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A2 noun #5,500 most common 9 min read

年賀状

nengajo Top 5,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 年賀状 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 年賀状 in your Level:

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

年賀状 in 30 Seconds

A Japanese New Year's card.
Sent to friends and family at the start of the year.
Conveys good wishes and gratitude.
A significant cultural tradition in Japan.

年賀状 (Nengajō) is a special kind of postcard or letter that people in Japan send to friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances at the beginning of the New Year. It's a traditional way to convey good wishes, express gratitude for the past year, and maintain connections. These cards are typically sent to arrive on or around January 1st. The practice is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and signifies a fresh start and renewed relationships. Sending 年賀状 is a thoughtful gesture that shows you remember and care about the people in your life. It's not just about sending a greeting; it's about continuing social bonds and acknowledging the passage of time. The content of a 年賀状 can vary, but it often includes greetings like 「謹賀新年」 (Kinga Shinnen - Respectful New Year's Greetings) or 「明けましておめでとうございます」 (Akemashite Omedetō Gozaimasu - Happy New Year). Many cards feature designs related to the zodiac animal of the year, auspicious symbols, or beautiful calligraphy. It's a significant part of the Japanese New Year's celebration, known as Oshogatsu (お正月).

Key Information: Type: Noun; Meaning: New Year's card; Usage: Sent at the beginning of the New Year (around January 1st); Purpose: To send good wishes, express gratitude, and maintain relationships.

The postman is busy delivering 年賀状 in December.

I received a beautiful 年賀状 from my grandmother.

Cultural Significance: Sending 年賀状 is a significant cultural practice in Japan, demonstrating respect and maintaining social harmony. It's a way to reconnect with people you might not see often and to acknowledge the start of a new year together.

My office sends out many 年賀状 to clients.

Using 年賀状 in a sentence is straightforward, usually referring to the act of sending, receiving, or the card itself. It often appears with verbs related to communication, such as 送る (okuru - to send) or もらう (morau - to receive). In Japanese, the particle を (o) is commonly used to mark the direct object, so you'll often see 年賀状 followed by を. The context will usually make it clear whether you are talking about sending one, receiving one, or the physical card. For example, 「年賀状を送る」 (nengajō o okuru) means 'to send a New Year's card,' and 「年賀状をもらう」 (nengajō o morau) means 'to receive a New Year's card.' You can also use it as the subject of a sentence, for instance, 「年賀状は届きましたか」 (nengajō wa todokimashita ka?), meaning 'Did the New Year's cards arrive?' The word itself is a noun and functions similarly to 'postcard' or 'greeting card' in English, but specifically for New Year's. When discussing the content of the card, you might use phrases like 「年賀状に書く」 (nengajō ni kaku - to write on a New Year's card). Remember that 年賀状 is a singular noun in Japanese, so there's no plural form like 'cards.' The context implies whether one or many are being discussed. It's a versatile word that fits naturally into sentences about holiday greetings and social correspondence. Learning its common collocations will greatly enhance your understanding and usage. For instance, you might hear about the deadline for sending them, such as 「年賀状の締め切り」 (nengajō no shimekiri - New Year's card deadline). The word 年賀状 is composed of two kanji: 年 (nen) meaning 'year' and 賀状 (gajō) meaning 'greeting card' or 'congratulatory letter.' This etymology helps to understand its meaning as a 'year greeting card.' When speaking, it's common to refer to the specific year, like 「今年の年賀状」 (kotoshi no nengajō - this year's New Year's card). The act of sending and receiving these cards is a fundamental part of Japanese New Year's traditions, making this vocabulary essential for anyone interested in Japanese culture and communication during the holiday season.

Sentence Structures: Subject + は/が + 年賀状 + を + Verb (e.g., 送る, もらう); 年賀状 + は/が + Adjective/Verb (e.g., 届く, 来る); Verb (e.g., 書く) + 年賀状 + に/へ

I will send a 年賀状 to my teacher.

Did you receive many 年賀状 this year?

Common Verbs: 送る (okuru) - to send; もらう (morau) - to receive; 書く (kaku) - to write; 届く (todoku) - to arrive

You will most commonly hear the word 年賀状 during the period leading up to and immediately following the New Year's holiday in Japan. Conversations among friends, family, and colleagues will often revolve around who has sent or received cards, or plans for sending them. For example, someone might ask, 「年賀状、もう書きましたか？」 (Nengajō, mō kakimashita ka?), which translates to 'Have you written your New Year's cards yet?' Another common scenario is discussing the arrival of mail. You might hear someone say, 「郵便受けに年賀状がたくさん入っていました。」 (Yūbin'uke ni nengajō ga takusan haitte imashita.), meaning 'There were many New Year's cards in the mailbox.' In workplaces, especially in companies that maintain strong customer relationships, discussions about sending 年賀状 to clients or business partners are frequent. Managers might remind employees, 「取引先への年賀状の準備は進んでいますか？」 (Torihikisaki e no nengajō no junbi wa susunde imasu ka?), meaning 'Is the preparation for New Year's cards to our clients progressing?' In schools, teachers might encourage students to write 年賀状 to their relatives or to practice writing them as a cultural activity. You might also hear it in television programs or commercials related to the New Year's season, perhaps advertising stationery or postal services. Even in casual settings, like when meeting someone unexpectedly during the holidays, the topic of 年賀状 can easily come up. For instance, 「あけましておめでとうございます。年賀状、届きましたよ。」 (Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu. Nengajō, todokimashita yo.), which means 'Happy New Year. Your New Year's card has arrived.' The word is also prevalent in news reports discussing the volume of mail handled by postal services during this peak season. Therefore, the auditory context for 年賀状 is strongly tied to the festive and social atmosphere of the Japanese New Year. It's a word that signifies connection, tradition, and the beginning of a new cycle. Listening to Japanese media or engaging in conversations during December and early January will undoubtedly expose you to this important term.

During the New Year's period, the post office is very busy with 年賀状.

My mom is writing 年賀状 for all her friends.

Common Scenarios: Family gatherings discussing who sent cards.; Discussions about postal deadlines.; News reports on New Year's traditions.

