How to Say "Santa" in Japanese

サンタクロース

Santa Kurōsu[sã̠nta̠ kɯ̟ɾo̞ːsɨ]

The Japanese phrase for Santa Claus is サンタクロース (Santa Kurōsu).

サンタクロース refers to the legendary figure who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve.

Which one should you use?

While サンタクロース is the full name, it can be shortened to サンタ in casual conversation. You may also hear サンタさん, which adds a friendly or respectful tone.

Santa Kurōsu

In Japan, サンタクロース is often associated with eating fried chicken from KFC on Christmas Eve, a tradition sparked by a 1974 marketing campaign.
Christmas in Japan is often treated as a romantic holiday for couples rather than a family religious event, meaning サンタクロース is sometimes seen as a symbol of romance.
In Japan, because Christmas is not a national holiday, you might see サンタ depicted in advertisements for 'Christmas cakes' rather than just toys, as cake consumption is a major part of the commercial season.

サンタクロースは実在する。
Santa Claus exists.
Tatoeba #10905982 by SomeHungryBois, translation #6042711 by mailohilohi
サンタクロースって信じてる？
Do you believe in Santa Claus?
Tatoeba #9176181 by small_snow, translation #6042710 by mailohilohi
サンタクロースは、いつ来るかな？
When is Santa Claus coming?
Tatoeba #11365318 by small_snow, translation #7532550 by Hybrid
クリスマスの日には、サンタクロースがプレゼントを配るんですよ。
On Christmas day, Santa Claus delivers presents!
子供たちはサンタクロースに手紙を書いています。
Children are writing letters to Santa Claus.
サンタさんはクリスマスの夜にプレゼントを持って来てくれるんだよ。
Santa Claus brings presents on Christmas Eve!
サンタが来た！サンタが来た！
Santa is here! Santa is here!
14 more sentences on Tatoeba

A young couple is shopping for Christmas decorations.

健太 Kenta

サンタクロースの帽子を買おう。
Santa Kurōsu no bōshi o kaō.
Let's buy a Santa Claus hat.
結衣 Yui

いいよ、健太くん。
Ii yo, Kenta-kun.
Okay, Kenta.
健太 Kenta

結衣ちゃん、これ可愛いね。
Yui-chan, kore kawaii ne.
Yui, this is cute, isn't it?
結衣 Yui

本当だね！
Hontō da ne!
It really is!

Sources

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