Meaning
A greeting used to wish someone well for the new year.
Cultural Background
Brazilians usually celebrate 'Ano Novo' at the beach, wearing white to symbolize peace and jumping seven waves for good luck. In Portugal, it is common to say 'Bom Ano' throughout the first week of January, and many people eat 12 raisins at midnight. New Year's Eve is often celebrated with large family feasts and 'Kizomba' dancing, where the greeting is central to the festivities.
The Hug Rule
In Brazil, saying 'Feliz Ano Novo' at midnight is almost always accompanied by a hug (abraço), even with people you just met at a party.
Written vs Spoken
In cards, you can write 'Desejamos um Feliz Ano Novo', but in person, just the short phrase is better.
Meaning
A greeting used to wish someone well for the new year.
The Hug Rule
In Brazil, saying 'Feliz Ano Novo' at midnight is almost always accompanied by a hug (abraço), even with people you just met at a party.
Written vs Spoken
In cards, you can write 'Desejamos um Feliz Ano Novo', but in person, just the short phrase is better.
Test Yourself
How do you say 'Happy New Year' in Portuguese?
Choose the correct phrase:
'Feliz Ano Novo' is the correct masculine form for the New Year greeting.
Complete the sentence with the missing word.
Desejo a você um ______ Ano Novo!
While all could work, 'Feliz' is the most standard and common answer.
Match the greeting to the date.
Which greeting do you use on December 31st at 11:59 PM?
This is the specific time for the New Year greeting.
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: 'Três, dois, um...!' Beto: '_________!'
The countdown leads directly to the New Year greeting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
New Year Vocabulary
Actions
- • Brindar
- • Celebrar
- • Desejar
Objects
- • Champanhe
- • Fogos
- • Uvas
Practice Bank
4 exercisesChoose the correct phrase:
'Feliz Ano Novo' is the correct masculine form for the New Year greeting.
Desejo a você um ______ Ano Novo!
While all could work, 'Feliz' is the most standard and common answer.
Which greeting do you use on December 31st at 11:59 PM?
This is the specific time for the New Year greeting.
Ana: 'Três, dois, um...!' Beto: '_________!'
The countdown leads directly to the New Year greeting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is perfectly normal to say it the first time you see someone in the new year, up until about the 10th of January.
Yes, when referring to the holiday itself, both words are usually capitalized.
'Ano Novo' is the name of the holiday/greeting, while 'Réveillon' refers specifically to the party or celebration on New Year's Eve.
Related Phrases
Boas Festas
similarHappy Holidays
Vida Nova
builds onNew Life
Véspera de Ano Novo
specialized formNew Year's Eve