Learners of Japanese might make a few common mistakes when using or understanding the word 年賀状. One frequent error is treating it like a generic greeting card. While it is a type of card, its specific association with New Year's is crucial. Using it to refer to a birthday card or a thank-you card would be incorrect. For example, saying 「誕生日の年賀状」 (tanjōbi no nengajō - birthday New Year's card) is nonsensical. Another potential mistake is assuming a direct English plural equivalent. In English, we say 'New Year's cards,' but in Japanese, 年賀状 is generally used as a singular noun, and the context or quantifiers indicate plurality. Saying 「年賀状たち」 (nengajō-tachi) would sound unnatural. Furthermore, learners might confuse the timing. While the cards are prepared and sent in late December, their primary purpose is to be received and read at the beginning of January. If someone receives a 年賀状 in, say, March, it would be highly unusual and likely indicate a postal error or a very late sender. Some might also incorrectly assume that 年賀状 is only for close family. In reality, the scope of recipients can be quite broad, including colleagues, former teachers, neighbors, and business associates, depending on the sender's social network and formality. Another subtle error could be in pronunciation or romanization. While 'nengajō' is the standard romanization, mispronouncing the long 'o' sound at the end could lead to misunderstanding. Finally, mistaking its grammatical function is also possible. It's a noun and should be treated as such, not as a verb or adjective. For instance, trying to conjugate it like a verb would be incorrect. Understanding these nuances will help you use and interpret 年賀状 accurately within its cultural and linguistic context. The word itself is quite specific, so learning its precise application is key to avoiding confusion.

Mistake Examples: Using 年賀状 for non-New Year greetings (e.g., birthday).; Attempting to create a plural form like 'nengajō-tachi'.; Confusing the sending/receiving time frame.; Assuming it's only for close family.

Incorrect: I received a birthday 年賀状.

Correct: I received a birthday card.

While 年賀状 (nengajō) is the specific term for a New Year's card, there are related terms and alternatives that convey different nuances. The most general term for a letter or card is 手紙 (tegami). If you're sending a general greeting card for any occasion, you might use グリーティングカード (gurētingu kādo), a loanword from English. For a congratulatory message, especially for formal occasions like weddings or graduations, 祝い状 (iwai-jō) or 祝電 (shoku-den - congratulatory telegram) might be used, though these are less common for personal greetings. A more general term for a postcard is 絵葉書 (ehagaki), which literally means 'picture postcard' and can be used for any scenic or artistic postcard, not specifically for New Year's. When people send messages digitally, they might send an email or a message through social media, which wouldn't be called 年賀状. The term for a simple greeting might be 挨拶状 (aisatsu-jō), which is a more formal 'greeting letter' and can be used for various purposes, including business. However, for the specific cultural practice of sending a card at the turn of the year to friends and family, 年賀状 is the only appropriate term. It's important to distinguish it from other forms of correspondence. For example, a thank-you note would be お礼状 (orei-jō), and a condolence message would be お悔やみ状 (okuyami-jō). The word 賀詞 (gashi) refers to New Year's greetings or congratulatory phrases themselves, often found written on 年賀状, rather than the card itself. So, while 賀詞 is related to the content, 年賀状 is the physical item. In summary, while 手紙 and 絵葉書 are broader terms for written communication, and グリーティングカード is a generic card, 年賀状 holds a distinct and culturally significant meaning as the traditional Japanese New Year's card.

Comparison: 年賀状 (Nengajō): Specifically a New Year's card, sent around January 1st for greetings and well wishes.; 手紙 (Tegami): A general term for a letter. Can be for any purpose or occasion.; 絵葉書 (Ehagaki): A picture postcard. Can be used for scenic views or art, not limited to New Year's.; グリーティングカード (Gurētingu kādo): A loanword for a general greeting card, used for various occasions like birthdays or holidays.; 賀詞 (Gashi): New Year's congratulatory phrases or greetings themselves, often written on a 年賀状.

This is a beautiful picture postcard, not a 年賀状.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The practice of sending New Year's cards in Japan dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), initially as letters exchanged among the aristocracy. The modern postcard format became popular in the Meiji era (1868-1912).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /nɛŋɡɑːdʒoʊ/

US /nɛŋɡɑːdʒoʊ/

Second syllable: 年賀状

Rhymes With

kajō rajō majō shajō bōjō tenjō chijō seijō

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'o' as short.
Not emphasizing the second syllable.
Confusing the 'g' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

CEFR A2 level texts are generally accessible. Understanding the context of New Year's cards will aid comprehension. The kanji 年賀状 itself is relatively common.

Writing 3/5

Using 年賀状 in simple sentences is achievable at A2. Constructing more complex messages requires higher proficiency.

Speaking 3/5

Pronouncing and using the word in basic greetings is manageable. Engaging in discussions about the practice requires more vocabulary.

Listening 3/5

Recognizing the word in spoken context during the New Year's season is likely. Understanding the nuances of conversations about it may vary.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

新年 (shinnen - new year) 挨拶 (aisatsu - greeting) 家族 (kazoku - family) 友達 (tomodachi - friend) 手紙 (tegami - letter) 送る (okuru - to send) もらう (morau - to receive) 書く (kaku - to write)

Learn Next

お正月 (oshōgatsu - New Year) 元旦 (gantan - New Year's Day) 干支 (eto - zodiac animal) 時候の挨拶 (jikō no aisatsu - seasonal greetings) 感謝 (kansha - gratitude) 寒中見舞い (kanchū mimai - winter greeting)

Advanced

社交辞令 (shakō jirei - social etiquette) 慣習 (kanshū - custom) 文化 (bunka - culture) 伝統 (dentō - tradition) コミュニケーション (komyunikēshon - communication)

Grammar to Know

Using the particle を (o) to mark the direct object.

年賀状を送る (Nengajō o okuru) - To send a New Year's card.

Using the particle に (ni) to indicate the recipient.

友達に年賀状を送る (Tomodachi ni nengajō o okuru) - To send a New Year's card to a friend.

Using the particle が (ga) to mark the subject when it's the focus or when something happens.

年賀状が届いた (Nengajō ga todoita) - A New Year's card arrived.

Using the pattern ～ように (yō ni) to express purpose or intention.

元旦に届くように送る (Gantan ni todoku yō ni okuru) - To send it so that it arrives on New Year's Day.

Using the passive form of verbs (e.g., もらう - morau, is the polite way to say 'receive', but the passive of 送る - okuru, is 送られる - okurareru, meaning 'to be sent').

年賀状が送られた (Nengajō ga okurareta) - The New Year's card was sent.

Examples by Level

これは年賀状です。

This is a New Year's card.

年賀状、ありがとう。

Thank you for the New Year's card.

