A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Happy new year" in Italian
The essential Italian greeting for ringing in the New Year, perfect for friends and family.
Buon anno!
bwon AH-nohcasual
Italian TTS · 0:01
Say this to anyone you know as midnight strikes on New Year's Eve, or anytime on January 1st. It's a warm and direct way to share good wishes for the year ahead.
Alternatives
- Felice anno nuovo!Slightly more formal, but still very common.
- Auguri!A general good wish that can be used for New Year's, but also birthdays and other celebrations.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't say 'Buon Anno Nuovo'
While 'Felice anno nuovo' is correct, 'Buon anno' is the standard short form; adding 'nuovo' after 'Buon' sounds a bit redundant.
Pronounce 'anno' correctly
The double 'n' in 'anno' is a geminate consonant, meaning it's held slightly longer than a single 'n' for a distinct sound.
A small cultural note
While 'Buon anno!' is universal, some older Italians might prefer the slightly more formal 'Felice anno nuovo!' especially in more formal settings.
Frequently asked
When do Italians say Buon anno?
You say 'Buon anno!' right at midnight on New Year's Eve or anytime on January 1st. It's the standard greeting for the start of the year.
Is Buon anno formal or informal?
'Buon anno!' is generally considered casual and widely used. For a slightly more formal feel, you could use 'Felice anno nuovo!'.
What's the difference between Buon anno and Auguri?
'Buon anno!' specifically means 'Happy New Year!' while 'Auguri!' is a more general term for 'best wishes' that can be used for many occasions, including New Year's.
What does "Felice Anno Nuovo" mean?
"Felice Anno Nuovo" is the Italian phrase for "Happy New Year." It is a direct translation and a common way to offer New Year's greetings.
How do Italians wish a Happy New Year?
Italians typically wish a Happy New Year by saying "Felice Anno Nuovo" or "Buon Anno." These phrases are used in the same way as "Happy New Year" in English.
What is "Buon Anno"?
"Buon Anno" is another common Italian phrase for "Happy New Year." It is a slightly more informal but widely used greeting.
What is the Italian for "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"?
In Italian, "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" is "Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo." This combines greetings for both holidays.
