Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Рождество́ | Roždestvó | neuter |
| Рождество́ Христо́во | Roždestvó Xristóvo | neuter |
| Кри́стмас | Krístmas | colloquial, masculine |
The term is used to refer to the festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. While the standard term refers to the religious holiday, the transliterated form Кри́стмас is used specifically when discussing Western-style secular holidays or Western traditions.
What does it mean word for word?
Рождество́ is derived from a root meaning 'to be born', literally translating to 'Birth'. The full formal name Рождество́ Христо́во literally means 'The Nativity of Christ' or 'The Birth of Christ'.
Which one should you use?
Рождество́ is the standard term for the religious holiday. In contrast, Кри́стмас is a transliteration used to specify Western culture or pop culture contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Рождество́ is a common and formal way to say Christmas. For an even more formal expression, use Рождество́ Христо́во. The transliterated Кри́стмас is colloquial and used when discussing Western traditions.
How does it change in a sentence?
Рождество́ and Рождество́ Христо́во are neuter nouns, while Кри́стмас is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
Roždestvó
When do people say it?
In the Russian Orthodox tradition, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th rather than December 25th.
Did you know?
- Historically, the celebration of Рождество́ was banned by the Soviet government for decades, leading to the tradition of shifting Christmas symbols to the New Year holiday.
- In Russia, the main gift-giving figure is Дед Мороз, who is a distinct character from Santa Claus and is often accompanied by his granddaughter, Снегурочка.
- Because Рождество́ is celebrated in January, it is often grouped with the larger New Year celebrations, making New Year's Eve the primary time for trees and gifts in secular homes.
Examples in context
- В России Рождество отмечается 7 января.In Russia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th.
- Счастливого Рождества!Merry Christmas!
- Мы планируем провести Рождество в семейном кругу.We plan to celebrate Christmas with our family.
- Мы планируем праздновать Рождество́ дома.My planiruyem prazdnovat' Rozhdestvó doma.We plan to celebrate Christmas at home.
- Скоро наступит Рождество́.Skoro nastupit Rozhdestvó.Christmas is coming soon.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their holiday plans over coffee.
- Мария MariaДмитрий, ты будешь праздновать Рождество́?Dmitriy, ty budesh' prazdnovat' Rozhdestvó?Dmitry, will you be celebrating Christmas?
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, Мария, я поеду к родителям.Da, Mariya, ya poyedu k roditelyam.Yes, Maria, I am going to my parents'.
- Мария MariaЭто отличная идея.Eto otlichnaya ideya.That is a great idea.
- Дмитрий DmitryА ты что будешь делать?A ty chto budesh' delat'?And what will you be doing?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Christmas” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