年賀状はいつ届きますか？

When do New Year's cards arrive?

友達に年賀状を書きます。

I write New Year's cards to my friends.

母から年賀状をもらいました。

I received a New Year's card from my mother.

年賀状のデザインがいいですね。

The design of the New Year's card is nice, isn't it?

年賀状をポストに入れました。

I put the New Year's card in the mailbox.

これは新しい年賀状です。

This is a new New Year's card.

年末になると、年賀状を書き始めます。

When the year ends, I start writing New Year's cards.

年末 (nenmatsu) - year-end; 書き始めます (kakihajimemasu) - start writing.

今年はたくさんの年賀状をいただきました。

I received many New Year's cards this year.

今年は (kotoshi wa) - this year; たくさんの (takusan no) - many; いただきました (itadakimashita) - received (polite).

年賀状は元旦に届くように送ります。

I send New Year's cards so they arrive on New Year's Day.

元旦 (gantan) - New Year's Day; 届くように (todoku yō ni) - so that they arrive.

お世話になった方へ、感謝の気持ちを込めて年賀状を送ります。

I send New Year's cards to those who have helped me, with feelings of gratitude.

お世話になった方 (osewa ni natta kata) - person who helped me; 感謝の気持ち (kansha no kimochi) - feeling of gratitude; 込めて (komete) - putting in/with.

古い友人から懐かしい年賀状が届いた。

A nostalgic New Year's card arrived from an old friend.

古い友人 (furui yūjin) - old friend; 懐かしい (natsukashii) - nostalgic; 届いた (todoita) - arrived.

来年の干支の絵が描かれた年賀状が人気です。

New Year's cards with pictures of next year's zodiac animal are popular.

来年 (rainen) - next year; 干支 (eto) - zodiac animal; 描かれた (egakareta) - drawn/depicted; 人気 (ninki) - popular.

仕事の関係者にも年賀状を出します。

I also send New Year's cards to business associates.

仕事の関係者 (shigoto no kankeisha) - business associates; 出します (dashimasu) - send out.

年賀状を出すのを忘れないように、リストを作りました。

I made a list so I wouldn't forget to send New Year's cards.

忘れないように (wasurenai yō ni) - so as not to forget; リスト (risuto) - list; 作りました (tsukurimashita) - made.

年賀状のやり取りは、日本の新年の伝統的な習慣の一つです。

Exchanging New Year's cards is one of Japan's traditional New Year customs.

やり取り (yaritori) - exchange; 習慣 (shūkan) - custom; 一つ (hitotsu) - one.

最近は、デジタル年賀状を送る人も増えているようです。

Recently, it seems the number of people sending digital New Year's cards is also increasing.

最近 (saikin) - recently; デジタル (dejitaru) - digital; 送る人 (okuru hito) - person who sends; 増えている (fuete iru) - increasing; ようです (yō desu) - it seems.

祖父母からの年賀状には、いつも温かいメッセージが添えられています。

New Year's cards from my grandparents always come with warm messages.

祖父母 (sofubo) - grandparents; 温かい (atatakai) - warm; メッセージ (messēji) - message; 添えられています (soerarete imasu) - are attached/included.

会社によっては、年賀状の代わりに年賀メールを送る方針をとっています。

Depending on the company, they have a policy of sending New Year's emails instead of New Year's cards.

会社によっては (kaisha ni yotte wa) - depending on the company; 代わりに (kawari ni) - instead of; 方針 (hōshin) - policy; とっています (totte imasu) - are taking/adopting.

子供の頃、年賀状のデザインを自分で考えて描いた思い出があります。

I have memories of thinking up and drawing the design for New Year's cards myself when I was a child.

子供の頃 (kodomo no koro) - when I was a child; 自分で (jibun de) - by oneself; 考えて (kangaete) - thinking; 描いた (egaita) - drew; 思い出 (omoide) - memory; あります (arimasu) - there is/have.

年賀状を整理していたら、亡くなった親戚からのものが出てきた。

While organizing New Year's cards, one from a deceased relative appeared.

整理していたら (seiri shite itara) - while organizing; 亡くなった (nakunatta) - deceased; 親戚 (shinsetsu) - relative; 出てきた (dete kita) - appeared/came out.

年賀状の印刷サービスを利用すると、手間が省けて便利だ。

Using a printing service for New Year's cards saves effort and is convenient.

印刷サービス (insatsu sābisu) - printing service; 利用する (riyō suru) - to use; 手間が省けて (tema ga habukete) - saving effort/trouble; 便利 (benri) - convenient.

最近の年賀状は、写真付きのものも多く、よりパーソナルな印象を与える。

Many of today's New Year's cards include photos, giving a more personal impression.

最近の (saikin no) - recent/today's; 写真付き (shashin-tsuki) - with photos; 多く (ōku) - many; より (yori) - more; パーソナルな (pāsonaru na) - personal; 印象を与える (inshō o ataeru) - to give an impression.

年賀状の文化は、新年の挨拶を交わすとともに、日頃の感謝を伝える大切な機会と位置づけられています。

The culture of New Year's cards is positioned as an important opportunity to exchange New Year's greetings and convey gratitude for the past year.

文化 (bunka) - culture; 新年の挨拶 (shinnen no aisatsu) - New Year's greetings; 交わす (kawasu) - to exchange; 日頃の感謝 (higoro no kansha) - daily gratitude; 伝える (tsutaeru) - to convey; 大切な機会 (taisetsu na kikai) - important opportunity; 位置づけられています (ichizukerarete imasu) - is positioned/regarded as.

かつては手書きが主流であった年賀状も、現代では多様なデザインや印刷技術の進化により、選択肢が格段に広がっています。

While handwritten New Year's cards were once the norm, today, with the evolution of diverse designs and printing technologies, the options have expanded significantly.

かつては (katsute wa) - once/formerly; 手書き (tegaki) - handwriting; 主流 (shuryū) - mainstream; であった (de atta) - was; 現代では (gendai de wa) - in modern times; 多様な (tayō na) - diverse; 技術の進化 (gijutsu no shinka) - evolution of technology; 選択肢 (sentakushi) - options; 格段に (kakudan ni) - significantly/remarkably; 広がっています (hirogaratte imasu) - are expanding.

年賀状の送付が途絶えると、人間関係の希薄化を懸念する声も聞かれる。

There are also voices expressing concern about the weakening of human relationships when the sending of New Year's cards ceases.

