bon Nadal
[ˈbo̞n nəˈðal]
bon Nadal is the Catalan phrase for Merry Christmas.
The standard way to wish someone a Merry Christmas in Catalan is to say bon Nadal.
Meaning: good wishes at Christmas time (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective bon (good) and the noun Nadal (Christmas).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Nadal is a masculine noun, the adjective must be the masculine form bon rather than the feminine bona.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying bona Nadal. Since Nadal is masculine, the feminine adjective bona is incorrect.
Did you know?
- In Catalan culture, the celebration often centers around the 'Tió de Nadal', a wooden log that 'poops' presents, which is a much more whimsical tradition than the phrase itself suggests.
- While you say bon Nadal to wish someone a Merry Christmas, the word Nadal itself is a doublet of the English word 'natal', both coming from the same Latin root for birth.
- While bon Nadal is the standard greeting, Catalan speakers often pair it with feliç any nou to wish a Happy New Year.
Examples in context
- Bon nadal!Merry Christmas!This example shows how to use bon Nadal as a standalone greeting.Tatoeba #1285320 by enteka, translation #1723 by brauliobezerra
Example conversation
Laia and Aleix are greeting each other before the Christmas dinner.
- LaiaHola Aleix, bon Nadal!Hello Aleix, merry Christmas!
- AleixHola Laia, bon Nadal a tu també!Hello Laia, merry Christmas to you too!
- LaiaEstàs il·lusionat per al sopar?Are you excited for the dinner?
- AleixSí, tindrem un Nadal molt especial.Yes, we will have a very special Christmas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “merry christmas” translations and entries bon Nadal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Nadal, bon, nadal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
