Buon Natale
/ˈbwɔn naˈta.le/word by word
Merry Xmas in Italian is said as Buon Natale.
The phrase is a greeting used to wish someone a happy Christmas.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective buon (good) and the noun Natale (Christmas).
Which one should you use?
While Buon Natale specifically refers to Christmas Day, Buone Festività is a more general greeting used to cover the entire holiday season.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective buon is the truncated form of buono used before a masculine noun starting with a consonant.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of Buon Natale is /ˈbwɔn naˈta.le/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In some Italian regions, it is common to say Buon Natale while exchanging small gifts called pensierini, which literally means 'little thoughts'.
- The word Natale comes from the Latin nātālis, which means 'birthday'.
- In Italy, Buon Natale is often accompanied by a panettone or pandoro, traditional sweet breads that are almost mandatory for Christmas celebrations.
Examples in context
- Cara Maria, ti auguro un Buon Natale pieno di gioia e serenità! Con affetto, GiovanniDear Maria, I wish you a Merry Christmas filled with joy and serenity! With affection, Giovanni
- Buon Natale a te e alla tua famiglia!Merry Christmas to you and your family!
- Ti auguro un Buon Natale pieno di gioia.I wish you a Merry Christmas full of joy.
- Buon Natale, caro amico mio!Merry Christmas, my dear friend!
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro meet at a Christmas party.
- GiuliaCiao Alessandro, Buon Natale!Hi Alessandro, Merry Christmas!
- AlessandroGrazie Giulia, lo stesso a te!Thanks Giulia, the same to you!
- GiuliaHai già visto i tuoi parenti?Have you seen your relatives yet?
- AlessandroSì, ci vediamo domani per il pranzo.Yes, we are seeing them tomorrow for lunch.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (buon, Natale) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Natale, natale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
