The transition from one year to another is a special time celebrated across the globe, and Korea is no exception. If you’re diving into the Korean language or planning to celebrate New Year with Korean friends, learning how to say Happy New Year in Korean is a must. In this article, we’ll explore 10 essential greetings to help you ring in the Korean New Year with warmth and cheer.
1. 새해 복 많이 받으세요 (saehae bok mani badeuseyo) – Receive a lot of blessings in the New Year
The most common way to say Happy New Year in Korean is “새해 복 많이 받으세요” (saehae bok mani badeuseyo), which literally translates to “receive a lot of blessings in the New Year.” This is a formal and widely accepted phrase used in various situations, from greeting elders to writing in New Year’s cards.
2. 새해 복 많이 받으십시오 (saehae bok mani badeusipsio) – Receive many blessings in the New Year
For an even more formal greeting, especially in written form or when addressing someone with a great degree of respect, you can use “새해 복 많이 받으십시오” (saehae bok mani badeusipsio). The ending “십시오” (sipsio) is the formal honorific version of “세요” (seyo), adding a layer of respect to your wishes.
3. 새해 복 많이 받아 (saehae bok mani bada) – Receive many blessings in the New Year (Informal)
When speaking to close friends or those younger than you, the informal version “새해 복 많이 받아” (saehae bok mani bada) is appropriate. It carries the same meaning but is used in casual contexts. While informal, it still conveys your heartfelt wishes for the recipient to have a blessed New Year.
4. 행복한 새해 되세요 (haengbokan saehae doeseyo) – Have a Happy New Year
Another way to wish someone a happy New Year is by saying “행복한 새해 되세요” (haengbokan saehae doeseyo). This phrase means “Have a happy New Year,” shifting the focus slightly from blessings to overall happiness. It’s another great phrase to diversify your New Year’s greetings.
5. 새해 복 듬뿍 받으세요 (saehae bok deumbbuk badeuseyo) – May you receive an abundance of blessings in the New Year
To express your wishes for an abundance of blessings, use “새해 복 듬뿍 받으세요” (saehae bok deumbbuk badeuseyo). This phrase emphasizes receiving plenty of blessings and is a thoughtful way to show your deep well-wishes to someone special.
6. 새해 복 많이 받으세요, 건강하세요 (saehae bok mani badeuseyo, geonganghaseyo) – Receive many blessings in the New Year, and be healthy
Health is an essential aspect of happiness and well-being. By saying “새해 복 많이 받으세요, 건강하세요” (saehae bok mani badeuseyo, geonganghaseyo), you’re wishing someone not only blessings but also good health in the coming year. This combination of blessings and health makes your greeting even more heartfelt.
7. 행복하고 건강한 새해 되세요 (haengbokhago geonganghan saehae doeseyo) – Have a happy and healthy New Year
A similar but slightly different phrase is “행복하고 건강한 새해 되세요” (haengbokhago geonganghan saehae doeseyo), which means “Have a happy and healthy New Year.” By including both happiness and health, this greeting ensures a well-rounded wish for the recipient as they enter the New Year.
8. 새해 소망 다 이루세요 (saehae somang da iruseyo) – May all your New Year’s wishes come true
For a more personalized greeting, you can use “새해 소망 다 이루세요” (saehae somang da iruseyo), meaning “May all your New Year’s wishes come true.” This phrase taps into the hopes and dreams people often have as they enter the New Year, offering a sincere wish for those aspirations to be realized.
9. 새해 복 많이 받으시고 행복하세요 (saehae bok mani badeusigo haengbokhaseyo) – Receive many blessings in the New Year and be happy
To extend your well-wishes further, “새해 복 많이 받으시고 행복하세요” (saehae bok mani badeusigo haengbokhaseyo) wishes both blessings and happiness. This detailed phrase combines the wishes for blessings and joy, doubling the positivity of your New Year’s greeting.
10. 새해에도 건강하세요 (saehae edo geonganghaseyo) – Stay healthy in the New Year
Focusing on health for the New Year, “새해에도 건강하세요” (saehae edo geonganghaseyo) translates to “Stay healthy in the New Year.” Especially in times when health is a global concern, this phrase holds significant meaning and shows your care for the recipient’s well-being.
Korean New Year: Celebrations and Traditions
Understanding how to say Happy New Year in Korean is crucial, but knowing a bit about how Koreans celebrate the New Year can enhance your appreciation of this festive time.
Solar New Year (신정, sinjeong)
In Korea, the Solar New Year, celebrated on January 1st, is known as 신정 (sinjeong). It’s a time for social gatherings, often spent with friends, where people engage in activities such as watching stunning fireworks and ringing the bell at Bosingak in Jongno, Seoul at midnight.
Lunar New Year (구정, gujeong)
Koreans also celebrate the Lunar New Year or 구정 (gujeong), which falls in late January or early February. This celebration, known as 설날 (seollal), involves family reunions, traditional games, and the preparation of special foods like rice cake soup (떡국, tteokguk). Paying respect to ancestors during 제사 (jesa) is also a significant part of Lunar New Year festivities.
New Year’s Resolutions in Korea
Similar to many cultures, making New Year’s resolutions is becoming increasingly popular in Korea. The term for New Year’s resolution in Korean is 새해결심 (saehaegyeolsim).
Here are some common resolutions and how to express them:
- Lose weight: 살을 빼기로 했어요 (sareul ppaegiro haesseoyo)
- Study harder: 더 열심히 공부 하기로 했어요 (deo yeolsimhi gongbu hagiro haesseoyo)
- Stay healthy: 건강하게 살기로 했어요 (geonganghage salgiro haesseoyo)
To state your New Year’s resolution, you can end your sentence with -기로 했어요 (giro haesseoyo), which means “I plan to.”
Conclusion
Welcoming the New Year is an exciting time filled with hopes, dreams, and well-wishes. By learning these 10 essential phrases to say Happy New Year in Korean, you can share in the joy and cultural richness of Korean New Year celebrations. Whether you’re with friends, family, or meeting new people, your greetings will surely bring smiles and warmth as you usher in the New Year together.
Remember, each phrase carries a nuance and depth of its own, perfect for different contexts and relationships. So, embrace the spirit of the New Year and spread cheer in Korean style! 새해 복 많이 받으세요! (saehae bok mani badeuseyo)
