Christmas is a magical time of year when people all over the world come together to celebrate love, joy, and the spirit of giving. If you’re interested in learning how to say “Christmas” in different languages, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore various formal and informal ways to say “Christmas” in different languages from around the globe. So, let’s embark on this linguistic journey and spread the joy of the holiday season!
Table of Contents
Europe
1. English
In English-speaking countries, “Christmas” is the commonly used term. It’s worth mentioning that during the Christmas season, phrases such as “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” are also commonly shared.
2. Spanish
In Spanish, “Christmas” is translated as “Navidad.” This word can be used both formally and informally in Spanish-speaking countries. For example, you can say “Feliz Navidad” to wish someone a merry Christmas.
3. French
In French, “Christmas” is known as “Noël.” The French often wish each other “Joyeux Noël” during the holiday season to spread the season’s cheer.
4. German
Germans celebrate “Weihnachten” for Christmas. To wish someone a merry Christmas, you can say “Frohe Weihnachten” in German.
5. Italian
In Italian, “Christmas” is translated as “Natale.” You can spread the festive spirit by saying “Buon Natale” to wish someone a merry Christmas.
Americas
1. Portuguese
In Portuguese, “Christmas” is called “Natal.” To convey holiday greetings, you can say “Feliz Natal” to spread the Christmas joy.
2. Japanese
In Japanese, “Christmas” is pronounced as “Kurisumasu.” Since Christmas is not a traditional Japanese holiday, the celebration is often more focused on romantic relationships rather than family gatherings.
3. Dutch
In Dutch, “Christmas” is known as “Kerstmis.” To wish someone a merry Christmas in Dutch, you can say “Vrolijk Kerstfeest.”
4. Swedish
Swedes celebrate “Jul” for Christmas. To wish someone a merry Christmas, “God Jul” is the commonly used phrase in Sweden.
Asia
1. Mandarin Chinese
In Mandarin Chinese, “Christmas” is translated as “Shèngdàn Jié.” While Christmas is not traditionally celebrated in China, it has gained popularity in recent years as a festive occasion.
2. Korean
Korean for “Christmas” is “Seongtanjeol” or “Kerisumasu.” The latter is closer to the English pronunciation and is more commonly used among younger generations influenced by Western culture.
3. Hindi
In Hindi, “Christmas” is known as “Krismas.” Christians in India often use the English term “Christmas,” but you can also greet them with “Krismas Mubarak” to convey your wishes.
Africa
1. Swahili
In Swahili, one of the widely spoken languages in Africa, “Christmas” is called “Krismasi.” To wish someone a merry Christmas, you can say “Krismasi Njema.”
2. Afrikaans
The word for “Christmas” in Afrikaans is “Kersfees.” In South Africa and Namibia, Afrikaans speakers use this term to celebrate the holiday season.
Oceania
1. Maori
In Maori, an indigenous Polynesian language spoken primarily in New Zealand, “Christmas” is called “Kirihimete.” To spread the holiday spirit, you can greet someone with “Meri Kirihimete.”
Conclusion
Christmas is a special time that brings people from diverse cultures and languages together. By learning how to say “Christmas” in different languages, you can show respect, foster understanding, and spread joy during the holiday season. Whether you use the formal or informal terms, your efforts to learn and greet others in their native language will be appreciated. So, this Christmas, let’s celebrate the beauty of linguistic diversity and wish everyone a merry “Christmas,” “Navidad,” “Noël,” “Weihnachten,” “Natale,” “Natal,” “Kurisumasu,” “Kerstmis,” “Jul,” “Shèngdàn Jié,” “Seongtanjeol,” “Krismas,” “Kersfees,” or “Kirihimete”!
