- 27 Dec 2003
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It would be nice to say that the two-word phrase 'Akemashite omedetou' (あけまして おめでとう) is how to say 'Happy New Year' in Japanese, but unfortunately, Japanese is not that simple. Another way to say it is the three-word phrase 'Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu' (あけまして おめでとう ございます) which includes the third word 'gozaimasu' (ございます). This word ございます just means "is" but it is very formal and honorific. It is used in very formal situations, such as saying 'Happy New Year' to a person's boss at work. Watch at 4:09 as the Japanese woman pronounces あけまして おめでとう ございます.
In addition, there are a number of other phrases that can be used at New Years in Japan. Watch the video for these other phrases.
In addition, there are a number of other phrases that can be used at New Years in Japan. Watch the video for these other phrases.
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