Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| Wesołych Świąt | /vɛˈsɔ.wɘx ˈɕfjɔnt/ |
| Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia |
Wesołych Świąt is the standard way to offer good wishes during the Christmas season. In Poland, this phrase is used broadly for the entire Christmas period rather than being restricted only to Christmas Day.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Wesołych Świąt literally translates to 'Merry Holidays'.
Which one should you use?
Wesołych Świąt is the most common way to say Merry Christmas. In contrast, Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia is a more complete version that specifically mentions Christmas.
How does it change in a sentence?
Wesołych Świąt uses the genitive plural case because it is a shortened version of the sentence Życzę wesołych świąt (I wish [you] merry holidays).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /vɛˈsɔ.wɘx ˈɕfjɔnt/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- While Wesołych Świąt is used for Christmas, Poles also use it for Easter, as the word Święta refers to any major religious holiday.
- In Poland, it is common to exchange Wesołych Świąt while sharing the opłatek, a thin wafer of unleavened bread, before the Christmas Eve dinner.
- In Poland, Wesołych Świąt is frequently spoken during the 'Wigilia' feast, which takes place on December 24th rather than the 25th.
Examples in context
- Wesołych Świąt.Merry Christmas.This shows how to use Wesołych Świąt as a standalone greeting.Tatoeba #560506 by Bilberry, translation #10485139 by hecko
- Życzę wesołych świąt.I wish you a merry Christmas.This sentence uses Wesołych Świąt within a full wish.Tatoeba #553544 by Bilberry, translation #7653919 by CK
- Wesołych świąt i szczęśliwego Nowego Roku!Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!This shows how to combine Wesołych Świąt with a New Year wish.Tatoeba #2679998 by Koen, translation #925023 by zvaigzne
- Wesołych Świąt, Anna! Mam nadzieję, że spędzisz ten czas z ukochanymi.Merry Christmas, Anna! I hope you spend this time with your loved ones.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Paweł and Agnieszka are greeting each other at a Christmas party.
- PawełCześć Agnieszka, wesołych świąt!Hi Agnieszka, merry Christmas!
- AgnieszkaDziękuję, Paweł! Tobie też wesołych świąt.Thank you, Paweł! Merry Christmas to you too.
- PawełWesołych świąt i wszystkiego dobrego!Merry Christmas and all the best!
- AgnieszkaDziękuję bardzo, miłego wieczoru.Thank you very much, have a nice evening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “merry Christmas” translations and entries Wesołych Świąt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
