Meaning
A traditional greeting for the New Year, wishing much fortune.
Cultural Background
During the Lunar New Year, the phrase is part of the 'Sebae' ritual. Children bow to elders to receive 'Sebaetdon' (money). Eating 'Tteokguk' (rice cake soup) on New Year's Day is said to give you one more year of age and a clean start. Every year is associated with a zodiac animal (e.g., Year of the Dragon). People often add the animal's name to the greeting. It is common to send mass emails or texts with this phrase to all clients and partners during the first week of the year.
The Bowing Rule
If you are in Korea during Seollal, a slight bow (nodding your head and shoulders) while saying this phrase adds a lot of sincerity.
Lunar vs Solar
Koreans say this twice! Once on Jan 1st and again on the Lunar New Year. You can't say it too much.
Meaning
A traditional greeting for the New Year, wishing much fortune.
The Bowing Rule
If you are in Korea during Seollal, a slight bow (nodding your head and shoulders) while saying this phrase adds a lot of sincerity.
Lunar vs Solar
Koreans say this twice! Once on Jan 1st and again on the Lunar New Year. You can't say it too much.
The 'Deokdam' Response
If an elder says this to you, respond with '네, 감사합니다. (Name)님도 새해 복 많이 받으세요.'
Don't Abbreviate to Elders
Never use '새복많' (slang) with anyone older than you or in a professional setting.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate greeting for your Korean boss on January 1st.
What should you say to your boss?
The '-으세요' form is the correct polite formal register for a boss.
Complete the phrase with the correct word for 'luck/blessing'.
새해 ___ 많이 받으세요.
'복' ({복|福}) is the word for luck or blessing used in this greeting.
Match the phrase to the person.
1. 새해 복 많이 받아 | 2. 새해 복 많이 받으십시오
Informal '받아' is for younger siblings; very formal '받으십시오' is for high-ranking officials.
Complete the dialogue between a grandmother and a grandson.
Grandson: 할머니, 새해 복 많이 받으세요! (Bows) Grandmother: 그래, 우리 민수도 ___ 많이 받아라.
The grandmother returns the wish for 'Bok' (luck).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use which form?
Formal
- • Boss
- • Teacher
- • Elderly neighbor
Informal
- • Best friend
- • Younger sibling
- • Pet
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhat should you say to your boss?
The '-으세요' form is the correct polite formal register for a boss.
새해 ___ 많이 받으세요.
'복' ({복|福}) is the word for luck or blessing used in this greeting.
1. 새해 복 많이 받아 | 2. 새해 복 많이 받으십시오
Informal '받아' is for younger siblings; very formal '받으십시오' is for high-ranking officials.
Grandson: 할머니, 새해 복 많이 받으세요! (Bows) Grandmother: 그래, 우리 민수도 ___ 많이 받아라.
The grandmother returns the wish for 'Bok' (luck).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually, about a week after the Lunar New Year ends, it starts to feel outdated.
Yes! It's very common to say it to shopkeepers or neighbors in early January.
Yes, it is a traditional greeting used across the entire peninsula.
'새해' is native Korean and used in speech. '신년' is Sino-Korean and used more in formal writing or news.
No, a full bow (Sebae) is only for family elders on Seollal. A simple head nod is enough for daily life.
'-으세요' is the honorific imperative, which is the standard for formal wishes and greetings.
Absolutely. It is the most common way to start a New Year's email.
It's better to say '올해 좋은 일 많으시길 바랍니다' (I hope you have many good things this year) instead.
You can use the informal '새해 복 많이 받아~' with a cute tone.
It's a broad term for good fortune, blessings, and luck that comes from a higher power or ancestors.
Related Phrases
올해도 잘 부탁드립니다
builds onI look forward to your kind cooperation this year too.
건강하세요
similarPlease be healthy.
부자 되세요
specialized formBecome rich!
좋은 일만 가득하세요
similarMay your year be filled with only good things.
