Noël
/nɔ.ɛl/masculine
Christmas in French is Noël. If unsure, use Noël. Wiktionary also lists jour de Noël and Christmas.
Meaning: festival or holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ which in Western Christianity is celebrated on December 25 in most places (name)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Noël | /nɔ.ɛl/ | masculine |
| jour de Noël | masculine | |
| Christmas | [kris.mis] (Louisiana, narrow) [kris.mys] (Louisiana, narrow) |
Louisiana |
Noël is a masculine noun used to refer to the holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. To wish someone a Merry Christmas, the standard phrase is joyeux Noël. If you are referring specifically to the festive meal or celebration held on Christmas Eve, use le réveillon de Noël.
Which one should you use?
While Noël refers to the holiday itself, jour de Noël refers specifically to the day of December 25th.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Corsica, the expression Bon Natal is used to say Merry Christmas. Additionally, the form Christmas is used in Louisiana.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to express that something happens during the Christmas season, use the preposition à with Noël, such as in à Noël (at Christmas).
How do you pronounce it?
/nɔ.ɛl/
Did you know?
- The word Noël is a double of the English word 'natal' because both come from the Latin word nātālis, meaning 'birthday'.
- In France, the 'Christmas spirit' often centers on le réveillon, a massive feast that traditionally takes place on the evening of December 24 instead of the 25th.
- In French culture, the sapin de Noël or Christmas tree is often not put up until the very beginning of December, whereas some English speakers start in November.
Examples in context
- Au diable Noël !Fuck Christmas!This sentence uses Noël to express a strong negative sentiment toward the holiday.Tatoeba #9030001 by Micsmithel, translation #8734087 by shekitten
- Un cadeau de Noël.A Christmas present.This sentence uses Noël to describe a gift.Tatoeba #389531 by trotter, translation #8878611 by numsgil
- Ce n'est pas Noël.It's not Christmas.This sentence uses Noël to state that it is not currently the Christmas season.Tatoeba #9489641 by Micsmithel, translation #2249114 by CK
- 1246 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are talking about their holiday plans.
- LéaTu as des projets pour Noël ?Do you have any plans for Christmas?
- NathanOui, je vais voir ma famille.Yes, I am going to see my family.
- LéaC'est une excellente idée, Nathan.That is an excellent idea, Nathan.
- NathanEt toi, Léa ?And you, Léa?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Christmas” translations and entries Noël, Christmas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Christmas, Noël, de, jour, noël, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
