How To Say "Happy New Year" In Spanish
The start of a new year is a time of hope, renewal, and celebration all around the world. In Spanish-speaking countries, the phrase "Happy New Year" is an essential part of the festivities. If you want to join in the fun and wish your Spanish-speaking friends and colleagues a prosperous and joyful year ahead, read on to discover how to say Happy New Year in Spanish, the meaning of this phrase, and some regional variations.
Fast track your vocabulary with the 10.000 most common Spanish words!
What is "Happy New Year" in Spanish?
The most common way to say "Happy New Year" in Spanish is "Feliz Año Nuevo" (IPA: /fe.lis aɲo̞ ˈnwe.βo̞/). However, there are variations of this phrase depending on the region and cultural context.
Meaning of "Happy New Year" in Spanish
The phrase "Feliz Año Nuevo" literally means "Happy New Year" in English. It is a common greeting used to wish someone a prosperous and joyful new year. In Spanish-speaking cultures, the new year is often celebrated with family gatherings, fireworks, and special traditions, such as eating 12 grapes at midnight in Spain or burning life-sized dolls in Ecuador.
4 eBooks of the Spanish Frequency Dictionaries series by MostUsedWords
Translating "Happy New Year" to Spanish
If you want to say "Happy New Year" in Spanish, you can use the phrase "Feliz Año Nuevo". Other variations include:
- ¡Próspero Año Nuevo! (IPA: /ˈpɾos.pe.ɾo aɲo̞ ˈnwe.βo̞/) — This phrase is commonly used in Latin America to wish someone a prosperous new year.
- ¡Feliz Año! (IPA: /fe.lis aɲo̞/) — This is a shorter and more casual way of saying "Happy New Year" in Spanish.
- ¡Felices Fiestas! (IPA: /fe.lis ˈfjes.tas/) — This is a broader greeting that can be used to wish someone happy holidays during the winter season.
- ¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo! (IPA: /fe.lis na.βiˈðað i ˈpɾos.pe.ɾo aɲo̞ ˈnwe.βo̞/) — This phrase means "Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year" and is commonly used in Spain.
Regional Differences
In addition to the variations mentioned above, there are also regional differences in how people say "Happy New Year" in Spanish. For example:
- In some parts of Spain, people use the phrase "Felices Fiestas" or "Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo" to greet each other during the holiday season.
- In Mexico, the phrase "Feliz Año Nuevo" is commonly used, but some people also say "Feliz Año" or "Próspero Año Nuevo".
- In Argentina, people often say "Feliz Año" or "Próspero Año Nuevo".
- In Chile, the most common way to say "Happy New Year" is "Feliz Año Nuevo", but some people also say "Prospero Año Nuevo" or "Año Nuevo Feliz".
- In Colombia, people typically say "Feliz Año Nuevo" or "Próspero Año Nuevo".
- In Peru, the most common way to say "Happy New Year" is "Feliz Año Nuevo", but some people also say "Próspero Año Nuevo".
You can find the paperbacks on Amazon (we have frequency dictionaries for beginners, intermediates, advanced and near-fluent students), or get the eBooks directly from us here. (They are affiliate links. That means we might get a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking these links, at no extra cost to you.)
How to Say "Happy New Year" in Spanish: Sample Sentences
Here are five sample sentences you can use to say "Happy New Year" in Spanish:
- Quiero desearles a todos un Feliz Año Nuevo.
(I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year.)
- Este año, espero tener un Año Nuevo lleno de alegría y felicidad.
(This year, I hope to have a New Year full of joy and happiness.)
- ¡Feliz Año Nuevo! Que este año te traiga mucho amor y éxito.
(Happy New Year! May this year bring you lots of love and success.)
- Mi resolución de Año Nuevo es aprender español.
(My New Year's resolution is to learn Spanish.)
- ¡Feliz Nochevieja! Vamos a celebrar el fin de año juntos.
(Happy New Year's Eve! Let's celebrate the end of the year together.)
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to say "Happy New Year" in Spanish is an essential part of New Year's Eve celebrations in Spanish-speaking countries. The phrase "Feliz Año Nuevo" represents a desire for happiness, joy, and prosperity in the new year. While "Feliz Año Nuevo" is the most common phrase used in Spain, "Próspero Año Nuevo" is also used in some Latin American countries. With these phrases and sample sentences, you can confidently greet your Spanish-speaking friends and family and express your good wishes for the upcoming year.