Buon Natale
/ˈbwɔn naˈta.le/word by word
The Italian phrase for happy Christmas is Buon Natale.
Buon Natale is the most commonly used way to say Merry Christmas in Italian. If you want to wish someone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year together, you can say Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective buon (good) and the noun Natale (Christmas).
Which one should you use?
While Buon Natale specifically refers to the day of Christmas, Buone feste is a more general way to say Happy Holidays.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective buon is the truncated form of buono used before a masculine noun starting with a consonant.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbwɔn naˈta.le/
When do people say it?
A common response to Buon Natale is Altrettanto!, which means the same to you!
Did you know?
- In some Italian regions, it is traditional to wish Buon Natale specifically on the 24th of December, as the main celebration often occurs during the Christmas Eve dinner.
- Italians may use Tanti auguri as a shorthand for Buon Natale, as this phrase literally means 'many wishes' and is used for any celebratory anniversary.
- The word Natale is derived from the Latin nātālis, which literally means 'birthday'.
Examples in context
- Buon Natale!Happy Christmas!This example shows how to use the greeting Buon Natale.Tatoeba #380469 by Pharamp, translation #1879788 by Asma
- Felice Natale, amica mia!Merry Christmas, my friend!
- Buon Natale a tutti voi, distinto Consiglio.Merry Christmas to all of you, distinguished Council.
- Vi auguro un Buon Natale.I wish you all a Merry Christmas.
- Buon Natale a tutta la famiglia!Merry Christmas to the whole family!
Example conversation
Two friends meeting at a cafe during the holiday season.
- FrancescoCiao Martina, Buon Natale!Hi Martina, Merry Christmas!
- MartinaGrazie Francesco, anche a te!Thanks Francesco, to you too!
- FrancescoHai dei programmi speciali?Do you have special plans?
- MartinaSì, sto andando a cena fuori.Yes, I am going out to dinner.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (buon, Natale) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Natale, natale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
