Translation guide
In Japan, New Year's Eve is called 大晦日 (おおみそか). It is a time for family gatherings, eating special foods, and visiting temples. The most common phrase is 良いお年を, said before the new year begins.
Referring to the date or the day itself
The standard word for New Year's Eve in Japanese. Used in both spoken and written contexts.
大晦日は家族と過ごします。
I spend New Year's Eve with my family.
大晦日の夜は特別な料理を食べます。
On New Year's Eve night, we eat special dishes.
Literally 'crossing over the year', often used in phrases like 年越しそば (New Year's Eve noodles). Can refer to the act of seeing the old year out and welcoming the new one.
年越しそばを食べる習慣があります。
There is a custom of eating year-crossing soba.
Wishing someone well for the coming year before it starts
The standard phrase said before New Year's Day, meaning 'Have a good new year'. Used when parting from someone before the new year begins.
それでは、良いお年を。
Well then, have a happy New Year.
A more polite and formal version of 良いお年を, suitable for business or formal situations.
来年もよろしくお願いします。良いお年をお迎えください。
Thank you for your continued support next year. Please have a happy New Year.
Describing typical things people do on New Year's Eve
Instead of a direct translation, describe the activity. Common activities include eating 年越しそば, watching 紅白歌合戦 (a TV music show), and visiting a temple for 除夜の鐘 (the ringing of the temple bell).
大晦日には年越しそばを食べて、紅白を見ます。
On New Year's Eve, we eat year-crossing soba and watch Kōhaku.
除夜の鐘を聞きに行きました。
I went to hear the New Year's Eve bell.
Once it is January 1st, switch to 明けましておめでとうございます (Happy New Year). Using 良いお年を after midnight sounds odd.
大晦日 is the specific date (December 31st). 年越し refers to the act of crossing into the new year and is often used in compound words like 年越しそば or 年越しパーティー.