What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'Good Christmases'. This is because Καλά is the plural form of 'good' and Χριστούγεννα is a neuter plural noun.
Which one should you use?
While Καλά Χριστούγεννα is the standard greeting, you may encounter other variations: Χρόνια πολλά (Many years) is often used as a general festive greeting during the holiday season, Καλές Γιορτές (Good Celebrations) is an informal greeting and Χρόνια Πολλά και Ευτυχισμένα Χριστούγεννα (Many Years and Merry Christmas) is a formal greeting.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the noun Χριστούγεννα is a plural noun, the adjective Καλά must also be in the plural form to agree with it.
How do you pronounce it?
Kala Christougenna. It has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /kaˈla xɾiˈstu.ʝe.na/.
Did you know?
- Depending on the calendar used by a specific church or family, the greeting Καλά Χριστούγεννα might be exchanged on December 25 or January 7.
- In Greece, the Christmas greeting Καλά Χριστούγεννα is often paired with the gesture of a warm embrace and a kiss on both cheeks.
- The word Χριστούγεννα is a compound of two distinct words: Χριστός, meaning 'Christ', and γέννα, meaning 'birth'.
Examples in context
- Καλά Χριστούγεννα σε όλους!Kalá Christoúgenna se ólous!Merry Christmas to everyone!
- Σου εύχομαι Καλά Χριστούγεννα.Sou éfchomai Kalá Christoúgenna.I wish you a Merry Christmas.
- Καλά Χριστούγεννα και ευχές για το νέο έτος!Kalá Christoúgenna kai efchés gia to néo étos!Merry Christmas and wishes for the new year!
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street in December.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΓεια σου Αναστασία, Καλά Χριστούγεννα!Geia sou Anastasía, Kalá Christoúgenna!Hello Anastasia, Merry Christmas!
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕυχαριστώ Γιώργο, και Καλά Χριστούγεννα σε σένα!Efcharistó Giórgo, kai Kalá Christoúgenna se séna!Thank you Giorgos, and Merry Christmas to you!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΘα τα περάσεις με την οικογένειά σου;Tha ta perásis me tin oikogéneiá sou?Will you spend them with your family?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝαι, θα τα περάσω όλοι μαζί.Nai, tha ta peráso óloi mazí.Yes, we will spend them all together.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (καλά, Χριστούγεννα) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Χριστούγεννα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
