Natale
/naˈta.le/masculine
Christmas in Italian is Natale.
Natale refers to the festival or holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, which is celebrated on December 25 in most places. To wish someone a Merry Christmas, the standard phrase is Buon Natale. Other ways to offer well-wishes include Tanti auguri per il Natale (Best wishes for Christmas) and Buone feste natalizie, which is used to wish someone a joyous Christmas holiday season.
Meaning: festival or holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ which in Western Christianity is celebrated on December 25 in most places (name)
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say 'at Christmas' or 'during Christmas', use the preposition a before the word, as in a Natale. To describe things related to the holiday, such as 'Christmas songs', use the preposition di (for example, canzoni di Natale).
How do you pronounce it?
Natale is pronounced /naˈta.le/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In some Italian regions, the period of Natale is extended by the celebration of the Epifania on January 6, when the witch la Befana brings gifts.
- In some parts of Italy, instead of a tree, the focus of the 'Natale' season is on the Presepe, or the Nativity scene, which can be incredibly elaborate.
- The word Natale is derived from the Latin nātālis, which simply means 'birthday'.
Examples in context
- Io amo il Natale.I love Christmas.This sentence shows how to express a personal feeling toward Natale.Tatoeba #2792316 by Guybrush88, translation #2380204 by CK
- Ah, è già Natale?Ah, is it already Christmas?This sentence is useful for asking if it is currently the time for Natale.Tatoeba #12230807 by Guybrush88, translation #12230737 by Miktsoanit
- Oggi non è Natale!Today's not Christmas!This sentence is useful for stating that today is not the day for Natale.Tatoeba #3189782 by Guybrush88, translation #2945013 by mervert1
- Nel calore del Natale, tanti auguri di felicitàIn the warmth of Christmas, best wishes for happiness.
- Che ogni tuo desiderio si avveri nel giorno di NataleMay all your wishes come true on Christmas day.
- 1590 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are talking about their holiday plans.
- LorenzoGiulia, hai già fatto i regali di Natale?Giulia, have you already bought the Christmas gifts?
- GiuliaNo Lorenzo, devo ancora finire tutto.No Lorenzo, I still have to finish everything.
- LorenzoNon ti preoccupare, il Natale è lontano.Don't worry, Christmas is far away.
- GiuliaHai ragione, cercherò di rilassarmi.You are right, I will try to relax.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Christmas” translations and entries Natale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Natale, natale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
