día de Navidad
/dia de nabidad/from spelling rules
In Spanish, Christmas Day is translated as día de Navidad.
The phrase refers to the annual holiday on December 25th celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela, the single word Navidad is often used to refer to both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of día (day), de (of) and Navidad (Christmas).
Which one should you use?
While día de Navidad specifically refers to December 25th, the term Nochebuena is used for Christmas Eve on December 24th. Additionally, in Spain and certain other Hispanic countries, the word Pascua typically refers to Easter, though it may be used in some regions to describe Christmas Day.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the main celebration and gift exchange happen on Nochebuena rather than día de Navidad.
- In many parts of the Spanish-speaking world, the celebration is less about the single day and more about the entire season, often referred to as 'las Posadas' in Mexico.
- The word Navidad is actually a direct descendant of the Latin word for 'birth', specifically from the term nātīvitātem.
Examples in context
- Quiero desearles a todos un feliz Día de Navidad.I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas Day.
- ¡Feliz Nochebuena! ¿Ya estás emocionado por el Día de Navidad mañana?Merry Christmas Eve! Are you excited for Christmas Day tomorrow?
- El día de Navidad es muy especial.Christmas Day is very special.
- ¿Qué planes tienes para el día de Navidad?What plans do you have for Christmas Day?
- Nos gusta comer mucho el día de Navidad.We like to eat a lot on Christmas Day.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are talking about their holiday plans.
- Javier¿Vas a visitar a tu familia el día de Navidad?Are you going to visit your family on Christmas Day?
- SofíaSí, planeo ir a su casa.Yes, I plan to go to their house.
- JavierQué bien, yo también estaré con ellos.That's great, I will be with them too.
- SofíaEspero que pasemos un día maravilloso.I hope we have a wonderful day.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Navidad, de, día, CC BY-SA 4.0.
