Chic One-Liners to Accompany Your New Year’s Cards: A Collection of Stylish Add-on Message Ideas
Many people find their New Year’s card messages end up being the same old boilerplate, don’t they? Precisely because it’s a greeting for the start of a new year, it’s nice to add a touch of wit and make it a card that truly leaves an impression.
With that in mind, we’ve gathered chic one-liner ideas for a variety of situations—from humor-filled lines for close friends to refined expressions suitable for those senior to you.
If you’d like to step beyond the usual greetings or are struggling to find the right words, please use these as inspiration!
Chic one-liners for New Year’s cards! A collection of stylish inscription ideas (1–10)
May this year also be filled with peace and the joy of each day.
Why not add this simple message to your New Year’s card, with the wish that they spend their days in peace and joy? The phrase “with a peaceful heart” carries the hope that few things will unsettle or disturb their mind, and it gently conveys a warm desire for them to enjoy each day with their natural, honest heart.
It’s a New Year’s message you can send to anyone—family, friends, or relatives.
If you like, please share it with someone special to you.
This year as well—moving forward gently, but surely!
If you want to move forward, you need to make an effort, right? Everyone knows that, but I think the amount and pace of effort differ from person to person.
This phrase is a message that gently gives you a push while understanding those feelings.
For someone who’s trying hard but not getting results, it can be a heartwarming encouragement.
It can also make you feel like, even little by little, maybe I’ll try something new.
It’s a wonderful line that has a positive effect on anyone.
May this year bring many heartwarming moments.
When you hear the words “heartwarming moments,” what kind of times come to mind? Time spent with family, chats with friends, moments when a movie or a novel moves your heart… I’m sure each of you has your own wonderful moments.
This message is a short wish that many such warm, comforting times will come your way in the New Year.
It’s something you’d write while hoping for that person’s happiness and gentle days.
Adding “for you” at the beginning can make it feel even more personal and friendly.
Let’s take on a year that surpasses our past selves!
You often hear that your greatest enemy is yourself.
I think this phrase connects to that idea.
The person you should compare yourself to isn’t others, but your own self.
It’s a good message that lets you reflect on yourself while looking back on the past year, without using the word “Do your best.” And ending with “Let’s challenge the new year,” rather than “Let’s make it a good year,” seems to draw out even more motivation.
Let’s send this phrase with the hope that by reflecting on last year’s failures and turning frustration into fuel, we can make the new year even better.
Wishing you a year even better than your fortune slip!
Some of you probably went for your first shrine visit of the year and drew an omikuji.
If your fortune wasn’t so great, you might be feeling a bit uneasy about the new year.
In that case, how about adding this line to your New Year’s card? Instead of saying “happy” or “fun,” try “better than your omikuji.” It shows a nice touch of wit, and it conveys your wish for their happiness in a light, cheerful way without sounding too formal.
If you’d like to add a memorable one-liner to your New Year’s card, feel free to use it.
This year, let’s give back both good fortune and laughter in double measure!
Here’s a message that uses the word “baigaeshi” (payback double), which became famous from the drama Hanzawa Naoki.
In the show it meant revenge, but as a short note on a New Year’s card, let’s give it a positive twist: let’s return double the good fortune and laughter! Since the phrase is well-known, it’s a witty line that will make anyone smile.
Why not send this to someone important to you or a friend, wishing happiness for each other? It could also be fun to swap out “good fortune” and “laughter” for other words.
Make your New Year’s card shine with your own personal style!
Let’s make this a year to enjoy the small changes.
We tend to overlook small changes, but just noticing them can make everyday life feel richer, don’t you think? A calm life where you can enjoy new discoveries… From this message, you can feel a wish for days like that.
Even without big changes, this lovely phrase reminds us that small joys and happiness are often closer than we think.
It might even lower the bar for someone’s happiness and raise their sense of well-being.
If you like, try sharing it with someone important to you.