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.
正月は家族と過ごします。
I spend New Year's with my family.
お正月にはおせち料理を食べます。
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).
年末年始は休業します。
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.
お正月休みは何日ありますか。
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.
新年の抱負を教えてください。
Please tell me your New Year's resolution.
新年あけましておめでとうございます。
Happy New Year! (formal greeting)
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.
大晦日には年越しそばを食べます。
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).
除夜の鐘を聞きに行きました。
I went to listen to the New Year's Eve bells.
Referring specifically to January 1st.
The standard word for New Year's Day (January 1st). Often used in formal contexts and on calendars.
元日は初詣に行きます。
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.
あ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! I look forward to your continued friendship this year.
Casual version of the greeting, used with friends and family.
あけましておめでとう！今年もよろしくね。
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.
それでは、よいお年をお迎えください。
Well then, I wish you a happy New Year. (formal)
よいお年を！
Happy New Year! (said before New Year's)
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).
お正月の予定は何ですか。
What are your plans for the new year?
Natural translation using お正月 for the holiday period.
新年あけましておめでとうございます。
Happy New Year! (formal)
正月は実家に帰ります。
I'm going back to my hometown for New Year's.
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)
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.