Speakin’ Japanese: Greeting the New Year

Here are some useful Japanese words and phrases you can use during the holiday season:

“Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu” – Happy New Year!
Japanese people say “Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu” when greeting someone after the New Year.  You can also bow when saying it as a sign of respect.

“Bonenkai” – End of year party
Japanese people like to party, especially in December. Office workers gather to close out the year with food and drinks at restaurants.  There are many special menus and deals for bonekais, but you better make a reservation.

“Shinnen no hofu” – New Year’s resolution

“Otera” – Temple

“Jinjya” – Shrine

“Fuyu yasumi” – Winter vacation

“Oshogatsu yasumi” – New Year’s vacation

“Yasumi boke” – Japanese use this term when they are feeling sluggish after vacation. You will hear many people saying this after the holidays.