Mastering Japanese New Year Greetings: The Key to Speaking Naturally🔑

あけましておめでとうございます (Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu)! 🌅

Welcome to 2025!

Today, let’s dive into two essential Japanese phrases for the New Year: “あけましておめでとうございます” and “よいおとしを”(Yoi otoshi o).

While they’re both tied to this special season, the key to using them naturally lies in knowing when to say them.👍

“あけましておめでとうございます” means “Happy New Year” and is used after January 1st, when the new year has officially begun. It’s a cheerful and polite way to celebrate the fresh start of a new year. ✨

On the other hand, “よいおとしを”, meaning “Have a good year,” is used before the new year, typically in late December.

You say this when parting ways with someone you won’t see again until the new year, wishing them well as they transition into the upcoming year.🙏

Learning to distinguish these phrases not only helps you sound more natural but also connects you to Japanese culture on a deeper level.

It’s satisfying to know when to use the right words at the right time!😄

In Japan, New Year’s Day (January 1st) is a much bigger event than Christmas, which is celebrated casually.

While Singapore places importance on Lunar New Year, Japan’s focus is entirely on January 1st.

The New Year is marked by family gatherings, eating おせちりょうり (Osechi ryōri), and visiting shrines for はつもうで (Hatsumōde). 🍱

These customs emphasise reflection, gratitude, and renewal.

Speaking of shrines, there’s one right near my home in Japan, and every new year season when I’m in my hometown, I visit it for Hatsumōde right after a new year begins to pray for health and happiness.

It’s one of my favourite traditions.😊

Another common phrase paired with “あけましておめでとうございます” is “ことしも よろしく おねがいします”(Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegai shimasu), which translates to “Please take care of me this year as well.” 🙇

This phrase beautifully captures the Japanese spirit of nurturing relationships.

As we step into this new year, let’s continue to learn and grow together.

ことしも よろしく おねがいします (Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu)!😀

ゆうた