Translation guide
Expressions used to convey goodwill, often in greetings, farewells, or written messages.
To express general good wishes, often at the end of a letter, card, or formal message.
A standard formal closing in letters, similar to 'Sincerely' or 'Best regards'. Used in business and formal personal correspondence.
以上、よろしくお願いいたします。敬具
Thank you for your consideration. Best wishes,
Literally 'I pray for your good fortune'. Used to wish someone luck or success, often in formal contexts.
新しい門出に幸運を祈ります。
Best wishes on your new beginning.
A very polite and formal expression meaning 'I wish you much happiness'. Used in formal letters or speeches.
皆様のご多幸をお祈り申し上げます。
I wish you all the best.
To express good wishes in everyday conversation, such as when someone is embarking on something new or facing a challenge.
The most common way to say 'Good luck' or 'Do your best'. Used casually among friends, family, and colleagues.
試験、頑張って！
Best wishes on your exam!
Means 'I hope it goes well'. A softer, more empathetic way to express good wishes.
新しい仕事、うまくいくといいね。
Best wishes with your new job. I hope it goes well.
Means 'I'm rooting for you'. Conveys support and encouragement.
夢に向かって頑張って！応援してるよ。
Best wishes chasing your dreams! I'm rooting for you.
To convey best wishes specifically during the New Year period, a culturally significant time for well-wishing in Japan.
The standard New Year greeting, meaning 'Happy New Year'. Used from January 1st onwards.
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! Best wishes for the coming year.
Used before the New Year begins, meaning 'Please have a good New Year'. Equivalent to 'Best wishes for the New Year'.
今年もお世話になりました。良いお年をお迎えください。
Thank you for everything this year. Best wishes for the New Year.
To express best wishes when someone is leaving, such as moving away, changing jobs, or graduating.
Means 'Take care' or 'Stay well'. A common way to say goodbye with good wishes.
新しい場所でもお元気で。
Best wishes in your new place. Take care.
A formal expression meaning 'I wish you success in your future endeavors'. Often used when a colleague leaves a company.
今後のご活躍をお祈りしています。
Best wishes for your future success.
To write a short message of best wishes on a gift or card for celebrations like weddings, births, or graduations.
The standard 'Congratulations'. Often combined with other phrases to convey best wishes.
ご結婚おめでとうございます。お二人の幸せを願っています。
Congratulations on your wedding. Best wishes for your happiness together.
A warm, slightly casual way to say 'Be happy' or 'Best wishes for your happiness'. Often used at weddings.
本当におめでとう！お幸せにね。
Congratulations! Best wishes for a happy life.
The English phrase 'best wishes' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it literally as 最高の願い (saikou no negai) sounds unnatural. Instead, choose an expression based on the context and relationship.
最高の願いを送ります。
I send you my best wishes. (unnatural)
In formal writing, use set phrases like 敬具 (keigu) or 幸運を祈ります (kouun wo inorimasu). In casual speech, 頑張って (ganbatte) or うまくいくといいね (umaku iku to ii ne) are more natural. The level of politeness should match your relationship with the recipient.