Natal
/naˈtaw/masculine
Christmas in Portuguese is Natal.
Natal is the name for the festival and holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. To wish someone a Merry Christmas, the most common and traditional phrase used is Feliz Natal. If you want to use a more general greeting that covers the entire holiday season, you can say Boas Festas.
Meaning: festival or holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ which in Western Christianity is celebrated on December 25 in most places (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Natal literally means birth.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the holiday itself, Natal is used with the masculine definite article o, as in o Natal.
How do you pronounce it?
/naˈtaw/
Did you know?
- In 1497, the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama arrived at a region in South Africa on Christmas Day and named it after the holiday.
- In Brazil, it is common to have a large family dinner on the night of December 24, often called Véspera de Natal, which is more central to the celebration than the day of Natal itself.
- The Brazilian capital city Natal was founded on December 25, 1599, specifically to coincide with the holiday.
Examples in context
- Eu amo o Natal.I love Christmas.The first sentence shows how to express affection for Natal.Tatoeba #5691814 by bill, translation #2380204 by CK
- Hoje não é Natal!Today's not Christmas!The second sentence is useful for stating that today is not Natal.Tatoeba #4637698 by Ricardo14, translation #2945013 by mervert1
- Tom odeia o Natal.Tom hates Christmas.The third sentence demonstrates how to express a dislike for Natal.Tatoeba #6564788 by heo598, translation #6563572 by Hybrid
- Desejo-lhe um Feliz Natal e um próspero Ano Novo!I wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
- Profissionais desejam boas festas aos seus colegas e clientes.Professionals wish happy holidays to their coworkers and clients.
- Que a magia do Natal aqueça seu coração, amigão!May the magic of Christmas warm your heart, buddy!
- Boas Festas e um Feliz Ano Novo para você e sua família!Happy holidays and a Happy New Year to you and your family!
- Feliz Natal e Feliz Ano Novo, meu irmão!Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, my brother!
- Desejo-lhe o mais bonito Natal, cheio de amor e muita saúde.I wish you the most beautiful Christmas, full of love and good health.
- 310 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juliana and Rodrigo are talking about their holiday plans.
- JulianaO que você quer de Natal?What do you want for Christmas?
- RodrigoEu quero viajar no Natal.I want to travel during Christmas.
- JulianaO Natal é melhor com a família.Christmas is better with family.
- RodrigoVocê tem razão, Juliana.You are right, Juliana.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Christmas” translations and entries Natal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
