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.
The standard Japanese word for Christmas, borrowed from English. Used for the holiday and the season.
クリスマスは家族と過ごします。
I spend Christmas with my family.
クリスマスに何をしましたか？
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.
教会で聖誕祭のミサが行われます。
A Christmas mass is held at the church.
Referring specifically to the evening or night of December 24th, which in Japan is often celebrated as a romantic occasion.
Christmas Eve. In Japan, this is often a time for couples to go on dates, similar to Valentine's Day in the West.
クリスマスイブは恋人と過ごす人が多いです。
Many people spend Christmas Eve with their romantic partner.
クリスマスイブにディナーを予約しました。
I reserved a dinner for Christmas Eve.
Referring specifically to December 25th.
Literally 'Christmas on the day'. Used to clarify you mean the 25th, not the season or Eve.
クリスマス当日は仕事です。
I have work on Christmas Day.
Simply saying the date. Common when making plans or stating facts.
12月25日は祝日ではありません。
December 25th is not a public holiday.
Referring to a Christmas-themed gathering or event.
Christmas party. Very common, especially for friends, colleagues, or children.
会社でクリスマスパーティーがあります。
There's a Christmas party at the office.
A Christmas gathering or event, often used for children's parties or community events.
保育園のクリスマス会で歌を歌いました。
We sang songs at the nursery school Christmas event.
Referring to a gift given at Christmas.
Christmas present. The most common term.
子供たちはクリスマスプレゼントを楽しみにしています。
The children are looking forward to their Christmas presents.
Christmas gift. Slightly more formal or commercial, often used in advertising.
クリスマスギフトに最適な商品です。
This product is perfect as a Christmas gift.
Referring to the traditional Japanese Christmas cake, typically a sponge cake with strawberries and whipped cream.
Christmas cake. In Japan, eating Christmas cake is a widespread tradition, often a strawberry shortcake.
クリスマスケーキを予約しました。
I ordered a Christmas cake.
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.
クリスマスは何をしますか？
What are you doing for Christmas?
クリスマスプレゼントをたくさんもらいました。
I got a lot of Christmas presents.