Translation guide
The Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, widely observed on December 25th with cultural traditions like gift-giving, decorations, and festive meals.
Referring to the Christmas holiday or season.
Referring specifically to the evening or night of December 24th, which in Japan is often celebrated as a romantic occasion.
Referring specifically to December 25th.
Literally 'Christmas on the day'. Used to clarify you mean the 25th, not the season or Eve.
Referring to a Christmas-themed gathering or event.
Referring to a gift given at Christmas.
Referring to the traditional Japanese Christmas cake, typically a sponge cake with strawberries and whipped cream.
The greeting used during the Christmas season.
Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan and is largely a secular, commercial event. It is often celebrated with romantic dates on Christmas Eve, parties with friends, and eating Christmas cake. New Year's (お正月) is the major family holiday.
While the religious meaning exists, most Japanese people associate Christmas with lights, presents, and cake. Using 聖誕祭 may sound overly religious or unnatural in daily conversation.
What are you doing for Christmas?
What did you do for Christmas?
A more literal translation meaning 'holy birth festival'. Rarely used in everyday conversation; mostly found in Christian contexts or formal writing.
A Christmas mass is held at the church.
Christmas Eve. In Japan, this is often a time for couples to go on dates, similar to Valentine's Day in the West.
Many people spend Christmas Eve with their romantic partner.
I reserved a dinner for Christmas Eve.
I have work on Christmas Day.
Simply saying the date. Common when making plans or stating facts.
December 25th is not a public holiday.
Christmas party. Very common, especially for friends, colleagues, or children.
There's a Christmas party at the office.
A Christmas gathering or event, often used for children's parties or community events.
We sang songs at the nursery school Christmas event.
Christmas present. The most common term.
The children are looking forward to their Christmas presents.
Christmas gift. Slightly more formal or commercial, often used in advertising.
This product is perfect as a Christmas gift.
Christmas cake. In Japan, eating Christmas cake is a widespread tradition, often a strawberry shortcake.
I ordered a Christmas cake.
The standard greeting. Used exactly like 'Merry Christmas' in English.
Merry Christmas!
I got a lot of Christmas presents.