Navidad
/nabiˈdad/feminine
The English word "Christmas" is translated into Spanish as Navidad. Wiktionary also lists Crismes.
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
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Navidad | /nabiˈdad/ | feminine |
| Crismes | /ˈkɾismes/ | masculine |
The most commonly used term for "Christmas" in Spanish is Navidad. Other terms include Nochebuena for Christmas Eve and the greeting Feliz Navidad, which translates to "Merry Christmas" in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Navidad is a feminine noun, it is used with the feminine definite article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/nabiˈdad/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the primary celebration occurs on December 24, making the actual day of Navidad a quieter time for family visits.
- The term Nochebuena specifically refers to 'Christmas Eve', but literally translates to 'Good Night'.
- The word Navidad comes from the Latin 'nativitas', which means 'birth'. This is the same root found in the English word 'native'.
Examples in context
- Ya llegó la Navidad.Christmas is here.This sentence uses Navidad to show that the holiday has arrived.Tatoeba #2975913 by hayastan, translation #3756531 by Lindoula
- Tom odia la Navidad.Tom hates Christmas.This sentence uses Navidad to express a dislike for the holiday.Tatoeba #9443829 by ignacio, translation #6563572 by Hybrid
- La Navidad se acerca.Christmas is approaching.This sentence uses Navidad to state that the holiday is approaching.Tatoeba #2009241 by marcelostockle, translation #621724 by xiuqin
- La celebración de Navidad en mi país es muy especial.Christmas celebration in my country is very special.
- Me encanta la cena de Nochebuena en familia.I love the Christmas Eve dinner with family.
- ¡Feliz Navidad! Espero que pases unas fiestas maravillosas.Merry Christmas! I hope you have a wonderful holiday.
- ¡Qué emoción abrir los regalos en el Día de Navidad!How exciting to open presents on Christmas Day!
- Me encanta el espíritu de las fiestas.I love the spirit of the holiday season.
- 318 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are talking about their plans for the upcoming holiday.
- María¡Feliz Navidad, Alejandro!Merry Christmas, Alejandro!
- AlejandroGracias, María. ¿Tienes planes?Thanks, María. Do you have plans?
- MaríaVoy a una cena de Navidad.I am going to a Christmas dinner.
- AlejandroQué bien, yo también.That's great, me too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Christmas” translations and entries Navidad, Crismes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Crismes, Navidad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
