The Japanese kanji for Happy New Year is 明けましておめでとうございます. We learn the kanji for happy new year and also how tos ay Happy New Year in Japanese.
The Japanese language is renowned for its intricate writing system, with kanji characters playing a significant role in its richness and complexity.
One of the most culturally significant occasions in Japan is the celebration of the New Year, known as “Shogatsu” (正月), and the corresponding kanji characters for “Happy New Year” carry deep cultural and linguistic significance.
In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Japanese kanji, exploring the characters that represent “Happy New Year” and the cultural importance they hold.
Japanese Kanji for Happy New Year Is 明けましておめでとうございます
In Japanese, the phrase “Happy New Year” is written as “Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu” (明けましておめでとうございます). Let’s break down this phrase and examine its constituent kanji characters:
- 明け (Ake) – This character means “dawn” or “beginning.” It represents the idea of a new start, marking the transition from the old year to the new one.
- まして (Mashite) – This hiragana character is a grammatical marker used to connect words and add politeness to the phrase. It serves as a bridge between “Ake” and “Omedetou.”
- おめでとう (Omedetou) – This compound kanji character consists of “お” (o) and “めでたい” (medetai). “お” is a prefix that adds politeness and respect to a word, while “めでたい” (medetai) means “auspicious” or “joyous.” Together, “おめでとう” (Omedetou) conveys congratulations and joy.
- ございます (Gozaimasu) – Similar to “Mashite,” this is a polite ending particle that adds respect to the phrase
How To Say Happy New Year In Japanese?
Learning how to say “Happy New Year” in Japanese is a great way to participate in the celebrations and connect with Japanese culture. In Japanese, there are a couple of common phrases to convey this New Year’s greeting:
- あけましておめでとうございます (Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu):
This is the most formal and polite way to wish someone a Happy New Year in Japanese. It is commonly used in official settings, with superiors, and when showing deep respect.
Pronunciation: Ah-keh-mah-shee-teh Oh-meh-deh-toh Goh-zah-ee-mahss
- あけおめ (Akeome):
This is a shorter, more casual version of the greeting, often used among friends and acquaintances. It’s a friendly way to wish someone well for the New Year.
Pronunciation: Ah-keh-oh-meh
- あけましておめでとう (Akemashite Omedetou):
This is a slightly less formal but still polite way to wish someone a Happy New Year. It’s suitable for most social situations and conversations.
Pronunciation: Ah-keh-mah-shee-teh Oh-meh-deh-toh
- 新年おめでとう (Shinnen Omedetou):
This phrase means “New Year congratulations” and is another way to wish someone well for the New Year. It’s less common than the previous options but still used.
Pronunciation: Sheen-nen Oh-meh-deh-toh
- 謹賀新年 (Kinga Shinnen):
This phrase is often used in written form, such as on New Year’s cards (nengajo). It’s a formal way to offer New Year’s greetings.
Pronunciation: Kin-gah Sheen-nen
When using these phrases, it’s essential to keep in mind the level of formality and your relationship with the person you are addressing.
“Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu” is a safe and respectful choice for most situations, while “Akeome” is more casual and suitable for friends and peers.
Whichever phrase you choose, your effort to convey New Year’s wishes in Japanese will be greatly appreciated by those you greet.
Breaking Down The KanjI 明けましておめでとうございます
Breaking down the Japanese kanji and components of the phrase “明けましておめでとうございます” (Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu) can help you understand its meaning and structure:
明け (Ake):
- Kanji: 明
- Meaning: This character means “dawn” or “daybreak.” It represents the idea of a new beginning, emphasizing the start of a new year. It signifies the transition from the darkness of the previous year to the light and hope of the year ahead.
まして (Mashite):
- Hiragana: まして
- Function: “まして” (Mashite) is a hiragana sequence used as a grammatical marker to connect words and add politeness to the phrase. It serves as a bridge between “Ake” and “Omedetou.”
おめでとう (Omedetou):
- Kanji: おめでとう
- Meaning: This compound kanji character consists of “お” (o), which is a prefix that adds politeness and respect, and “めでたい” (medetai), meaning “auspicious” or “joyous.” Together, “おめでとう” (Omedetou) conveys congratulations and joy. It’s the core of the New Year’s greeting, expressing best wishes for the coming year.
ございます (Gozaimasu):
- Hiragana: ございます
- Function: “ございます” (Gozaimasu) is a polite ending particle used to add respect and formality to the phrase. It is common in formal greetings and expressions.
So, when you break down the kanji and components of “明けましておめでとうございます,” you can see that it starts with the character for “dawn,” which represents the beginning of the new year. “おめでとう” (Omedetou) expresses congratulations and joy, and “ございます” (Gozaimasu) adds politeness and respect to the greeting.
The hiragana “まして” (Mashite) serves as a connector, making the entire phrase a respectful and heartfelt way to wish someone a Happy New Year in Japanese.
Cultural Significance
The use of kanji characters in the phrase “Happy New Year” reflects the Japanese people’s reverence for tradition and symbolism. Each character carries deep cultural and historical significance:
- 明け (Ake) – The character “明” (ake) signifies the dawn of a new year, emphasizing the concept of renewal and fresh beginnings. It is also associated with the first light of the day, symbolizing hope and optimism.
- おめでとう (Omedetou) – This compound kanji character reflects the Japanese culture of wishing others happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. It is not limited to New Year’s greetings but extends to various occasions where congratulations are in order.
- ございます (Gozaimasu) – The polite ending particle “ございます” (gozaimasu) reflects the Japanese etiquette of maintaining respect and humility in communication. This politeness is highly regarded in Japanese society and is especially important during the New Year season.
Traditional Customs and Celebrations
The New Year, or “Shogatsu,” is one of the most significant holidays in Japan. It is celebrated with various customs and traditions, many of which involve the use of the kanji characters for “Happy New Year”:
- Hatsumode (初詣) – This tradition involves visiting a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple on New Year’s Day to pray for good fortune, health, and prosperity in the coming year. People often exchange greetings, including “Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu,” during their visits.
- Nengajo (年賀状) – Nengajo are New Year’s greeting cards sent to family, friends, and colleagues. They typically feature artwork and the phrase “Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu” to convey good wishes for the year ahead.
- Osechi Ryori (おせち料理) – Osechi are traditional New Year’s dishes, each with symbolic meanings to bring luck and prosperity. Families enjoy these special foods during the first few days of the year, while sharing the phrase “Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu.”
Conclusion
The Japanese kanji characters for “Happy New Year” encapsulate the essence of this culturally significant occasion.
Through the characters “明けましておめでとうございます,” the Japanese express their desire for new beginnings, joy, and prosperity while upholding their rich tradition of politeness and respect.
The New Year in Japan is a time of reflection, celebration, and the sharing of warm wishes, and these kanji characters are at the heart of it all, representing the hope and optimism that come with the start of a new year.