Nollaig
/ˈn̪ˠɔl̪ˠɪɟ/
The English phrase "xmas" is translated into Irish as Nollaig.
Nollaig is the Irish term for Christmas, the annual holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈn̪ˠɔl̪ˠɪɟ/
Did you know?
- The Irish word Nollaig is a distant linguistic cousin to the English word 'natal', as both stem from the Latin 'natus' meaning 'born'.
- In Irish, the phrase for 'Merry Christmas' is Nollaig Shona, where Shona means 'happy' or 'lucky'.
- While English speakers use 'Xmas' as a shorthand, Irish speakers do not typically use a single letter to abbreviate Nollaig in the same way.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their holiday plans.
- ConorCad é do phlean don Nollaig, a Aoife?What is your plan for Christmas, Aoife?
- AoifeTáim ag dul go hÉirinn, a Chonaire.I am going to Ireland, Conor.
- ConorAn bhfuil tú ag ceannach comharthaí don Nollaig?Are you buying Christmas presents?
- AoifeTá, táim ag ceannach go leor.Yes, I am buying a lot.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Nollaig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Nollaig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
