As the year comes to a close, many languages have special expressions that reflect gratitude, reflection, and well-wishing. In Japanese culture, the end of the year is especially meaningful, and there are several common phrases you’ll hear in daily life, at work, and in messages. Let’s explore some key end-of-the-year expressions and how to use them naturally.

1️⃣ よいお年としをお迎むかえください

Meaning:
A polite way to say “Have a good New Year.”

This is the formal version of the year-end greeting and is often used in professional or written situations.

When to use it:

• Business emails
• Formal messages
• To customers, superiors, or people you don’t know well

Example:
今年ことしもありがとうございました。よいお年としをお迎むかえください。
(Thank you for this year. Please have a wonderful New Year.)

2️⃣ よいお年としを

Meaning:
Have a good New Year.

This is the most common and casual year-end greeting in Japanese.

📌 Important:
This phrase is used before the New Year begins (until December 31).
After January 1, people say あけましておめでとうございます(Happy New Year) instead.

Example:
また来年会らいねんあいましょう。よいお年としを！
(Let’s meet again next year. Have a good New Year!)

3️⃣ 今年ことしもお世話せわになりました

Meaning:
Thank you for everything this year.

This phrase expresses gratitude for support, help, or cooperation throughout the year.

When to use it:

• Workplaces
• Messages to teachers, colleagues, neighbors, or clients

Example:
今年ことしもお世話せわになりました。
(Thank you for all your support this year.)

4️⃣ 来年らいねんもよろしくお願ねがいします

Meaning:
I look forward to your continued support next year.

This is often used together with the previous phrase to close the year politely.

Common combination:
今年ことしもお世話せわになりました。来年らいねんもよろしくお願ねがいします。
(Thank you for everything this year. I look forward to working with you next year as well.)

5️⃣ 年末年始ねんまつねんし

Meaning:
The year-end and New Year period.

This word is commonly used in announcements, schedules, and notices.

Example:
年末年始ねんまつねんしは営業時間えいぎょうじかんが変更へんこうになります。
(Business hours will change during the year-end and New Year holidays.)

6️⃣ 仕事納しごとおさめ

Meaning:
The last working day of the year.

This refers to the day you officially finish work before the New Year holidays.

Example:
今日きょうが仕事納しごとおさめです。
(Today is my last workday of the year.)

7️⃣ 仕事始しごとはじめ

Meaning:
The first working day of the New Year.

This marks the return to work after the holidays.

Example:
仕事始しごとはじめは1月5日がついつかです。
(The first workday is January 5th.)

8️⃣ 大晦日おおみそか

Meaning:
New Year’s Eve (December 31).

In Japan, 大晦日おおみそか is traditionally spent with family, watching special TV programs, eating 年越としこしそば, and preparing for the New Year.

Example:
大晦日おおみそかは家いえでゆっくり過すごします。
(I’ll spend New Year’s Eve relaxing at home.)

🌟 Final Thoughts

End-of-the-year expressions in Japanese reflect respect, gratitude, and the importance of relationships. Using them correctly—especially with the right timing—helps you sound natural and culturally aware.

As the year comes to an end, don’t forget to express your thanks and warm wishes.

よいお年としを！🎍

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