送付 (sōfu) - sending/delivery; 途絶える (tadaeru) - to cease/be interrupted; 人間関係 (ningen kankei) - human relationships; 希薄化 (kihaku-ka) - thinning/weakening; 懸念する (kenen suru) - to be concerned about; 声 (koe) - voices; 聞かれる (kikareru) - are heard.

企業は、顧客とのエンゲージメントを維持・強化するために、戦略的に年賀状を活用している。

Companies strategically utilize New Year's cards to maintain and strengthen engagement with their customers.

企業 (kigyō) - company/corporation; 顧客 (kokyaku) - customer; エンゲージメント (engējimento) - engagement; 維持 (iji) - maintenance; 強化 (kyōka) - strengthening; 戦略的に (senryaku-teki ni) - strategically; 活用する (katsuyō suru) - to utilize/make use of.

近年、年賀状の印刷枚数は減少傾向にあるものの、その文化的価値は依然として高く評価されている。

Although the number of printed New Year's cards has been on a declining trend in recent years, their cultural value is still highly appreciated.

近年 (kinnen) - in recent years; 印刷枚数 (insatsu maisū) - number of printed pieces; 減少傾向 (genshō keikō) - declining trend; にあるものの (ni aru mono no) - although it is; 文化的価値 (bunka-teki kachi) - cultural value; 依然として (izen to shite) - still; 高く評価されている (takaku hyōka sarete iru) - is highly appreciated.

年賀状の交換は、単なる挨拶に留まらず、相手への敬意や親愛の情を示す象徴的な行為と見なされる。

The exchange of New Year's cards is not merely a greeting but is considered a symbolic act that shows respect and affection for the recipient.

交換 (kōkan) - exchange; 単なる (tannaru) - mere/simple; 挨拶に留まらず (aisatsu ni todomarazu) - not limited to greetings; 相手への敬意 (aite e no keii) - respect for the other person; 親愛の情 (shin'ai no jō) - affection/love; 示す (shimesu) - to show; 象徴的な行為 (shōchō-teki na kōi) - symbolic act; 見なされる (minasareru) - is considered/regarded as.

スマートフォンの普及により、年賀状の作成・送付プロセスが簡略化され、より多くの人々が気軽に参加できるようになっている。

With the spread of smartphones, the process of creating and sending New Year's cards has been simplified, allowing more people to participate casually.

普及 (fukyū) - spread/popularization; 作成 (sakusei) - creation; 送付プロセス (sōfu purosesu) - sending process; 簡略化され (kanryaku-ka sare) - has been simplified; より多くの人々 (yori ōku no hitobito) - more and more people; 気軽に (kigaru ni) - casually/freely; 参加できるようになっている (sanka dekiru yō ni natte iru) - has become able to participate.

年賀状のデザインには、その年の干支はもちろん、縁起の良いとされるモチーフが数多く取り入れられている。

New Year's card designs incorporate not only the zodiac animal of the year but also numerous motifs considered auspicious.

デザイン (dezain) - design; その年の干支 (sono toshi no eto) - that year's zodiac animal; もちろん (mochiron) - of course; 縁起の良い (engi no yoi) - auspicious/lucky; とされる (to sareru) - is considered; モチーフ (mochīfu) - motif; 数多く (kazuōku) - many; 取り入れられている (toriirarete iru) - are incorporated/adopted.

年賀状文化の変容は、現代社会における人間関係のあり方やコミュニケーション手段の変化を如実に物語っている。

The transformation of New Year's card culture vividly tells the story of changes in the nature of human relationships and communication methods in modern society.

文化の変容 (bunka no henyō) - transformation of culture; 変容 (hen'yō) - transformation; 現代社会 (gendai shakai) - modern society; 人間関係のあり方 (ningen kankei no arikata) - the way human relationships are; コミュニケーション手段 (komyunikēshon shudan) - communication methods; 変化 (henka) - change; 如実に (nyojitsu ni) - vividly/clearly; 物語っている (monogataratte iru) - is telling the story of.

デジタル化の波は年賀状にも及び、利便性を追求する一方で、伝統的な手書きの温かみや手間暇かけた表現が失われつつあることへの惜しむ声もある。

The wave of digitalization has also reached New Year's cards, and while convenience is pursued, there are also voices lamenting the gradual loss of the warmth of traditional handwriting and the expressions made with time and effort.

デジタル化の波 (dejitaru-ka no nami) - wave of digitalization; 及ぶ (oyobu) - to reach/extend to; 利便性 (ribensei) - convenience; 追求する (tsuikyū suru) - to pursue; 一方で (ippō de) - on the other hand; 伝統的な (dentō-teki na) - traditional; 温かみ (atatakami) - warmth; 手間暇かけた (tema hima kaketa) - took time and effort; 表現 (hyōgen) - expression; 失われつつある (ushinawaretsutsu aru) - are gradually being lost; 惜しむ声 (oshimu koe) - voices lamenting/regretting.

企業における年賀状の送付は、単なる社交辞令を超え、ブランドイメージの醸成や顧客ロイヤルティの向上に寄与するマーケティング戦略の一環として位置づけられる。

The sending of New Year's cards in corporations goes beyond mere social etiquette and is positioned as part of a marketing strategy that contributes to fostering brand image and improving customer loyalty.

企業における (kigyō ni okeru) - in corporations; 社交辞令 (shakō jirei) - social etiquette/formality; 超え (koe) - beyond; ブランドイメージ (burando imēji) - brand image; 醸成 (jōsei) - fostering/cultivation; 顧客ロイヤルティ (kokyaku roiyaruti) - customer loyalty; 向上 (kōjō) - improvement; 寄与する (kiyo suru) - to contribute; マーケティング戦略 (māketingu senryaku) - marketing strategy; 一環として (ikkan to shite) - as part of.

近年、年賀状の普及率低下が指摘される一方で、その文化的・芸術的価値に着目し、収集や創作活動の対象とする愛好家も存在する。

While a decline in the prevalence of New Year's cards is pointed out in recent years, there are also enthusiasts who focus on their cultural and artistic value, making them objects of collection and creative activities.

普及率低下 (fukyū-ritsu teika) - decline in prevalence rate; 指摘される (shiteki sareru) - is pointed out; 一方で (ippō de) - on the other hand; 文化的・芸術的価値 (bunka-teki / geijutsu-teki kachi) - cultural/artistic value; 着目し (chakumoku shi) - focusing on; 収集 (shūshū) - collection; 創作活動 (sōsaku katsudō) - creative activities; 対象とする (taishō to suru) - to make as an object; 愛好家 (aikōka) - enthusiast/lover; 存在する (sonzai suru) - exist.

