Translation guide
In Japan, New Year's Day (January 1st) is the most important holiday, marked by specific greetings, foods, and customs. This guide covers how to refer to the day itself and common expressions used around it.
元日
New Year's Day (January 1st)
明けましておめでとうございます
Happy New Year (after Jan 1)
Referring to January 1st as a date or holiday.
The standard word for New Year's Day (January 1st). Often used in formal contexts and on calendars.
元日は神社に行きます。
On New Year's Day, I go to the shrine.
Specifically refers to the morning of New Year's Day. Often used in New Year's cards (年賀状).
元旦に初日の出を見ました。
I watched the first sunrise on New Year's morning.
Refers to the New Year's holiday period (usually the first few days of January), not just the single day. Often used in casual conversation.
お正月は家族と過ごします。
I spend the New Year's holiday with my family.
Saying 'Happy New Year' on or around New Year's Day.
The standard polite greeting used after the new year has begun. Used from January 1st onward.
明けましておめでとうございます。今年もよろしくお願いします。
Happy New Year. I look forward to your continued friendship this year.
Used before the new year begins (typically in late December) to wish someone a good new year. Not used on New Year's Day itself.
良いお年をお迎えください。
I hope you have a good New Year.
Describing typical things done on New Year's Day.
The first shrine or temple visit of the new year, usually done on New Year's Day or within the first few days.
元日に初詣に行く人が多いです。
Many people go for their first shrine visit on New Year's Day.
Traditional New Year's foods, often eaten on New Year's Day.
Money given to children on New Year's Day.
元日 is the official term for January 1st. 元旦 specifically means the morning of January 1st and is common in New Year's cards. お正月 refers to the broader New Year's holiday period (usually Jan 1–3 or 1–7). Use お正月 for casual talk about the holiday season.
良いお年を is only used before the new year begins. Once it's January 1st, switch to 明けましておめでとうございます.
お正月にはおせち料理を食べます。
We eat osechi cuisine during the New Year's holiday.
子供たちはお年玉をもらいました。
The children received New Year's money.