Papá Noel
/paˌpa noˈel/South America, Spain
The English phrase 'Santa Claus' can be translated into Spanish as Papá Noel. Wiktionary also lists Santa Claus and Viejito Pascuero.
Meaning: fictional figure (name)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Papá Noel | /paˌpa noˈel/ /papaˈnwe(l)/ (Andalusia) |
South America, Spain |
| Santa Claus | /ˌsanta ˈklos/ (Latin America) /ˌsanta ˈklaus/ (Spain) |
Latin America |
| Viejito Pascuero | /bjeˌxito pasˈkweɾo/ | Chile |
The term is used to refer to the fictional figure who brings gifts during the Christmas season.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Papá Noel is a literal translation of 'Father Christmas'.
Which one should you use?
While Papá Noel is widely used across the Spanish-speaking world, the English name Santa Claus is frequently used in many Latin American countries due to cultural influence.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, the specific name used for Santa Claus is Viejito Pascuero.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˌpa noˈel/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, Papá Noel shares the stage with Los Reyes Magos, who traditionally bring the main gifts on January 6.
- In Chile, you can call him Viejito Pascuero, which literally translates to 'little old man of Easter'.
- The term Papá Noel is a partial calque of the French Père Noël.
Examples in context
- Cree en Papá Noel.He believes in Santa Claus.This sentence shows how to express belief in Papá Noel.Tatoeba #2161800 by Shishir, translation #290054 by CK
- ¿Crees en Papá Noel?Do you believe in Santa Claus?This sentence is a way to ask if someone believes in Papá Noel.Tatoeba #9176547 by ignacio, translation #6042710 by mailohilohi
- Santa Claus es chino.Santa Claus is Chinese.This sentence uses the form Santa Claus.Tatoeba #1329115 by marcelostockle, translation #1321239 by rul
- Durante la Navidad, Papá Noel trae regalos a los niños buenos.During Christmas, Santa Claus brings gifts to good children.
- ¡Vamos a poner los calcetines debajo del árbol para que San Nicolás nos deje regalos!Let's put the stockings under the tree so that Santa Claus leaves us presents!
- Hoy en día, muchos niños esperan que Papá Noel les traiga regalos en Nochebuena.Nowadays, many children expect Santa Claus to bring them presents on Christmas Eve.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are decorating a Christmas tree in a living room.
- Elena¿Dónde pusimos el traje de Papá Noel?Where did we put the Santa Claus suit?
- AlejandroEstá en la caja roja, Elena.It is in the red box, Elena.
- Elena¡Perfecto! El regalo para el niño será especial.Perfect! The gift for the boy will be special.
- AlejandroPapá Noel traerá mucha alegría este año.Santa Claus will bring much joy this year.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “santa claus” translations and entries Papá Noel, Santa Claus, Viejito Pascuero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Papá Noel, Santa Claus, papá, santa, viejito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
