A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Happy new year" in French
The standard French greeting for the New Year, used from January 1st onwards.
Bonne année !
bun ah-NAYneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Say this to anyone you know after midnight on New Year's Eve, or anytime on January 1st. It's also appropriate for the first few days of January when you see people for the first time in the new year.
Alternatives
- Meilleurs vœux !This means 'Best wishes!' and can be used alongside or instead of 'Bonne année'.
- Bon réveillon !This is specifically for New Year's Eve, before midnight.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'bonne'
The 'n' in 'bonne' is not nasal; say it like the 'bun' in 'bunch'.
Forgetting the 'e'
Remember to add the final 'e' to 'bonne' because 'année' (year) is feminine.
A small cultural note
While 'Bonne année' is standard, some people might also add 'Bonne santé' (good health) or 'Bonheur' (happiness).
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When do French people say Bonne année?
You can say 'Bonne année' from midnight on New Year's Eve onwards. It's common to use it for the first week or two of January.
Is Bonne année formal or informal?
It's a versatile phrase that works in both casual and more formal settings. You can use it with friends, family, and even colleagues.
What's the difference between Bonne année and Bon réveillon?
'Bonne année' is for the New Year itself, while 'Bon réveillon' is specifically for New Year's Eve, before midnight.
How do the French wish Happy New Year?
The most common way to wish someone a Happy New Year in French is by saying "Bonne année."
Is it Bonne année or Bonne année?
The correct phrase is "Bonne année," which translates to "Good year."
Do French say "bonne année" before January 1st?
While "Bonne année" is traditionally said on or after New Year's Day, it is increasingly common to hear it said in the days leading up to January 1st.
How do you say "Happy New Year" in Paris?
In Paris, as in the rest of France, you say "Bonne année" to wish someone a Happy New Year.
