Translation guide
In Japanese, the start of the New Year is expressed with specific verbs and phrases that reflect cultural nuances. The most common way is to use 明ける (akeru) for the new year 'dawning' or 'beginning'. Other expressions emphasize the arrival or opening of the year.
Expressing that the new year has started or arrived in a neutral, common way.
This is the most standard and natural way to say 'the New Year begins'. 明ける means 'to dawn' or 'to begin' and is specifically used for a new year or a new day.
新年が明けました。
The New Year has begun.
新年が明けると、多くの人が初詣に行きます。
When the New Year begins, many people go for hatsumōde (first shrine visit).
Focusing on the arrival or coming of the New Year, often with a sense of welcome.
This phrase means 'to welcome the New Year' and is very common in greetings and formal contexts. It implies the year has arrived and is being received.
新年を迎える準備をしています。
We are preparing to welcome the New Year.
明ける (akeru) is the idiomatic choice for the start of a new year or day, implying a natural transition from night to day or old year to new. 始まる (hajimaru) is a general verb for 'begin' and can be used, but sounds less natural for the New Year unless you want to emphasize a fresh start.
In New Year's greetings, 迎える (mukaeru) is very common. Phrases like 新年を迎える or 新しい年を迎える are standard in cards and formal messages.
明日、新年が明けます。
The New Year begins tomorrow.
年が明けたら、二十歳になります。
When the New Year begins, I will be 20 years old.
A slightly more casual version, using 年 (toshi) instead of 新年. It is very common in everyday speech.
年が明けたら、また連絡します。
I'll contact you again after the New Year begins.
A more literal translation using 始まる (hajimaru, 'to begin'). It is understandable but less idiomatic than 明ける.
新しい年が始まりました。
A new year has begun.
As we welcome the New Year, I wish you all good health.
A formal, somewhat literary expression meaning 'the year changes/renews'. It is used in formal writing or speeches.
年が改まりまして、お慶び申し上げます。
As the year has changed, I extend my congratulations.