How Do You Say Happy New Year in Korean? 새해 복 많이 받으세요!
As the new year approaches, people worldwide are filled with joy and excitement. In Korea, the new year is celebrated with much fanfare and merriment – and of course, exchanging new year greetings is an essential part of the festivities. So, if you are planning on spending the new year in Korea or have Korean friends and colleagues that you’d like to greet during this special time, then it is important to know how to say “Happy New Year” in Korean.
There are a few different ways to say “Happy New Year” in Korean, but the most common and traditional way is to say “새해 복 많이 받으세요” (pronounced “sae-hae bok ma-ni ba-du-sae-yo”). This phrase literally means “I wish you many blessings in the new year.” It is a respectful and formal way to greet someone, and it is typically used in written form, such as in a greeting card or letter.
Korean New Year Traditions
The Korean New Year, also known as Seollal, is one of the most important holidays in Korea. It is a time for family gatherings, feasts, and traditional games. Korean new year traditions are rich in history and cultural significance and have been passed down through generations.
One of the most important Korean new year traditions is the ancestral rite, or charye. This is a ceremony in which families pay their respects to their ancestors and ask for their blessings for the new year. The charye is typically performed in the morning of New Year’s Day, and it is a very important part of the holiday celebration.
Other Ways To Say “Happy New Year” in Korean
In addition to “새해 복 많이 받으세요,” there are a few other ways to say “Happy New Year” in Korean. These include:
- “새해 복 많이 드립니다” (pronounced “sae-hae bok ma-ni deuri-mni-da”): This phrase is similar to “새해 복 많이 받으세요,” but it is used when you are speaking to someone who is older or of a higher social status than you.
- “새해 잘 보내세요” (pronounced “sae-hae jal bonae-sae-yo”): This phrase means “Have a good new year.” It is a more casual way to greet someone, and it is often used in conversation.
- “새해 복 많으세요” (pronounced “sae-hae bok ma-neu-se-yo”): This phrase is a shorter version of “새해 복 많이 받으세요.” It is a less formal way to greet someone, and it is often used in text messages or social media posts.
Tips for Greeting Someone in Korean on New Year’s Day
When greeting someone in Korean on New Year’s Day, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Be respectful. The Korean language is very hierarchical, and it is important to use the correct level of politeness when speaking to someone. When greeting someone who is older or of a higher social status than you, use the more formal phrase “새해 복 많이 받으세요.” When greeting someone who is younger or of a lower social status, you can use the more casual phrase “새해 복 많이 드립니다.”
- Make eye contact. Eye contact is considered to be a sign of respect in Korean culture. When greeting someone, make sure to make eye contact and smile.
- Be sincere. When greeting someone, be sincere and genuine. Don’t just go through the motions – take the time to wish them a happy new year and mean it.
Korean New Year Greetings FAQs
Q: What is the most common way to say “Happy New Year” in Korean?
A: The most common way to say “Happy New Year” in Korean is “새해 복 많이 받으세요” (pronounced “sae-hae bok ma-ni ba-du-sae-yo”).
Q: Is it okay to say “Happy New Year” in Korean before New Year’s Day?
A: Yes, it is okay to say “Happy New Year” in Korean before New Year’s Day. However, it is more common to say it on or after New Year’s Day.
Q: What is the difference between “새해 복 많이 받으세요” and “새해 복 많이 드립니다”?
A: ” 새해 복 많이 받으세요” is used when you are speaking to someone who is older or of a higher social status than you. “새해 복 많이 드립니다” is used when you are speaking to someone who is younger or of a lower social status.
Q: How do I wish someone a happy new year in Korean if I don’t know their age or social status?
A: If you don’t know the age or social status of the person you are greeting, you can use the phrase “새해 복 많으세요” (pronounced “sae-hae bok ma-neu-se-yo”). This phrase is a shorter version of “새해 복 많이 받으세요” and it is less formal.
I hope this article has been helpful. Now that you know how to say “Happy New Year” in Korean, you can confidently greet your Korean friends and colleagues during the new year festivities.
새해 복 많이 받으세요!
Are you interested in learning more about Korean new year traditions? If so, be sure to check out our other blog posts on the topic.
