TL;DR — Happy New Year in Spanish Language
- “Happy New Year” in Spanish language is Feliz Año Nuevo.
- It is used across all Spanish-speaking countries.
- The letter ñ in año is essential.
- Spanish uses ¡! for celebratory expressions.
- Timing and warmth matter more than formality.
Table of Contents
Open Table of Contents
- How do you say happy new year in Spanish language?
- What does “Feliz Año Nuevo” literally mean?
- How do you pronounce happy new year in Spanish language?
- Do you need exclamation marks in Spanish?
- Why the ñ in “año” matters
- Are there other ways to say happy new year in Spanish language?
- How formal is happy new year in Spanish language?
- When should you say happy new year in Spanish language?
- New Year traditions in Spanish-speaking countries
- How do you say “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” in Spanish language?
- Common mistakes learners make
- Real-life examples
- FAQ — Happy New Year in Spanish Language
- Final takeaway
How do you say happy new year in Spanish language?
The correct and most common way to say happy new year in Spanish language is Feliz Año Nuevo.
It works in:
- Spain
- Latin America
- Formal messages
- Casual conversations
- Written and spoken Spanish
¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
(Happy New Year)
What does “Feliz Año Nuevo” literally mean?
“Feliz” means “happy,” “año” means “year,” and “nuevo” means “new.”
Spanish places adjectives after nouns, which is why the structure feels reversed to English speakers.
This same pattern appears in many common greetings, which you can also see in our guide to Spanish greetings and everyday phrases.
How do you pronounce happy new year in Spanish language?
Feliz Año Nuevo is pronounced:
feh-LEES AH-nyoh NWEH-boh
Pronunciation tips:
- ñ sounds like ny in canyon
- Stress falls on Año
- The v/b sound in nuevo is soft
If pronunciation feels tricky, it helps to practice similar everyday greetings like those in how to say good morning in Spanish.
Do you need exclamation marks in Spanish?
Yes. Spanish uses opening and closing exclamation marks.
Correct:
¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
Incorrect:
Feliz Año Nuevo!
This rule applies to all emotional expressions, greetings, and wishes in Spanish.
Why the ñ in “año” matters
Never write “ano” instead of “año.”
- Año = year
- Ano = an anatomical term
This distinction is especially important in holiday greetings and formal messages.
Are there other ways to say happy new year in Spanish language?
Yes. Spanish speakers often adjust the phrase depending on tone, relationship, and context.
Common alternatives
| Spanish phrase | English meaning | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| ¡Feliz Año Nuevo! | Happy New Year | Universal |
| Próspero Año Nuevo | Prosperous New Year | Formal |
| Que tengas un feliz Año Nuevo | May you have a happy new year | Friendly |
| Feliz Año para ti y los tuyos | Happy New Year to you and yours | Warm |
| Salud y feliz Año Nuevo | Cheers and happy new year | Toasts |
How formal is happy new year in Spanish language?
Spanish New Year greetings are naturally warm, not stiff.
Even in professional settings, people commonly say:
- ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
- Próspero Año Nuevo
If you’re unsure about formality in greetings, you may also find it helpful to read is hola formal or informal.
When should you say happy new year in Spanish language?
Spanish speakers begin using New Year greetings:
- In late December
- On Nochevieja (December 31)
- Until January 6 (Día de Reyes)
It is normal to say Feliz Año Nuevo well after January 1.
This timing is similar to how Christmas greetings work, as explained in merry christmas in Spanish language.
New Year traditions in Spanish-speaking countries
Understanding culture helps you use the greeting naturally.
Common traditions
- Eating 12 grapes at midnight (Spain and parts of Latin America)
- Family dinners before midnight
- Fireworks and public celebrations
- Wearing colors for luck (yellow for prosperity, red for love)
These traditions often accompany spoken wishes like Feliz Año Nuevo.
How do you say “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” in Spanish language?
The most natural phrasing is:
Feliz Navidad y feliz Año Nuevo
This phrase is widely used on cards, messages, emails, and social posts during late December.
Common mistakes learners make
❌ Forgetting the ñ
Always write año, never ano.
❌ Skipping exclamation marks
Spanish requires ¡ !.
❌ Overthinking grammar
Short, warm phrases sound more natural.
Real-life examples
¡Feliz Año Nuevo! Que este año venga lleno de salud.
Happy New Year! May this year be full of health.
Te deseo un próspero Año Nuevo.
I wish you a prosperous New Year.
FAQ — Happy New Year in Spanish Language
Is “Feliz Año Nuevo” used everywhere in Spanish?
Yes. Feliz Año Nuevo is understood and used in all Spanish-speaking countries.
Can I shorten “Feliz Año Nuevo” in casual messages?
Yes. In informal texts, people sometimes write Feliz Año or Feliz 2026, but Feliz Año Nuevo is always safest.
Is it okay to say “Happy New Year” after January 1 in Spanish?
Yes. It is common to say Feliz Año Nuevo until January 6 in many cultures.
Is “Próspero Año Nuevo” religious?
No. It simply means “prosperous” and is often used in formal or professional settings.
Final takeaway
If you remember one phrase, remember this:
¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
It is correct, natural, polite, and understood everywhere Spanish is spoken.