Celebrate Tet! How to Say Happy New Year in Vietnamese

The Vietnamese New Year, or Tet, is a time of joy, family gatherings, and heartfelt wishes for the year ahead. It’s the perfect chance to connect with loved ones and show your appreciation for their presence in your life.

Learning how to say happy new year in Vietnamese adds a personal and thoughtful touch to your greetings, whether you’re celebrating with Vietnamese friends or exploring new traditions. In this guide, we’ll share phrases, their meanings, and tips to make your Tet wishes stand out and feel genuinely warm.

How to Say “Happy New Year” in Vietnamese

Image source: Pinterest

Vietnamese New Year, or Tet, is a time for sharing warm wishes and celebrating new beginnings. Knowing how to say “Happy New Year” in Vietnamese can make your greetings more meaningful. Here are two common phrases to use:

1. Chúc Mừng Năm Mới

The most traditional and widely used phrase for “Happy New Year” in Vietnamese is “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới”. This is the equivalent of wishing someone a prosperous and joyous new year, and it’s appropriate for both formal and informal settings. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Chúc Mừng – This means “congratulations” or “best wishes.” It’s a common way to start festive greetings in Vietnamese.
Năm Mới – This translates to “New Year.” “Năm” means “year,” and “Mới” means “new.”

When put together, “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” is a cheerful and warm way to express your wishes for the New Year.

2. Năm Mới Vui Vẻ

Another way to say “Happy New Year” in Vietnamese, especially in a casual or friendly setting, is “Năm Mới Vui Vẻ”. This phrase has a slightly different tone and focuses on joyfulness:

Năm Mới – “New Year.”
Vui Vẻ – Means “joyful” or “happy.”

“Năm Mới Vui Vẻ” translates to “Have a joyful New Year,” making it a perfect, lighthearted way to wish happiness for the coming year, especially among friends and close acquaintances.

Traditional Vietnamese New Year Wishes and Meanings

The Vietnamese New Year, or Tet, is not only a celebration of new beginnings but also a time for sharing meaningful wishes with family, friends, and colleagues. These wishes often reflect core values like health, happiness, prosperity, and success. Here are some traditional Vietnamese New Year wishes, along with their meanings and cultural significance.

1. An Khang Thịnh Vượng (Peace and Prosperity)

This phrase is a staple in Tet greetings. It conveys the wish for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead. “An Khang” refers to health and stability, while “Thịnh Vượng” focuses on wealth and success. Together, they represent the ultimate wish for well-being and financial growth.

2. Vạn Sự Như Ý (May Everything Go as You Wish)

This elegant phrase expresses the hope that all of someone’s plans, dreams, and desires will come true in the new year. It’s often used in professional contexts or to wish success in business or personal endeavors.

3. Sức Khỏe Dồi Dào (Abundant Health)

Health is one of the most cherished blessings in Vietnamese culture. This wish emphasizes the importance of good health as the foundation for happiness and success.

4. Phát Tài Phát Lộc (Wealth and Prosperity)

A popular phrase for business owners and entrepreneurs, this wish specifically focuses on financial success. “Phát Tài” means “wealth,” while “Phát Lộc” refers to “prosperity and good fortune.” It’s a powerful wish for economic stability and growth.

5. Gia Đình Hạnh Phúc (Happy Family)

For many, Tet is a time to reunite with loved ones, so wishing for a happy and harmonious family life is particularly meaningful. This phrase highlights the importance of love, connection, and support among family members.

6. Tiền Vào Như Nước (Money Flows Like Water)

This playful and optimistic wish is often exchanged among friends or colleagues. It symbolizes an abundance of wealth and financial opportunities, flowing freely and effortlessly like water.

7. Công Danh Thành Đạt (Success in Career)

This phrase is commonly used to wish someone professional success and recognition in their career or studies. It’s a thoughtful way to encourage personal growth and achievement.

8. Năm Mới Bình An (A Peaceful New Year)

Peace is a treasured value in Vietnamese culture. This wish focuses on serenity and harmony in life, making it a meaningful blessing for loved ones.

9. Tuổi Mới Thành Công (Success in the New Age)

This wish is often directed toward younger individuals, such as students or those entering a new phase of life. It encourages them to strive for success and embrace new opportunities in the coming year.

Writing and Using Vietnamese New Year Wishes

Vietnamese New Year, or Tet, is a time to express love, gratitude, and good intentions for the year ahead. Writing and sharing meaningful Vietnamese New Year wishes adds a personal touch to the celebration, whether you’re connecting with family, friends, or colleagues. Here’s how you can craft and use these heartfelt wishes effectively.

1. The Art of Writing Vietnamese New Year Wishes

Crafting a thoughtful New Year message in Vietnamese requires a mix of tradition and personalization. Here’s how to write impactful wishes:

Start with a universal phrase: Begin with a general greeting like “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year) or “Năm Mới Vui Vẻ” (Joyful New Year) to set the tone.

Incorporate specific blessings: Tailor your wishes by adding phrases like:

“Sức Khỏe Dồi Dào” (Wishing abundant health).
“An Khang Thịnh Vượng” (Wishing peace and prosperity).
“Phát Tài Phát Lộc” (Wishing wealth and fortune).

Add a personal touch: Include specific messages for the recipient’s unique situation. For example:

For students: “Học hành tấn tới” (Wishing progress in studies).
For business owners: “Làm ăn phát đạt” (Wishing successful business ventures).

A well-crafted wish shows that you’ve put thought into your message, making it more meaningful.

2. Examples of New Year Wishes

Here are some examples of how to write New Year wishes for different recipients:

For Family Members: “Chúc mừng năm mới! Chúc cả nhà mình sức khỏe dồi dào, bình an, và hạnh phúc.” (Happy New Year! Wishing our family abundant health, peace, and happiness.)
For Friends: “Năm mới vui vẻ! Chúc bạn mọi điều tốt đẹp và thành công trong năm nay.” (Joyful New Year! Wishing you all the best and success this year.)
For Colleagues or Business Partners: “Chúc mừng năm mới! Chúc công việc của anh/chị phát đạt và thành công vượt bậc.” (Happy New Year! Wishing your business great success and growth.)
For Students: “Chúc mừng năm mới! Chúc em học hành tấn tới và đạt được thành tích cao.” (Happy New Year! Wishing you progress in your studies and great achievements.)