The holiday season is a special time for connecting with loved ones, no matter where they are in the world. Sharing a simple “Merry Christmas” in their own language can be a meaningful way to show you care. This guide will teach you how to say “Merry Christmas” in 15 different languages.
Whether you’re sending a card, making a call, or just want to spread some holiday cheer, these phrases will help you connect with friends and family across the globe.
How to Say Merry Christmas Around the World
From Europe to Asia, people celebrate Christmas with unique traditions and greetings. Here is a list of how to say “Merry Christmas” in 15 common languages, along with a simple pronunciation guide to help you say it correctly.
Merry Christmas in European Languages
1. German: Frohe Weihnachten
Germany is famous for its festive Christmas markets. To wish someone a Merry Christmas in German, you say Frohe Weihnachten (pronounced FROW-uh VYE-knock-ten).
2. Spanish: Feliz Navidad
You might already know this one from the popular Christmas carol. Feliz Navidad (pronounced feh-LEEZ nah-vee-DAHD) is how you wish someone a Merry Christmas in Spanish, which is spoken in Spain and most of Latin America.
3. French: Joyeux Noël
In France, you can wish someone a Merry Christmas by saying Joyeux Noël (pronounced zhwa-YUH no-EL).
4. Italian: Buon Natale
To share holiday greetings with Italian speakers, you say Buon Natale (pronounced BWON nah-TAH-leh).
5. Russian: S Rozhdestvom
In Russia, where many people are Orthodox Christians, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th. The greeting is S Rozhdestvom (pronounced s-rozh-dest-VOM).
6. Portuguese: Feliz Natal
In both Portugal and Brazil, the way to say Merry Christmas is Feliz Natal (pronounced feh-LEEZ nah-TOWL).
7. Polish: Wesołych Świąt
In Poland, you can wish friends and family a Merry Christmas with the phrase Wesołych Świąt (pronounced ves-O-wekh shvy-OHNT).
8. Greek: Kala Christougenna
To wish someone a Merry Christmas in Greek, you say Kala Christougenna (pronounced kah-LAH kris-TOO-yen-nah).
9. Swedish: God Jul
In Sweden, the simple and warm way to say Merry Christmas is God Jul (pronounced GOOD YOOL).
10. Finnish: Hyvää Joulua
In Finland, you can share the holiday spirit by saying Hyvää Joulua (pronounced HU-va YO-lu-ah).
Merry Christmas in Asian Languages
11. Tagalog: Maligayang Pasko
The Philippines is known for having one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world. To wish someone a Merry Christmas in Tagalog, you say Maligayang Pasko (pronounced mah-lee-GAH-yahng PAS-ko).
12. Japanese: Merii Kurisumasu
In Japan, Christmas is more of a secular holiday. The common greeting is a familiar one: Merii Kurisumasu (pronounced meh-ree koo-ree-su-mah-su), which is borrowed from English.
13. Chinese (Mandarin): Shèng Dàn Kuài Lè
To say Merry Christmas in Mandarin Chinese, you use the phrase Shèng Dàn Kuài Lè (pronounced shung DAN kwai LUH).
14. Vietnamese: Chúc Mừng Giáng Sinh
In Vietnam, you can wish someone a Merry Christmas by saying Chúc Mừng Giáng Sinh (pronounced CHOOK mung ZANG sing).
15. Thai: Suk San Wan Christmas
In Thailand, the phrase for Merry Christmas is Suk San Wan Christmas (pronounced sook san wan KRIS-mas).
Sending Holiday Wishes to Loved Ones
Learning to say “Merry Christmas” in different languages is a simple yet powerful way to connect with the people you care about. It shows respect for their culture and a genuine desire to share in their joy during the holiday season.
Whether you’re sending money home for the holidays or just sending a thoughtful message, these phrases can help make your connection stronger.