Do you know how to wish a Merry Christmas in Brazilian Portuguese?
The festive season is just around the corner, and if you have friends, colleagues, or even family in Brazil, you might want to learn this one simple sentence.
Even though Christmas in Brazil is a bit different from the Northern Hemisphere temperature-wise, we still have big holiday festivities.
In fact, Xmas is one of the most anticipated holidays in Brazil because we can then gather with family for a lovely supper. Unlike Carnival, Xmas is a 100% family holiday.
So check out below how to write and pronounce Xmas wishes in Portuguese.
7 Ways To Say Merry Christmas In Brazilian Portuguese
There are two main ways to say Merry Christmas in Portuguese, but each has a few variations. I will start by talking about Feliz Natal.
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Feliz Natal – Portuguese for Merry Christmas
- Pronunciation: feh-lees nah-tauh (the L at the end of the word is pronounced like the vowel U)
Feliz Natal is the standard and most used way to say Merry Christmas in Brazilian Portuguese.
You can use it throughout the holiday season on any occasion and means, including postcards, social media messages, or family gatherings. (Also good to know: cheers in Portuguese!)
Tenha um Feliz Natal!
(Have a Merry Christmas!)
Eu te desejo um Feliz Natal!
(I wish you a Merry Christmas!)
Feliz Natal para você também!
(Merry Christmas to you, too!)
Feliz Natal e um próspero Ano Novo!
(Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!) Click here to learn how to say Happy New Year in Brazilian Portuguese!
Wanna learn about Christmas traditions in Brazil? Then read my other article about. I’ve written about our Christmas foods!
Boas Festas – Portuguese for Happy Holidays
- Pronunciation: boh-As fehs-tahs
Boas festas is somewhat more formal than Feliz Natal, but it can also be used in most situations.
Boas festas e feliz ano novo!
(Happy holidays and Happy New Year!)
Read next: Brazil New Year’s Traditions
Christmas Vocabulary
Here are a few words to expand your vocabulary for the festive season, even if you’re an absolute beginner:
Amigo secreto – Secret Santa
Amigo da onça – this is the naught version of Secret Santa
Anjo – Angel
Árvore de Natal – Christmas tree
Azevinho – Holly (plant)
Boneco de neve – Snowman
Ceia de Natal – Christmas supper
Chaminé – Chimney
Estrela – Star
Guirlanda – Wreath
Lareira – Fireplace
Manjedoura – Manger
Missa da meia noite – Midnight mass
Natal – Christmas
Ornamento de Nata – Christmas ornaments
Papai Noel – Santa Claus
Pisca-pisca – Fairy lights/Christmas lights
Presentes – Gifts
Presépio – Nativity scene
Rabanada – a Brazilian French toast
Salada de Bacalhau – codfish salad
Sino – Bell
Trenó – Sleigh
Três Reis Magos – Three Wise Men
Vela – Candle
Véspera de Natal – Christams eve
Christmas Song
Here’s a classic Christmas song from Brazil followed by the English translation:
Noite feliz, noite feliz
Ó Senhor, Deus de amor
Pobrezinho nasceu em Belém
Eis na lapa, Jesus nosso bem
Dorme em paz, ó Jesus
Dorme em paz, ó Jesus
Noite feliz, noite feliz
Eis que no ar vem cantar
Aos pastores, os anjos dos céus
Anunciando a chegada de Deus
De Jesus, Salvador
De Jesus, Salvador
Noite feliz, noite feliz
Ó Jesus, Deus da luz
Quão afável é Teu coração
Que quiseste nascer nosso irmão
E a nós todos salvar
E a nós todos salvar
English translation:
Happy night, happy night
O Lord, God of love
Poor thing was born in Belém
Here in lapa, Jesus our good
Sleep in peace, O Jesus
Sleep in peace, O Jesus
Happy night, happy night
Behold, in the air comes to sing
To the shepherds, the angels of heaven
Announcing the arrival of God
Of Jesus, Savior
Of Jesus, Savior
Happy night, happy night
O Jesus, God of light
How kind is Your heart
That you wanted to be born our brother
And save us all
And save us all
Wrapping Up On How To Say Merry Christmas In Brazilian Portuguese
Portuguese can be a challenging language, but with some practice, you can definitely send thoughtful messages to native speakers, like Merry Christmas!
With the messages above, you can wish happy holidays to Brazilians in our own language. Isn’t that incredible?
Tchau! Beijos!
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