Happy New Year in French: 10+ Best Ways to Wish New Year!

How to Say Happy New Year in French?

The phrase Bonne année!, “Happy New Year in French” is commonly used in spoken conversations, greeting cards, and messages to wish someone well for the coming year. The phrase literally means "Good year!" It is a simple and warm greeting which is used widely throughout the French-speaking world. Further, it can be extended into more elaborate wishes such as "Bonne et heureuse année !" ("Good and happy year!") or "Meilleurs vœux pour la nouvelle année !" ("Best wishes for the new year!") depending on the formality and closeness of the relationship.

French New Year celebrations (“Le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre”) are characterized by joyful gatherings with family and friends, festive meals symbolizing transitions, joy, prosperity, and new beginnings.

Formal Context

To say "Happy New Year in French”, you can say:

Bonne année!

• Pronunciation: bawn ah-nay
• Literal meaning: Good year!
• Example: "Bonjour, bonne année!" ("Hello, Happy New Year”)
• This is the standard and polite way to wish someone a Happy New Year.

Informal Context

Although you can still say Bonne année among friends, but often people add a bit more warmth or casual phrases, such as:

1. Bonne année et bonne santé!

• Pronunciation: bo-nuh ah-nay eh bo-nuh san-tay
• Literal meaning: Happy New Year and good health!
• Example: Je vous souhaite une bonne année et bonne santé pour 2025!" ("I wish you a Happy New Year and good health for 2025!".)

2. Meilleurs vœux pour la nouvelle année!

• Pronunciation: May-yuh Vuh-uh pour la new-vell ah-nay
• Literal meaning: Best wishes for the new year!
• Example: Je vous souhaite à tous de joyeuses fêtes et meilleurs vœux pour la nouvelle année!" ("I wish you all a happy holiday season and best wishes for the new year!")

These are more informal or casual way to wish someone a Happy New Year. Now that you are thorough with how to say happy new year in French, let us move on to some more French greetings for this specific occasion, along with their pronunciations and usage in different contexts.

French Greetings for the New Year

In the table below, explore a variety of common French expressions used to wish a Happy New Year. When you learn French language, it is vital to understand where to use specific phrases - formal, informal, professional, casual, polite, warm, and heartfelt settings. These greetings cover ways to extend your best wishes for the upcoming year, along with the pronunciation of Happy New Year in French and its usage.

Now that you know how to say Happy New Year in French, why not try learning some other French words for New Year celebrations and upgrade your vocabulary?

French Words for New Year Celebrations

This section introduces you to basic French words related to New Year festivities. Learn words and phrases commonly used to describe traditions, celebrations, and wishes during this festive time. This way, you can build your vocabulary and better understand and participate in French New Year customs.

Making New Year's Resolutions in French

This section introduces the vocabulary and phrases you need to talk about resolutions that are exchanged with Happy New Year wishes in French. Learn how to express your goals, intentions, and promises for the coming year, just as they are commonly shared and discussed in French-speaking cultures.

Here are a few examples of Happy New Year in French language resolutions in proper sentences.

Example for Resolutions in French:

Example 1: Cette année, je vais apprendre une nouvelle langue.

(This year, I am going to learn a new language.)

Example 2: Je veux arrêter de fumer.

(I want to quit smoking.)

Example 3: Ma résolution du Nouvel An est de faire du sport régulièrement.

(My New Year’s resolution is to exercise regularly.)

New Year’s French Traditions

In French-speaking countries, traditions don’t just limit to wishing Happy New Year in French language. There are vibrant, diverse, and classic French customs reflecting each region’s unique culture. Here are some major traditions across the Francophone world:

• France: New Year’s Eve is celebrated with festive dinners called le réveillon, featuring delicacies and champagne. At midnight, it’s traditional to exchange cheek kisses and wish everyone “Bonne année!” Many kiss under the mistletoe as it is believed to bring good luck for the coming year. Urban celebrations often include fireworks and gatherings at landmarks like Paris’s Champs-Élysées.
• Québec (Canada): In Québec, New Year’s is marked by lively street parties and public fireworks displays, especially in Old Québec City. Despite the cold, people gather outdoors to celebrate with music, festivities, and fireworks over the St. Lawrence River. Cheek kisses and warm embraces are exchanged at midnight.
• Senegal: Celebrations combine religious and cultural traditions. People attend Midnight Mass, then join outdoor parties with music and dancing. Traditional Senegalese foods like thieboudienne and yassa are served at communal feasts, and fireworks decorate the night sky.
• Caribbean: New Year’s Eve is a festive, tropical affair featuring beach parties, live music, and fireworks. Outdoor gatherings are common due to the warm climate, blending Caribbean culture with French influences.
• Haiti: The celebrations focus on energetic street parties, music, and dance. Families, friends, and communities gather in public squares for traditional performances and fireworks.

Conclusion

To wrap up, we covered several ways to say Happy New Year in French along with their pronunciations and usage. Besides, different traditions are also mentioned here. While each country and region adds its own flavor—whether it’s snowy festivities in Québec, tropical beach parties in the Caribbean, or street dances in Senegal and Haiti—the themes of joy, togetherness, and hope for the future tie these New Year’s celebrations together throughout the French-speaking world. Now, you can apply what you’ve just learned and have a lot of fun in the Francophone world. Further, you can also learn to wish Happy Birthday in French, Happy Anniversary in French, and more such phrases to develop your vocabulary.

FAQ’s

How Do French People Wish a Happy New Year?

The most common way to wish someone a Happy New Year in French is with "Bonne année!" which translates directly to "Good Year!".

What Is the Pronunciation of Happy New Year in French?

Bonne année! The pronunciation of Happy New Year in French is bun ah-nay. When spoken quickly, the "e" in "bonne" is often not pronounced, making it sound like "bun".

How Do You Respond to "Bonne Année"?

You can simply say "Merci, bonne année à vous aussi" (Thank you, happy new year to you too) or "Merci, bonne année!". You can also add "et bonne santé" (and good health).

What Are Some Other Related Phrases with Happy New Year in French?

You can say "Meilleurs vœux" (Best wishes) or "Je vous souhaite une excellente année" (I wish you an excellent year). You can also say "Bonnes fêtes" (Happy Holidays), which can be used throughout the Christmas and New Year season.