Meaning
A greeting for the New Year.
Cultural Background
In France, it is common to send 'cartes de vœux' (greeting cards) throughout January. The greeting is just as common, but often accompanied by a 'réveillon' (New Year's Eve party). Belgians often combine the greeting with wishes for 'santé' (health) and 'prospérité' (prosperity).
Timing is key
Only use this in January. If you say it in February, people will think you are very late!
Add 'Santé'
Adding 'et bonne santé' makes you sound much more native and polite.
Meaning
A greeting for the New Year.
Timing is key
Only use this in January. If you say it in February, people will think you are very late!
Add 'Santé'
Adding 'et bonne santé' makes you sound much more native and polite.
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase.
____ année !
'Année' is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine adjective 'Bonne'.
When do you say this?
You meet a friend on January 5th. What do you say?
January is the time for New Year greetings.
Which is correct?
Choose the most natural greeting for January.
'Bonne année' is the standard fixed expression.
Match the greeting to the occasion.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day is the primary time for this greeting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ année !
'Année' is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine adjective 'Bonne'.
You meet a friend on January 5th. What do you say?
January is the time for New Year greetings.
Choose the most natural greeting for January.
'Bonne année' is the standard fixed expression.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
New Year's Day is the primary time for this greeting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsUsually, you say 'Bonne année' exactly at midnight or after. Before midnight, say 'Bonne fin d'année'.
It is neutral. It works everywhere.
Because 'année' is a feminine noun.
No, use 'Joyeux anniversaire'.
It's fine, but it's polite to say it if you see someone for the first time in January.
Yes, it is very common in professional emails in January.
In France, it is common to shake hands or do 'la bise' when saying it to friends.
Yes, it is universal.
Related Phrases
Meilleurs vœux
synonymBest wishes
Bonne santé
builds onGood health
Bonne continuation
contrastGood luck with what you are doing
