圣诞节

• Pinyin: Shèng dàn Jié
• Hanzi breakdown: 圣 = holy, sacred; 诞 = birth; 节 = festival — Christmas

Meaning

Christmas. The annual Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed on December 25th.

While originating as a Western religious holiday, Christmas has become a popular commercial and social celebration in urban China, particularly among young people. Associated with shopping, decorations, parties, and gift-giving rather than religious observance for most Chinese celebrants.

Examples

1. 商场里圣诞节的装饰已经布置好了。 The Christmas decorations in the mall have already been set up.
2. 很多年轻人喜欢在圣诞节互送礼物。 Many young people like to exchange gifts on Christmas.
3. 圣诞节那天，街上到处都是庆祝的人群。 On Christmas Day, the streets were filled with celebrating crowds.

Usage Guide

Context: holiday, celebration, commercial

Tone: festive

Do Say

• 圣诞节快乐！(Merry Christmas!)
• 圣诞节有什么计划？(Any plans for Christmas?)

Don't Say

• 注意圣诞节在中国主要是商业节日 (Note that Christmas in China is mainly a commercial holiday — religious references may not resonate)

Origin & History

Translation of 'Christmas' — 圣诞 (holy birth) + 节 (festival). 圣诞 literally means 'sacred/holy birth,' referring to the birth of Jesus.

Cultural Context

Generation: Younger generations

Social background: Urban