Level A1 (Beginner)
Updated December 30, 2025 — Lesson written by French teacher David Issokson for students who want to learn French online, with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a voice artist from France.
The French Word of the Day is bonne année, meaning “Happy New Year.” When I was an exchange student in France in 1991–92, I was surprised to hear bonne année used everywhere — and throughout the entire month of January. French speakers say it far more often than North Americans say “Happy New Year.” Listen to Marie’s audio clips and you’ll start using it naturally, just like a native speaker.
✅ Meaning
✅ Pronunciation
✅ Example sentences
✅ Related Words & Expressions
✅ Related lessons
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📘 Bonne année meaning in French
Bonne année translates literally to “good year” and means “Happy New Year.” It’s used to wish someone a good, happy, and successful year ahead. French speakers typically say bonne année from January 1 through the end of January, especially when seeing someone for the first time in the new year. It works in both informal and polite situations.
✨ Happy New Year in French (from informal to formal)
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Bonne année ! | Happy New Year! |
| Très bonne année ! | Have a very happy new year! |
| Bonne année et bonne santé ! | Happy New Year and good health! |
| Je te souhaite une excellente année. | I wish you an excellent year. (informal, singular – tu) |
| Je vous souhaite une très bonne année. | I wish you a very happy new year. (formal or plural – vous) |
🎧 Bonne année pronunciation in French
The pronunciation of bonne année is /bɔ.n‿a.ne/ (IPA), which sounds roughly like “bon ah-NAY.”
📝 Bonne année usage examples
Bonne année et meilleurs vœux pour la nouvelle année.
Happy New Year and best wishes for the new year.
Ils se souhaitent bonne année après minuit.
They wish each other a happy new year after midnight.
Elle écrit bonne année sur une carte de vœux.
She writes “Happy New Year” on a greeting card.
Bonne année ! J’espère que tout ira bien pour toi cette année.
Happy New Year! I hope everything goes well for you this year.
More New Year’s Vocabulary
Explore more essential French words and expressions used around New Year’s celebrations. Each lesson features native French audio by Marie Assel Cambier.
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🔗 Related words and expressions
- meilleurs vœux — best wishes
- la Saint-Sylvestre — New Year’s Eve
- le Jour de l’An — New Year’s Day
- bonne santé — good health
- la nouvelle année — new year
- se souhaiter — to wish each other
📚 Related lessons on FrenchLearner!
👉 meilleurs vœux — best wishes »
👉 la Saint-Sylvestre — best wishes »
👉 le Nouvel An — the New Year »
👉 le réveillon — Christmas / New Year’s Eve dinner »
👉 le feu d’artifice — fireworks »
👉 souhaiter (to wish) — examples and usage »
👉 félicitations — congratulations »
👉 French Christmas (holidays) lessons hub »
🚀 Continue learning French online on FrenchLearner!
👉 French Word of the Day »
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👉 French for beginners guide »
👉 French song lyrics hub »
❓ Bonne année — Common Questions
What does bonne année mean in French?
Bonne année means “Happy New Year.” It’s the standard greeting used in France to wish someone well at the beginning of the new year.
When do you say bonne année in French?
French speakers usually say bonne année from January 1 until the end of January, especially the first time they see someone that year.
Is bonne année formal or informal?
It works for both. You can say bonne année to friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and even in polite or professional situations.
Can you say bonne année before January 1?
No. Before January 1, French speakers say bon réveillon or bonne Saint-Sylvestre. Bonne année is used only once the new year has started.
