Linguist explained how to correctly write New Year: common mistake.

According to ТСН: During the winter holidays, Ukrainians actively exchange greetings via messengers and sign postcards. However, many question how to correctly write the names of the holidays.

When we write with a capital letter

Linguist Oleksandr Avramenko explained the rules for writing holiday names in the program 'Breakfast with 1+1'. According to him, Ukrainian spelling clearly defines that in solemn events, only the first word is written with a capital letter.

'In holiday names, we write only the first word with a capital letter: 'New' — capitalized, and 'year' — in lowercase,' emphasized Avramenko.

For example, 'Happy New Year!'.

When lowercase is appropriate

An important nuance that is often forgotten is that if the greeting refers not to the holiday itself (January 1st), but to the coming year, then a capital letter is not needed.

'If the congratulatory text contains a wish for something in the new year, i.e., in the next 365 days, then 'new year' is written with a lowercase letter, because we are no longer referring to the holiday,' explained the teacher.

For example, 'I wish you success in the new year!'.

How to avoid surzhyk

Avramenko also pointed out a typical mistake. On the eve of the holiday, Ukrainians often use the phrase, a calque from Russian — 'with the approaching'. The linguist recommends avoiding this expression, as it is not natural for the Ukrainian language. The correct greeting before the holiday is: 'With the upcoming New Year!'

In modern Ukraine, there is a growing interest in pure Ukrainian language, but surzhyk variants are still used in everyday life. Linguists emphasize the importance of using correct words: 'treat' instead of 'pирожене', 'candies' instead of 'канфєти', 'ice cream' instead of 'морожене', 'lollipop' instead of 'лєденєц', and 'cereal' instead of 'хлоп’я'. A literate language is an important part of Ukrainian identity.

Thus, adhering to the rules of writing holiday names not only demonstrates our linguistic competence but also shows respect for our native language. In particular, it is worth paying attention to the correct use of formulations, which will help preserve linguistic culture and avoid mistakes in communication.