зі Святвечором
zi Svyatvechorom
The Ukrainian phrase for "merry Christmas eve" is зі Святвечором (zi Svyatvechorom).
зі Святвечором is a greeting used to wish someone a happy celebration on the evening before Christmas Day. In Ukrainian, Christmas Eve is known as Святий Вечір.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "with the Holy Evening".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the instrumental case of the noun Святвечір (Holy Evening) preceded by the preposition зі (with).
How do you pronounce it?
zi Svyatvechorom
Did you know?
- In Ukraine, the dinner accompanying Святий Вечір typically begins only after the first star appears in the evening sky.
- In many Ukrainian households, the greeting is accompanied by the tradition of serving twelve meatless dishes. Each dish is meant to represent one of the twelve apostles to honor the 'Holy' aspect of the evening.
- The greeting зі Святвечором is linked to the custom of koladuvannia, where groups of carolers visit houses and perform songs to bring luck for the new year.
Examples in context
- Вітаю тебе з наближенням Святого Вечора! З Різдвом!Congratulations on the approaching Holy Evening! Merry Christmas!
- Зі Святвечором вас і вашу родину!Zi Svyatvechorom vas i vashu rodynu!Merry Christmas Eve to you and your family!
Example conversation
Olena and Dmytro meet on the street on a snowy evening.
- Олена OlenaДобрий вечір, Дмитре, зі Святвечором!Dobryi vechir, Dmytre, zi Svyatvechorom!Good evening, Dmytro, merry Christmas Eve!
- Дмитро DmytroДякую, Олено, і вас зі Святвечором!Dyakuyu, Oleno, i vas zi Svyatvechorom!Thank you, Olena, and merry Christmas Eve to you too!
- Олена OlenaБажаю вам мирного свята.Bazhayu vam mirnoho svyata.I wish you a peaceful holiday.
- Дмитро DmytroНавзаєм, до зустрічі!Navzaem, do zustrichi!Same to you, see you later!
