срећно Бадње вече
srećno Badnje veče
Merry Christmas Eve in Serbian is срећно Бадње вече (srećno Badnje veče).
This phrase is used as a greeting or a well-wish specifically on the evening of December 24th.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of срећно (happy/lucky), Бадње (of Badnje/Christmas Eve) and вече (evening).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective срећно is in the neuter gender to agree with the neuter noun вече.
How do you pronounce it?
srećno Badnje veče
Did you know?
- While the greeting is for December 24th in the Gregorian calendar, many Serbian Orthodox Christians celebrate Бадње вече on January 6th.
- The core word Бадње refers to a specific ritual involving a large branch of oak or beech called a 'badnjak' that is burned in the hearth.
- Though the phrase is a greeting, the evening itself is often marked by a strict fast until the first star is seen in the sky.
Examples in context
- Srećan Badnji dan! Želim vam radosne praznike i srećnu Novu godinu!Merry Christmas Eve! I wish you joyful holidays and a Happy New Year!
- Срећно Бадње вече свима!Merry Christmas Eve to everyone!
Example conversation
Two friends meeting on the street on December 24th.
- AnaЗдраво Стефане, срећно Бадње вече!Hello Stefan, merry Christmas Eve!
- StefanХвала Ана, и теби срећно Бадње вече!Thanks Ana, merry Christmas Eve to you too!
- AnaИдеш ли на вечеру код породице?Are you going to dinner with your family?
- StefanДа, идућу сатима идем код њих.Yes, I am going to their place in a few hours.
