Pai Natal
noun, Portugal
In Portugal Santa Claus is called Pai Natal, literally "Father Christmas". Children write letters to him in December. It is also called Pai Natal bonacheirão.
Meaning: Santa Claus (proper noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Pai Natal | noun, Portugal |
| Pai Natal bonacheirão | phrase, playful |
You say o Pai Natal with the article, as in O Pai Natal vem esta noite. The word is written with capital letters, like a name.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil the same figure is Papai Noel. The Portuguese Santa is also a word for a female saint, so Santa alone does not mean Santa Claus in Portugal.
When do people say it?
In many Portuguese families the gifts arrive on Christmas Eve, after the midnight meal, though the tradition varies by region.
Did you know?
- The Christmas Eve family dinner in Portugal, called consoada, traditionally features salted cod, bacalhau.
Examples in context
- O Pai Natal trouxe muitas prendas.Santa brought many gifts.
- Escrevi uma carta ao Pai Natal.I wrote a letter to Santa.
- Pai Natal, ho ho ho!Santa, ho ho ho!
Example conversation
Little Rita and her mother Dona Ana write a Christmas letter together at home in Braga.
- RitaMãe, vou escrever ao Pai Natal.Mom, I am going to write to Santa.
- Dona AnaBoa ideia. O que queres pedir?Good idea. What do you want to ask for?
- RitaUma bicicleta cor-de-rosa!A pink bicycle!
