Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'new year' is most commonly expressed with 正月 (shōgatsu) or 新年 (shinnen). The choice depends on context: 正月 refers to the traditional New Year's holiday period and customs, while 新年 is more formal and often used in greetings. The new year is a major celebration in Japan, so many expressions are tied to specific traditions.
Referring to the New Year's holiday season, typically the first few days of January, including traditions and celebrations.
The most common word for the New Year's holiday period, emphasizing traditional customs, family gatherings, and special foods. Often used with honorific prefix お.
I spend New Year's with my family.
We eat osechi dishes during the New Year's holiday.
Refers to the year-end and New Year period as a whole, often used in business contexts (e.g., holiday schedules).
We are closed during the year-end and New Year holidays.
Specifically means 'New Year's holiday/vacation', often used when talking about days off.
How many days off do you have for New Year's?
Referring to the new year in a general or formal sense, often in greetings or resolutions.
Formal word for 'new year', commonly used in greetings like 新年あけましておめでとうございます and in written contexts.
Please tell me your New Year's resolution.
Literary/poetic term for 'new spring' or 'new year', often seen in formal New Year's cards or decorations.
Referring specifically to December 31st, the night before New Year's Day.
The standard word for New Year's Eve. Often associated with traditions like eating toshikoshi soba and watching the year-end bell ringing.
On New Year's Eve, we eat toshikoshi soba.
Refers to the night of New Year's Eve, especially in the context of the bell-ringing ceremony (除夜の鐘).
Referring specifically to January 1st.
The standard word for New Year's Day (January 1st). Often used in formal contexts and on calendars.
On New Year's Day, I go for hatsumōde (first shrine visit).
Specifically refers to the morning of New Year's Day, but often used interchangeably with 元日 in greetings.
Expressing the greeting 'Happy New Year' in various contexts.
The standard polite greeting after the new year has begun. Often preceded by 新年 (しんねん) in formal settings. Use with most people.
Happy New Year! I look forward to your continued friendship this year.
Casual version of the greeting, used with friends and family.
Happy New Year! Here's to another great year together.
Said before the new year begins, meaning 'Have a good New Year'. Used when parting before the holiday.
Well then, I wish you a happy New Year. (formal)
正月 (shōgatsu) refers to the traditional holiday period and customs, while 新年 (shinnen) is a more formal term for the new year as a concept. Use 正月 for talking about New Year's activities and 新年 in formal greetings or written contexts.
Avoid directly translating 'new year' as 新しい年 (atarashii toshi) in most contexts. While grammatically correct, it sounds unnatural. Use the appropriate term above based on the situation.
In Japan, 'Happy New Year' greetings change before and after January 1st. Before the new year, say よいお年を (yoi otoshi wo). After it begins, say あけましておめでとう (akemashite omedetō).
What are your plans for the new year?
Natural translation using お正月 for the holiday period.
Happy New Year! (formal)
I'm going back to my hometown for New Year's.
Happy New Year! (formal greeting)
新春を寿ぎ、謹んで新年のご挨拶を申し上げます。
Celebrating the new spring, I respectfully offer New Year's greetings. (very formal)
I went to listen to the New Year's Eve bells.
元旦に初日の出を見ました。
I watched the first sunrise of the year on New Year's morning.
Happy New Year! (said before New Year's)