クリスマス
Kurisumasu[kɯ̟ɾʲisɨma̠sɨ]
The English word "Christmas" is translated into Japanese as クリスマス (Kurisumasu). Wiktionary also lists 聖誕祭 (Seitansai) and 聖誕節 (Seitansetsu).
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
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| クリスマス | Kurisumasu | [kɯ̟ɾʲisɨma̠sɨ] (narrow) |
| 聖誕祭 | Seitansai | [se̞ːtã̠ɰ̃sa̠i] (narrow) |
| 聖誕節 | Seitansetsu |
The term refers to the holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. In Japanese, speakers frequently use the English loanword phrase メリークリスマス (Merī Kurisumasu) to greet others during the holiday season.
Which one should you use?
While クリスマス refers to the holiday generally, 聖誕節 or 聖誕祭 are used in more formal, liturgical or academic contexts regarding the birth of Christ.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
クリスマス is the common way to refer to Christmas in daily conversation and media. In contrast, 聖誕祭 is a more formal or religious term used to refer to the festival of the Nativity.
How do you pronounce it?
Kurisumasu
When do people say it?
Japanese speakers often use the English-derived greeting メリークリスマス to wish others a Merry Christmas.
Did you know?
- In Japan, クリスマス is often associated with eating fried chicken from KFC, a tradition sparked by a 1974 marketing campaign that convinced the public it was a traditional way to celebrate.
- In Japan, 'Christmas' is widely viewed as a romantic holiday for couples rather than a family-oriented religious event.
- The term 聖誕祭 (seitan-sai) contains the character 祭, which is the same character used for traditional Japanese festivals like 'Matsuri'.
Examples in context
- メリークリスマス！Merry Christmas!This example shows a common way to say "Merry Christmas!" using クリスマス.Tatoeba #5125 by bunbuku, translation #1723 by brauliobezerra
- メリークリスマス。Merry Christmas.This example shows a way to write "Merry Christmas." using クリスマス.Tatoeba #1202223 by bunbuku, translation #10485139 by hecko
- 明日はクリスマスだ。Tomorrow is Christmas Day.This example shows how to state that tomorrow is Christmas Day using クリスマス.Tatoeba #80472 by bunbuku, translation #323245 by CK
- 229 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A young man and woman are discussing holiday plans.
- 陽葵 Himari今年のクリスマスは何をする？Kotoshi no kurisumasu wa nani o suru?What are you doing for Christmas this year?
- 陽太 Yota友達とパーティーをする予定だよ。Tomodachi to pātī o suru yotei da yo.I plan to have a party with my friends.
- 陽葵 Himariいいなあ、私も行きたい！Ii nā, watashi mo ikitai!That sounds nice, I want to go too!
- 陽太 Yota陽葵も一緒に来る？Himari mo issho ni kuru?Do you want to come along, Himari?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Christmas” translations and entries クリスマス, 聖誕祭, 聖誕節, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries クリスマス, 聖誕祭, 聖誕節, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