年賀状のやり取りを通じて、世代間の交流や地域社会との繋がりを維持しようとする試みは、現代においてもその意義を失っていない。

Attempts to maintain intergenerational exchange and connections with the local community through the exchange of New Year's cards have not lost their significance even in modern times.

世代間 (sedai-kan) - intergenerational; 交流 (kōryū) - exchange/interaction; 地域社会 (chiiki shakai) - local community; 繋がり (tsunagari) - connection; 維持しようとする (iji shiyō to suru) - trying to maintain; 試み (kokoromi) - attempt; 現代においても (gendai ni oite mo) - even in modern times; 意義 (igi) - significance; 失っていない (ushinatte inai) - have not lost.

近年、SNSの普及により年賀状の文化は衰退傾向にあるとされがちだが、そのパーソナルなメッセージ性や手作りの温もりは、代替困難な価値を持つ。

Although it is often said that the culture of New Year's cards is declining due to the spread of SNS in recent years, its personal message quality and handmade warmth possess irreplaceable value.

SNSの普及 (SNS no fukyū) - spread of social networking services; 衰退傾向 (suitai keikō) - declining trend; にあるとされがちだが (ni aru to saregachi da ga) - although it is often said to be; パーソナルなメッセージ性 (pāsonaru na messēji-sei) - personal message quality; 手作りの温もり (tezukuri no nukumori) - handmade warmth; 代替困難な (daitai konnan na) - difficult to replace/irreplaceable; 価値を持つ (kachi o motsu) - possess value.

企業が贈る年賀状は、時候の挨拶に加えて、前年の業績報告や新年の抱負を簡潔に盛り込むことで、ステークホルダーへの情報提供と信頼醸成を同時に図る。

New Year's cards sent by corporations, in addition to seasonal greetings, aim to provide information and foster trust with stakeholders by concisely including a report on the previous year's performance and aspirations for the new year.

贈る (okuru) - to send/give; 時候の挨拶 (jikō no aisatsu) - seasonal greetings; 加えて (kuwaete) - in addition to; 前年の業績報告 (zen'nen no gyōseki hōkoku) - previous year's performance report; 新年の抱負 (shinnen no hōfu) - New Year's aspirations/resolutions; 簡潔に (kanketsu ni) - concisely; 盛り込む (morikomu) - to include/incorporate; ステークホルダー (sutēkuhorudā) - stakeholder; 情報提供 (jōhō teikyō) - information provision; 信頼醸成 (shinrai jōsei) - trust building; 同時に図る (dōji ni hakaru) - to aim for simultaneously.

年賀状の文化は、単なる儀礼的な慣習に留まらず、個々人の人間関係の維持・発展に寄与する、生きたコミュニケーションの形式として今日まで息づいている。

The culture of New Year's cards is not merely ritualistic custom but continues to live on today as a form of living communication that contributes to the maintenance and development of individual human relationships.

儀礼的な慣習 (girei-teki na kanshū) - ritualistic custom; 留まらず (todomarazu) - not limited to; 個々人 (koko jin) - individual person; 発展 (hatten) - development; 寄与する (kiyo suru) - to contribute; 生きたコミュニケーション (ikita komyunikēshon) - living communication; 形式 (keishiki) - form; 今日まで (kyō made) - until today; 息づいている (ikizuite iru) - continues to live on/breathe.

年賀状文化の変遷は、社会構造の変化、技術革新、そして人々の価値観の移り変わりといった多層的な要因が複雑に絡み合った結果として捉えることができる。

The transition of New Year's card culture can be understood as a result of the complex interplay of multifaceted factors such as changes in social structure, technological innovation, and the shifts in people's values.

文化の変遷 (bunka no hensen) - transition of culture; 変遷 (hensen) - transition/change over time; 社会構造 (shakai kōzō) - social structure; 技術革新 (gijutsu kakushin) - technological innovation; 人々の価値観 (hitobito no kachikan) - people's values; 移り変わり (utsurikawari) - transition/shift; 多層的な要因 (tasō-teki na yōin) - multifaceted factors; 複雑に絡み合った (fukuzatsu ni karamiatta) - complexly intertwined; 結果として (kekka to shite) - as a result; 捉えることができる (toraeru koto ga dekiru) - can be grasped/understood.

デジタルコミュニケーションの隆盛が年賀状の伝統的役割を相対的に低下させているという見方がある一方で、そのパーソナルな接触や物質的な存在感は、現代社会における希薄化しがちな人間関係を繋ぎ止める上で、代替し難い機能を有している。

While there is a view that the rise of digital communication is relatively diminishing the traditional role of New Year's cards, their personal contact and tangible presence possess an irreplaceable function in holding together human relationships, which tend to become diluted in modern society.

デジタルコミュニケーションの隆盛 (dejitaru komyunikēshon no ryūsei) - rise of digital communication; 隆盛 (ryūsei) - rise/flourishing; 伝統的役割 (dentō-teki yakuwari) - traditional role; 相対的に (sōtai-teki ni) - relatively; 低下させている (teika sasete iru) - is causing to decline; という見方がある一方で (to iu mikata ga aru ippō de) - while there is a view that; パーソナルな接触 (pāsonaru na sesshoku) - personal contact; 物質的な存在感 (busshitsu-teki na sonzaikan) - tangible presence; 希薄化しがちな (kihaku-ka shigachi na) - tendency to become diluted; 繋ぎ止める (tsunagitomeru) - to hold together/bind; 上で (ue de) - in doing so/for the purpose of; 代替し難い (daitai shi gatai) - difficult to replace/irreplaceable; 機能を有する (kinō o yūsuru) - possess a function.

企業が年賀状を戦略的に活用する際には、単なる挨拶状に留まらず、ブランドストーリーの発信、CSR活動のアピール、さらには顧客のエンゲージメントを深めるためのインタラクティブな要素の導入といった、多角的なコミュニケーション戦略が求められる。

When corporations strategically utilize New Year's cards, multifaceted communication strategies are required, extending beyond mere greetings to include conveying brand stories, appealing CSR activities, and furthermore, introducing interactive elements to deepen customer engagement.

