the world

How to Say “Happy New Year” in 10 Languages

The New Year is a time for celebration, reflection, and connection, and in Vancouver you’re likely to connect with friends from all around the world. One of the simplest ways to share joy across cultures is by learning how to say “Happy New Year” in your friends different languages. So here’s your quick guide to a few ways of ringing in 2026 that you can try with your friends this year.

1. English

Happy New Year!
The classic phrase we all know and love.

2. French

Bonne année!
Pronounced: bon ah-nay
Used widely in France and other French-speaking regions.

3. Spanish

¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
Pronounced: feh-lees ah-nyo nwe-vo
Perfect for greeting friends in Spain or Latin America.

4. Italian

Felice Anno Nuovo!
Pronounced: feh-lee-che ah-no nwe-vo
A warm wish from the heart of Italy.

5. German

Frohes Neues Jahr!
Pronounced: fro-hes noy-es yahr
Common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

6. Portuguese

Feliz Ano Novo!
Pronounced: feh-leez ah-no no-vo
Used in Portugal and Brazil.

7. Mandarin Chinese

新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè)!
Pronounced: sheen-nyen kwai-luh
A festive greeting for Chinese New Year and January 1st.

8. Japanese

明けましておめでとうございます (Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu)!
Pronounced: ah-keh-mah-she-te oh-meh-de-to go-za-ee-mas
A formal and polite way to greet in Japan.

9. Arabic

سنة جديدة سعيدة (Sanah Jadidah Saeidah)!
Pronounced: sah-nah ja-dee-dah sa-ee-dah
Used across Arabic-speaking countries.

10. Hindi

नया साल मुबारक हो (Naya Saal Mubarak Ho)!
Pronounced: nah-yah saal moo-bar-ak ho
A joyful greeting in India.

11. Korean

새해 복 많이 받으세요 (saehae bok mani badeuseyo)!
Pronounced: say-hey bok manny bad-euh say-yo
This phrase is the go-to way of saying "Happy New Year" in Korean.