häid jõule
The English phrase "merry Christmas" is translated into Estonian as häid jõule.
This phrase is used to offer good wishes during the Christmas season.
Meaning: good wishes at Christmas time (phrase)
Which one should you use?
Jõulurõõmu! and Kauneid Jõule! are more formal, whereas Mõnusat jõuluaega! is an informal way to wish someone a delightful Christmas season.
Did you know?
- The word jõule comes from the word jõul, which is related to the ancient Germanic word for 'Yule'. This links Estonian Christmas greetings to pre-Christian winter solstice celebrations.
- In Estonia, the greeting häid jõule is often accompanied by the tradition of joulupapp, a Father Christmas figure who is distinct from the American Santa Claus in his more reserved and traditional demeanor.
- The adjective 'mõnus' in the informal phrase mõnusat jõuluaega suggests a feeling of coziness or pleasantness, which is a central theme of Estonian winter culture.
Examples in context
- Häid jõule!Merry Christmas!This example shows how to use the phrase häid jõule.Tatoeba #5089093 by hubin, translation #1723 by brauliobezerra
- Lapsed, häid jõule kõigile!Children, merry christmas to everyone!
- Teile kõigile häid jõule!Merry christmas to all of you!
Example conversation
Andres and Mari meet in the street before the holidays.
- AndresTere, Mari! Häid jõule!Hello, Mari! Merry Christmas!
- MariTänks, Andres! Sulle ka häid jõule!Thanks, Andres! Merry Christmas to you too!
- AndresKas sul on kingitused valmis?Do you have the gifts ready?
- MariJah, kõik on juba ostetud.Yes, everything is already bought.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “merry Christmas” translations and entries häid jõule, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
