feliz véspera de Natal
/feˈlis ˈvɛs.pe.ɾɐ d͡ʒi naˈtaw/word by word
Merry Christmas Eve in Portuguese is feliz véspera de Natal.
This phrase is a greeting used to wish someone a happy day on December 24th.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of feliz (happy), véspera (eve/the day before) and de Natal (of Christmas).
Which one should you use?
While feliz véspera de Natal is specific to December 24th, Feliz Natal is the standard greeting used for the holiday itself on December 25th.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Portuguese, the first word of a greeting is typically capitalized and an exclamation mark is commonly used to convey warmth.
How do you pronounce it?
/feˈlis ˈvɛs.pe.ɾɐ dʒi naˈtaw/. The word has 6 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word feliz actually traces back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to suckle'.
- In many Portuguese-speaking contexts, the term 'Natal' is linked to the discovery of a region in South Africa by Vasco da Gama on Christmas Day in 1497.
- In some Portuguese traditions, the celebration of the 'eve' is more significant than the actual day of Natal.
Examples in context
- Feliz Véspera de Natal! Que esta noite seja repleta de amor e alegria.Merry Christmas Eve! May this evening be filled with love and joy.
- Boa Véspera de Natal! Desejo a você uma noite mágica ao lado de sua família.Happy Christmas Eve! I wish you a magical evening with your family.
Example conversation
Lucas and Mariana are greeting each other at a party.
- LucasOi, Mariana! Feliz véspera de Natal!Hi, Mariana! Merry Christmas Eve!
- MarianaObrigada, Lucas! Feliz véspera de Natal para você também.Thank you, Lucas! Merry Christmas Eve to you too.
- LucasVocê está animada para a ceia?Are you excited for the dinner?
- MarianaSim, estou muito animada!Yes, I am very excited!
