Translation guide
This entry covers how to express the beginning of the New Year in Japanese, including common phrases, cultural nuances, and natural expressions.
Expressing that the New Year has started or is starting, often used in greetings or general statements.
A straightforward, neutral way to say 'the New Year starts'. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
The New Year has started.
The New Year will start soon.
Literally 'the year dawns/opens', a very common and natural way to say the New Year begins. Often used in the past tense to refer to the start of the year.
The New Year has begun.
As soon as the New Year starts, work begins.
A slightly more explicit version, emphasizing 'new year'. Natural but less common than 年が明ける.
I like the moment when the new year starts.
Referring specifically to the arrival of January 1st or the New Year holiday period.
Means 'it becomes New Year's' (the holiday period). Very common when talking about the New Year season arriving.
It will soon be New Year's.
When the New Year comes, I'll go back to my parents' home.
Literally 'to welcome New Year's Day'. A slightly formal or literary expression often used in writing or speeches.
Formal or written expressions for the start of the New Year, often used in greetings or announcements.
A formal way to say 'to welcome the New Year'. Common in New Year's cards (年賀状) and formal greetings.
I am happy to be able to welcome the New Year together with everyone.
A very formal, somewhat bureaucratic expression meaning 'it becomes the beginning of the year'. Used in official contexts.
年が明ける is more idiomatic and common in everyday speech, while 新年が始まる is more literal and slightly formal. Both are correct, but 年が明ける is preferred for natural conversation.
I'll go on a trip once the New Year starts.
Fireworks went off as soon as the New Year started.
正月 (shōgatsu) refers to the New Year's holiday period, typically the first few days of January. It carries cultural weight, so using 正月になる is more natural when referring to the festive season rather than just the calendar date.
We are preparing to welcome the New Year and New Year's Day.
We will resume business from January 4th, the start of the year.