Let’s ring in the new year with some fresh English vocabulary!
In today’s lesson, you’ll learn words and phrases we use to talk about New Year’s Eve, resolutions, celebrations, and well-wishes — from “champagne” and “fireworks” to “turning over a new leaf.”
Whether you’re going to a party, making goals for the year ahead, or just chatting with friends in English — these are phrases you’ll hear everywhere in the final few days of the year.
We’ll start with some vocabulary for talking about new year’s celebrations.
Many people get together with friends and family on New Year’s Eve – that refers to December 31st, the night before the new year. Everyone stays up until midnight – that’s 12:00 AM, when one day ends and another day begins – in this case, the first day of the new year.
During the last few seconds, there’s usually a countdown – when we say numbers in reverse order – 10, 9, 8, 7… until reaching zero.
Lots of places set off fireworks – bright explosions in the sky – to mark the beginning of a new year; or throw confetti – those are small colorful pieces of paper.
In homes, we usually pour some champagne (a sparkling wine with bubbles) and we toast the new year – a toast is when you make a short speech and clink your glasses together to celebrate.
Some people say “cheers!” when doing this.
Children might enjoy wearing party hats and using noisemakers, and we all wish each other a Happy New Year!
Another phrase you might see is “Wishing you a joyful / successful / healthy New Year” – this is one you’ll often see in writing, and it can be used for your colleagues or people you don’t see as often.
You could also say “May all your dreams come true this year” or “Here’s to a wonderful/prosperous/fantastic 2026!” – you can put any positive adjective in there.
Well, the real work starts after we ring in the new year (meaning celebrate the arrival of the new year) – many of us make new year’s resolutions, goals or promises for self-improvement.
It’s a great chance to start fresh or start the year off right – meaning to begin the year in a positive and productive way. Hopefully you can turn over a new leaf, meaning make a positive change in your life.
Once you’ve set your goal, I hope you can follow through – meaning actually take action on what you decided, promised, or intended – and then stick to it – that means keep going, don’t quit.
Now you know lots of new year’s vocabulary in English!
More fluent English in the New Year
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