戦略的に活用する (senryaku-teki ni katsuyō suru) - to strategically utilize; 単なる挨拶状に留まらず (tannaru aisatsu-jō ni todomarazu) - not limited to mere greeting cards; ブランドストーリーの発信 (burando sutōrī no hasshin) - transmission of brand stories; CSR活動のアピール (CSR katsudō no apīru) - appeal of CSR activities; さらには (sarani wa) - furthermore/in addition; 顧客のエンゲージメントを深める (kokyaku no engējimento o fukameru) - to deepen customer engagement; インタラクティブな要素 (intarakutibu na yōso) - interactive elements; 導入 (dōnyū) - introduction; 多角的な (takaku-teki na) - multifaceted/diverse; コミュニケーション戦略 (komyunikēshon senryaku) - communication strategy; 求められる (motomerareru) - are required/demanded.

年賀状文化の変遷を考察することは、現代社会における人間関係の希薄化やコミュニケーション手段の多様化といった現象を、より深く理解するための有効な手がかりとなり得る。

Examining the transition of New Year's card culture can serve as a valuable clue for a deeper understanding of phenomena such as the dilution of human relationships and the diversification of communication methods in contemporary society.

変遷を考察する (hensen o kōsatsu suru) - to examine the transition; 現代社会における (gendai shakai ni okeru) - in contemporary society; 人間関係の希薄化 (ningen kankei no kihaku-ka) - dilution of human relationships; コミュニケーション手段の多様化 (komyunikēshon shudan no tayō-ka) - diversification of communication methods; といった現象 (to itta genshō) - phenomena such as; より深く理解する (yori fukaku rikai suru) - to understand more deeply; 有効な手がかり (yūkō na tegakari) - valuable clue/hint; となり得る (tori eri uru) - can become/serve as.

デジタルネイティブ世代にとっては、物理的な年賀状の持つ情緒的価値や、それを送受信する行為に含まれる時間的・精神的な投資の意義は、従来の世代とは異なる解釈を要する。

For the digital native generation, the emotional value of physical New Year's cards and the significance of the temporal and mental investment involved in sending and receiving them require an interpretation different from that of previous generations.

デジタルネイティブ世代 (dejitaru neitibu sedai) - digital native generation; 物理的な (busshitsu-teki na) - physical; 持つ (motsu) - to have/possess; 情緒的価値 (jōsho-teki kachi) - emotional value; それを送受信する行為 (sore o sōjushin suru kōi) - the act of sending and receiving them; 含まれる (fukumareru) - to be included; 時間的・精神的な投資 (jikan-teki / seishin-teki na tōshi) - temporal and mental investment; 意義 (igi) - significance; 従来の世代 (jūrai no sedai) - previous generations; とは異なる解釈 (to wa kotonaru kaishaku) - a different interpretation; 要する (yōsuru) - to require.

年賀状文化の変遷を単なる「衰退」として片付けるのではなく、その文化的遺産としての価値を再評価し、現代的な文脈における新たな意義を見出す試みは、文化研究において重要である。

Instead of simply dismissing the transition of New Year's card culture as mere 'decline,' attempts to re-evaluate its value as cultural heritage and find new significance in a contemporary context are important in cultural studies.

変遷を単なる「衰退」として片付ける (hensen o tannaru 'suitai' to shite katazukeru) - to dismiss the transition as mere 'decline'; ではなく (de wa naku) - not; 文化的遺産 (bunka-teki isan) - cultural heritage; 価値を再評価し (kachi o saihyōka shi) - re-evaluating the value; 現代的な文脈 (gendai-teki na bunmyaku) - contemporary context; 新たな意義 (aratana igi) - new significance; 見出す (miidasu) - to find; 試み (kokoromi) - attempt; 文化研究 (bunka kenkyū) - cultural studies; 重要である (jūyō de aru) - is important.

テクノロジーの進化は、年賀状の作成・送付プロセスを劇的に変容させたが、それによって失われた手書きの温もりや、手間暇かけた表現の持つ情感は、依然として多くの人々にとって代替し難い価値を持つ。

Technological advancements have dramatically transformed the process of creating and sending New Year's cards, but the warmth of handwriting lost in the process, and the emotions carried by expressions made with time and effort, still hold irreplaceable value for many people.

テクノロジーの進化 (tekunorojī no shinka) - evolution of technology; 劇的に変容させた (gekiteki ni henyō saseta) - dramatically transformed; それによって失われた (sore ni yotte ushinawareta) - lost by that; 手書きの温もり (tegaki no nukumori) - warmth of handwriting; 手間暇かけた表現 (tema hima kaketa hyōgen) - expressions made with time and effort; 持つ情感 (motsu jōkan) - emotions possessed; 依然として (izen to shite) - still; 多くの人々にとって (ōku no hitobito ni totte) - for many people; 代替し難い価値 (daitai shi gatai kachi) - irreplaceable value; 持つ (motsu) - to possess.

年賀状文化の変遷を、単なるコミュニケーション手段の変化としてではなく、社会における人間関係のあり方や、個々人が重視する価値観の変容を映し出す鏡として捉える視点が、現代的な意義を持つ。

The perspective of viewing the transition of New Year's card culture not merely as a change in communication methods, but as a mirror reflecting the state of human relationships in society and the transformation of values emphasized by individuals, holds contemporary significance.

単なるコミュニケーション手段の変化としてではなく (tannaru komyunikēshon shudan no henka to shite de wa naku) - not merely as a change in communication methods; 社会における人間関係のあり方 (shakai ni okeru ningen kankei no arikata) - the state of human relationships in society; 個々人が重視する価値観の変容 (koko jin ga jūshi suru kachikan no henyō) - transformation of values emphasized by individuals; 映し出す鏡 (utsushidasu kagami) - a mirror that reflects; 捉える視点 (toraeru shiten) - a perspective that grasps/views; 現代的な意義を持つ (gendai-teki na igi o motsu) - holds contemporary significance.

Common Collocations

年賀状を書く (nengajō o kaku)

年賀状を送る (nengajō o okuru)

年賀状をもらう (nengajō o morau)

年賀状が届く (nengajō ga todoku)

年賀状のデザイン (nengajō no dezain)

年賀状の準備 (nengajō no junbi)

年賀状の印刷 (nengajō no insatsu)

年賀状を出す (nengajō o dasu)

年賀状の交換 (nengajō no kōkan)

デジタル年賀状 (dejitaru nengajō)

Common Phrases

年賀状、ありがとうございます。

— Thank you for the New Year's card.

