Translation guide
In Japan, New Year's cards (年賀状) are a major cultural tradition. They are postcards sent to arrive on January 1st, expressing gratitude and well-wishes. This guide covers the card itself, common phrases, and related customs.
Referring to the physical New Year's postcard or the custom of sending them.
The standard word for a New Year's card. It specifically refers to the postcard sent during the New Year period.
今年も年賀状をたくさんもらった。
I received many New Year's cards again this year.
年賀状を書くのは大変だ。
Writing New Year's cards is a lot of work.
Literally 'New Year's postcard'. Often used interchangeably with 年賀状, but can emphasize the postcard format, especially the official post office ones with lottery numbers.
郵便局で年賀はがきを買った。
I bought New Year's postcards at the post office.
Standard greetings and expressions written on New Year's cards.
The most common New Year's greeting, meaning 'Happy New Year'. Used after the new year has begun.
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.
A formal, traditional four-character phrase meaning 'Happy New Year'. Often used in written greetings, especially on cards to superiors or in business.
謹賀新年皆様のご健康とご多幸をお祈り申し上げます。
Happy New Year. I wish you all good health and happiness.
A concise, formal New Year's greeting, often used in business or on cards to acquaintances. Less personal than 謹賀新年.
Other words and phrases associated with New Year's cards.
New Year's gift money, often given to children. While not the card itself, it's closely associated with New Year's greetings and sometimes mentioned on cards.
お年玉付き年賀はがきが当たった。
I won in the New Year's postcard lottery.
The practice of announcing that one will stop sending New Year's cards, often due to aging or other reasons. A recent social trend.
今年で年賀状じまいをすることにしました。
I've decided to stop sending New Year's cards starting this year.
New Year's cards should be posted by around December 25th to ensure delivery on January 1st. If you miss the deadline, you can send a '寒中見舞い' (winter greeting card) instead.
The phrase '明けましておめでとうございます' is only used after the new year has begun. Before January 1st, use '良いお年をお迎えください' (Have a good New Year).
Happy New Year. I ask for your continued association this year.