Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Brazil): Feliz ano novo.

A good approximation is feh-leez AH-noh NOH-voh. Note that ano has a subtle nasal sound, and the z in feliz is pronounced like an English z in this context.

Why is the adjective novo in its masculine form?

Because the noun ano (meaning year) is masculine. In Portuguese, adjectives agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify, so novo remains in its masculine form since it refers to ano.

Is Feliz ano novo a fixed expression or can it be modified?

It is a common, fixed greeting used during New Year celebrations. However, you might also encounter extended versions like Feliz Natal e um próspero Ano Novo when both Christmas and New Year are being celebrated.

Why might the punctuation or capitalization vary in different contexts?

While Feliz ano novo. with a period is grammatically correct as a complete sentence, many people use an exclamation mark—Feliz ano novo!—to convey excitement in festive contexts. Capitalization may also vary depending on stylistic choices, especially in cards or advertisements.