「年賀状、ありがとうございます。」と笑顔で言いました。

年賀状、届きましたか？

— Did you receive the New Year's card?

「あなたの年賀状、届きましたか？」と友人に尋ねた。

年賀状を書きたいです。

— I want to write New Year's cards.

年末なので、年賀状を書きたいです。

年賀状を出すのを忘れました。

— I forgot to send New Year's cards.

すみません、年賀状を出すのを忘れました。

今年の年賀状はどんなデザインですか？

— What kind of design is this year's New Year's card?

「今年の年賀状はどんなデザインですか？」と子供が尋ねた。

年賀状の準備はできていますか？

— Are you ready with the New Year's cards?

「年賀状の準備はできていますか？」と母親が聞いた。

年賀状の代わりにメールを送ります。

— I will send an email instead of a New Year's card.

遠方に住む友人には、年賀状の代わりにメールを送ります。

年賀状の料金はいくらですか？

— How much is the postage for a New Year's card?

郵便局で「年賀状の料金はいくらですか？」と聞いた。

手作りの年賀状

— Handmade New Year's card.

彼女は毎年、手作りの年賀状を送ってくれる。

印刷された年賀状

— Printed New Year's card.

今年は印刷された年賀状を購入した。

Often Confused With

年賀状 vs 絵葉書 (Ehagaki)

While both are postcards, 絵葉書 refers to any picture postcard, not specifically for New Year's. 年賀状 has a specific cultural purpose and timing.

年賀状 vs グリーティングカード (Greeting Card)

This is a general term for any greeting card. 年賀状 is exclusively for New Year's and carries specific cultural weight in Japan.

年賀状 vs 手紙 (Tegami)

This is a general term for a letter. 年賀状 is a specific type of correspondence, usually a postcard, for a particular occasion.

Easily Confused

年賀状 vs 絵葉書 (Ehagaki)

Both are types of postcards.

年賀状 is specifically a New Year's card with a cultural tradition. 絵葉書 is a picture postcard used for various purposes, like sending scenic views or art, and does not carry the same New Year's significance.

「この絵葉書はとても綺麗ですね。でも、年賀状ではありません。」 (This picture postcard is very beautiful, isn't it? But it's not a New Year's card.)

年賀状 vs グリーティングカード (Gurētingu kādo)

Both are cards for sending greetings.

グリーティングカード is a loanword for any general greeting card used for birthdays, holidays, etc. 年賀状 is a specific type of card exclusively for New Year's greetings in Japan, with its own unique customs and timing.

「誕生日のグリーティングカードは送りましたが、年賀状はまだです。」 (I sent a greeting card for the birthday, but not a New Year's card yet.)

年賀状 vs 挨拶状 (Aisatsu-jō)

Both involve greetings.

挨拶状 is a more formal term for a greeting letter, often used for business announcements or formal occasions. 年賀状 is specifically a New Year's card exchanged among friends, family, and acquaintances, typically less formal than a typical 挨拶状.

「会社から送られてくる挨拶状は、年賀状とは少し違います。」 (The greeting letters sent from companies are a bit different from New Year's cards.)

年賀状 vs 賀詞 (Gashi)

Both relate to New Year's greetings.

賀詞 refers to the congratulatory phrases or greetings themselves (like 'Happy New Year'). 年賀状 is the physical card or letter that contains these greetings.

「年賀状に書く賀詞は、謹賀新年がいいですか？」 (For the New Year's card, is 'Kinga Shinnen' a good congratulatory phrase?)

年賀状 vs 手紙 (Tegami)

Both are forms of written communication.

手紙 is the general word for 'letter'. 年賀状 is a specific type of letter/postcard used exclusively for New Year's greetings in Japan, with a particular cultural context and timing.

「年賀状は、手紙の一種ですが、もっと特別な意味があります。」 (A New Year's card is a type of letter, but it has a more special meaning.)

Sentence Patterns

これは年賀状です。

これは新しい年賀状です。

年賀状、ありがとう。

友達からの年賀状、ありがとう。

Noun + に + 年賀状 + を + Verb

先生に年賀状を送ります。

年賀状 + が + Verb

たくさんの年賀状が届きました。

Verb + 年賀状 + の + Noun

年賀状のデザインが気に入りました。

Modifier + 年賀状 + は + Verb

古い年賀状は大切に保管しています。

～ために、年賀状 + を + Verb

人間関係を保つために、年賀状を送っています。

年賀状 + の + 文化 + は + ～

年賀状の文化は、日本の新年の大切な習慣です。

Word Family

Nouns

年賀状 (nengajō)

年 (nen - year)

賀 (ga - congratulation)

状 (jō - letter/card)

Verbs

書く (kaku - to write)

送る (okuru - to send)

もらう (morau - to receive)

届く (todoku - to arrive)

出す (dasu - to send out)

Adjectives

新しい (atarashii - new)

古い (furui - old)

懐かしい (natsukashii - nostalgic)

温かい (atatakai - warm)

お正月 (oshōgatsu - New Year)

元旦 (gantan - New Year's Day)

干支 (eto - zodiac animal)

挨拶 (aisatsu - greeting)

季節 (kisetsu - season)

How to Use It

frequency

High during December and early January, then decreases significantly.

Common Mistakes

Using 年賀状 for non-New Year occasions. → Birthday card, thank you card, etc.
年賀状 is exclusively for New Year's greetings. Using it for other occasions would be incorrect and confusing.
Assuming a plural form like 'nengajō-tachi'. → 年賀状 (context implies plurality)
Japanese nouns typically don't have explicit plural forms. Context or quantifiers like 'たくさん' (takusan - many) indicate plurality.
Confusing the timing: sending in January, receiving in December. → Send in late December, receive around January 1st.
The purpose of 年賀状 is to mark the beginning of the New Year. Sending them in December ensures they arrive at the intended time.
Treating it as a generic postcard. → Recognizing its cultural significance and specific purpose.
年賀状 is more than just a postcard; it's a cultural practice for maintaining relationships and marking the New Year.
Mispronouncing the word, especially the final 'o'. → Pronounce with a long 'o' sound: nen-gah-joh.
Incorrect pronunciation can lead to misunderstanding. Practicing the correct pronunciation is important for effective communication.

Tips

Understand the Timing

Remember that 年賀状 are meant to be received at the start of the New Year. Sending them too early or too late can miss the intended impact. December is for preparation and mailing, January 1st is for arrival.

