natividad
/natibidad/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for "nativity" is natividad.
This noun refers to the birth of Jesus. When specifically referring to his birth, it is common to use the construction la natividad de Jesús.
Meaning: birth of Jesus (name)
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun referring to a specific historical or religious event, it is used with the feminine definite article la, as in la natividad.
How do you pronounce it?
/natibidad/
Did you know?
- The tradition of the belén in Spain was heavily popularized by Saint Francis of Assisi, who created the first live nativity scene in 1223.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the nativity scene is called el belén rather than la natividad.
- Although they share the same Latin root, natividad and Navidad are considered doublets, meaning they are two different words that descended from the same original source.
Examples in context
- El artista retrató la natividad con gran detalleThe artist depicted the nativity with great detail
- En la iglesia, armaron un pesebre impresionanteIn the church, they set up an impressive nativity scene
- Hoy armamos el nacimiento en casaToday we set up the nativity scene at home
- Me encanta el nacimiento que tienes en tu casa, es muy detallado.I love the nativity scene you have at your house, it's very detailed.
- Todos los años arman el Belén en la plaza del puebloEvery year they set up the nativity scene in the town square
- Los niños disfrutan armando el portal de Belén en el colegioThe children enjoy setting up the nativity scene at school
- La natividad de Jesús es una fecha importante.The nativity of Jesus is an important date.
- Celebramos la natividad con mucha alegría.We celebrate the nativity with much joy.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are decorating their living room for the holidays.
- SofíaJavier, ¿dónde pusiste las figuras de la natividad?Javier, where did you put the nativity figures?
- JavierEstán en la caja sobre la mesa, Sofía.They are in the box on the table, Sofía.
- SofíaGracias, quiero armar la natividad hoy mismo.Thanks, I want to set up the nativity today.
- JavierYo te ayudo a colocar todo.I will help you place everything.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries natividad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
