Christmas Eve, known as “Sviaty Vechir” (Святий Вечір) in Ukrainian, is a cherished holiday that brings joy and warmth to Ukrainian households. If you’d like to greet someone with a heartfelt “Merry Christmas Eve” in Ukrainian, here’s a guide to help you navigate both the formal and informal ways of expressing this holiday greeting.
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Formal Greetings
When conveying your wishes in a formal setting or with people you don’t know well, it’s important to use proper Ukrainian. Here are a few examples of formal greetings:
Greetings with “З Різдвом Христовим!”
The most common formal way to say “Merry Christmas Eve” in Ukrainian is by using the phrase “З Різдвом Христовим!” (Z Rizdvom Khrystovym!). This traditional greeting literally means “With Christmas of Christ!” and is widely used across Ukraine.
Formal Greeting Example:
“Дозвольте привітати вас з наближенням Святого Вечора та побажати З Різдвом Христовим!”
(Dozvolte pryvitaty vas z nablyzhenniam Sviatoho Vechora ta pobazhaty Z Rizdvom Khrystovym!)
Translation: “Allow me to congratulate you on the approaching Holy Evening and wish you a Merry Christmas Eve!”
Alternative Formal Greetings
If you prefer a slightly different approach, here are two alternative formal greetings:
- “Святого Вечора благословення вам!” (Sviatoho Vechora blahoslovennia vam!): This means “Blessings of the Holy Evening to you!” and conveys warm wishes on this special night.
- “Бажаю вам веселих свят!” (Bazhaiu vam veselykh sviat!): This translates to “I wish you a joyful holiday!” and is a versatile greeting suitable for various occasions during the festive season.
Informal Greetings
When greeting friends, family, or acquaintances in a more casual and familiar context, you can opt for informal greetings. Here are some examples:
Greetings with “З Різдвом!”
The most common way to wish someone a “Merry Christmas Eve” informally in Ukrainian is by using the phrase “З Різдвом!” (Z Rizdvom!). This shortened version retains the overall sentiment while sounding more friendly.
Informal Greeting Example:
“Вітаю тебе з наближенням Святого Вечора! З Різдвом!”
(Vitaiu tebe z nablyzhenniam Sviatoho Vechora! Z Rizdvom!)
Translation: “Congratulations on the approaching Holy Evening! Merry Christmas!”
Alternative Informal Greetings
Here are two alternative informal greetings you can use:
- “Хай твоє Різдво буде щасливим!” (Khay tvoie Rizdvo bude shchaslyvim!): This means “May your Christmas be happy!” and is an affectionate way to wish someone well on this special occasion.
- “Нехай Святий Вечір здійснить всі твої бажання!” (Nekhai Sviaty Vechir zdiiśnie vsi tvoi bazhannia!): Translated as “May Holy Evening fulfill all your wishes!” – a warm sentiment to express your hopes for their fulfillment during Christmas Eve.
Conclusion
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of how to greet someone with “Merry Christmas Eve” in Ukrainian, you can confidently share your warm wishes during this joyous time. Whether you prefer the formal approach or the more casual and familiar one, using these phrases will undoubtedly bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones, friends, or colleagues celebrating Ukrainian Christmas Eve.