Pronunciation Practice

Practice saying 'nen-gah-joh' with a clear long 'o' at the end. Pay attention to the rhythm and stress on the second syllable (gah).

Keep it Concise

When writing your own 年賀状, especially at a beginner level, focus on simple, polite greetings and wishes. Don't try to write a long essay; a few heartfelt sentences are perfect.

Observe Native Usage

During December and January, pay attention to Japanese media or conversations. You'll hear 年賀状 frequently, giving you context for its usage in real-life situations.

Visual Association

Create a mental image of a Japanese New Year's card, perhaps with the zodiac animal of the year, and associate the word 年賀状 with that image. Repetition is key.

Particle Usage

Be mindful of particles like を (o) when sending/receiving (年賀状を送る/もらう) and に (ni) when indicating the recipient (友達に送る).

Relationship Building

Understand that sending 年賀状 is a way to actively maintain relationships. It shows you care and remember people, which is highly valued in Japanese society.

Related Terms

Learn related terms like お正月 (Oshogatsu - New Year) and 元旦 (Gantan - New Year's Day) to better understand the context in which 年賀状 is used.

Standard Phrases

Familiarize yourself with standard phrases like '明けましておめでとうございます' and '今年もよろしくお願いします' as they are commonly found on 年賀状.

Distinguish from Other Cards

Always remember that 年賀状 is specific to New Year's. It's not a birthday card, thank-you card, or general greeting card.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a calendar ('年' - year) with a big party hat ('賀' - celebration) on it, and you're sending a card ('状' - card) to everyone. So, a 'Year Celebration Card'.

Visual Association

Picture a stack of colorful cards with the Japanese characters 年賀状 printed on them, perhaps with designs of the zodiac animal of the year, sitting next to a mailbox.

Word Web

New Year's Card Japan Tradition Greeting Postcard Celebration Family Friends Gratitude

Challenge

Try to write a simple sentence using 年賀状 to describe your own New Year's card experience or wish someone a Happy New Year.

Word Origin

The word 年賀状 is a compound word formed from 年 (nen), meaning 'year', and 賀状 (gajō), meaning 'congratulatory letter' or 'greeting card'. The character 賀 (ga) specifically implies congratulations or celebration, tying it directly to festive occasions.

Original meaning: Congratulatory letter for the year.

Japonic

Cultural Context

While 年賀状 is a positive tradition, it's important to note that if someone has experienced a recent death in the family, they may observe '喪中' (mochū), meaning they refrain from sending or receiving New Year's greetings. In such cases, a special card indicating this is often sent out in advance, or they will not send 年賀状.

In English-speaking countries, New Year's greetings are typically sent via email, social media, or sometimes general holiday cards that might include a New Year's message. The concept of a dedicated 'New Year's card' as a distinct cultural practice with specific delivery timing is less pronounced.

The Ghibli film 'My Neighbor Totoro' features children receiving and sending letters, which implicitly includes the idea of seasonal correspondence. Many Japanese dramas and anime depict scenes of characters receiving or sending 年賀状 during the New Year's season, highlighting its cultural importance. New Year's Eve and Day programming on Japanese television frequently references the tradition of sending and receiving 年賀状.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Preparing for the New Year

年賀状を書きます。
年賀状を送ります。
年賀状の準備をします。

Receiving mail during the holidays

年賀状が届きました。
たくさんの年賀状をもらいました。
年賀状はいつ届きますか？

Discussing New Year's traditions

年賀状は日本の伝統です。
デジタル年賀状も増えています。
手作りの年賀状が好きです。

In a workplace setting

取引先に年賀状を出します。
年賀状の印刷を頼みました。
年賀状の準備は進んでいますか？

Talking about old memories

子供の頃、年賀状のデザインを考えました。
古い年賀状が出てきました。
懐かしい年賀状をもらいました。

Conversation Starters

"Have you sent your New Year's cards yet?"

"What kind of design did you choose for your New Year's cards this year?"

"Do you prefer sending or receiving New Year's cards?"

"What is your favorite memory related to New Year's cards?"

"Do you think digital New Year's greetings are the same as traditional cards?"

Journal Prompts

Describe the process of sending New Year's cards in Japan. What are the key steps and timings?

Reflect on the cultural significance of 年賀状. Why is it important in Japanese society?

Imagine you are writing a New Year's card to a friend you haven't seen in a while. What would you write?

Compare and contrast the tradition of sending New Year's cards in Japan with similar practices in your own culture, if any.

Discuss the impact of technology on the tradition of sending 年賀状. Are there more advantages or disadvantages?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

People typically send 年賀状 in late December, aiming for them to arrive on or around January 1st, which is New Year's Day in Japan. The Japanese postal service has special handling for these cards to ensure timely delivery.

年賀状 are sent to a wide range of people, including family members, friends, relatives, colleagues, former teachers, neighbors, and business associates. It's a way to maintain social connections.

Common content includes New Year's greetings like '明けましておめでとうございます' (Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu - Happy New Year) or '謹賀新年' (Kinga Shinnen - Respectful New Year's Greetings). Many also include messages of gratitude for the past year and wishes for health and happiness in the new year.

While digital greetings are becoming more common, traditional paper 年賀状 still hold significant cultural value and are widely sent and received. Many people appreciate the personal touch and effort involved in sending a physical card.

If it's too late to send a 年賀状, people might send a '寒中見舞い' (Kanchū Mimai), which is a greeting sent during the cold period (late January to early February), or simply send a New Year's greeting later in January, acknowledging that it's late.

Yes, it's very common. Each year is associated with one of the twelve zodiac animals, and many 年賀状 designs feature the animal of the upcoming year, often with auspicious motifs.

A 年賀状 is specifically for New Year's greetings and carries cultural significance related to the start of the year and social connections. A regular postcard (like 絵葉書) can be for any purpose or image.

Yes, many companies send 年賀状 to their clients and business partners as a way to maintain relationships, express gratitude, and reinforce their brand image.

If there has been a recent death in the family, people observe '喪中' (mochū) and refrain from sending or receiving New Year's greetings. They might send out a '喪中欠礼' (mochū ketsurei) notice in advance to inform people they will not be sending 年賀状.

If you are sending a 年賀状 to a Japanese friend and want to include an English message, it's usually appreciated. However, the primary message should ideally be in Japanese, or at least include standard Japanese New Year's greetings.