Discover How to Wish ‘Happy New Year’ in Ukrainian- A Guide to Ukrainian New Year Greetings

How to say “Happy New Year” in Ukrainian can be a delightful way to connect with the Ukrainian culture and language. As the year comes to a close, expressing this sentiment in the native tongue adds a touch of authenticity and warmth. In Ukrainian, “Happy New Year” is translated as “Щасливого Нового року” (Shchastlivoho Novoho roku). Let’s explore this greeting and some related phrases that can help you navigate the Ukrainian New Year celebrations.

The Ukrainian New Year, known as “Новий рік” (Novyi rik), is celebrated on January 1st, following the Gregorian calendar. This tradition has its roots in the old Slavic New Year celebrations, which were based on the Julian calendar. Over time, the New Year has become a time for family gatherings, feasts, and the exchange of gifts, much like in many other cultures around the world.

To properly greet someone in Ukrainian during the New Year, you can say “Щасливого Нового року” (Shchastlivoho Novoho roku). This phrase is a straightforward translation of “Happy New Year” and is widely used among friends, family, and acquaintances. Here’s a breakdown of the words:

– Щасливого (Shchastlivoho) means “happy”
– Нового (Novoho) means “new”
– Року (Roku) means “year”

In a more formal context, you might also use “Веселого Нового року” (Veseloho Novoho roku), which is another way to say “Happy New Year.” The word “веселого” (veseloho) means “happy” and is similar in tone to “щасливого” (shchastlivoho).

In addition to the main greeting, there are several other phrases you might want to know for the Ukrainian New Year:

– “Різдвяного щастя” (Rizdvalnoho shchastia) – Merry Christmas (used during the holiday season leading up to New Year’s)
– “Рибалки” (Rybalki) – Fish (a traditional dish served on New Year’s Eve)
– “Щастливого 2024 року” (Shchastlivoho 2024 roku) – Happy New Year 2024 (specifically for the year 2024)

When greeting someone in Ukrainian, it’s always a good idea to pronounce the words clearly and with enthusiasm. The warmth of your tone can make the greeting even more meaningful. As you embark on the New Year, consider incorporating these phrases into your celebrations to share in the spirit of the Ukrainian New Year.