The Year of the Dragon is almost here! I hope all of you, my readers, have a happy, healthy, and successful 2012. :)
In Japanese, there are two ways to say "Happy New Year!" One is said leading up to the 1st and figuratively means "I hope you have a good year." Literally it's "Please welcome a good year."
良いお年をお迎えください。
"Yoi otoshi wo (omukae kudasai)."
yoh ee oh toh shee oh oh moo kai koo dah sigh
As soon as the clock changes to midnight, the greeting becomes:
新年あけましておめでとうございます！
"Shinnen akemashite omedetou (gozaimasu)!"
Shee nen ah kay mash tay oh meh day toh go zai mahs
...which is literally "Congratulations on the opening of the new year!" but is the equivalent of "Happy New Year!"
If the person you're talking or writing to is a coworker, teacher, or someone you work with, etc. you can also add:
今年もよろしくお願いします。
"Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu."
koh toh shee moh yoh rosh koo oh neh guy shee mahs
This means "Let's do our best together this year as well," implying a continuing working relationship between the two of you.
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