At the A1 level, 'Natale' is one of the first 'holiday' words you learn. You use it primarily in greetings like 'Buon Natale!' (Merry Christmas) and to describe simple facts, such as 'Il Natale è a dicembre' (Christmas is in December). You will learn that 'Babbo Natale' is the Italian name for Santa Claus. At this stage, the focus is on recognizing the word in songs and on cards, and using the masculine article 'il' correctly. You might also learn basic food items associated with the day, like 'panettone'. The grammar is kept simple, focusing on the preposition 'a' (a Natale) to indicate time.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Natale' to describe traditions and personal habits. You can explain what you usually do: 'A Natale mangio con la mia famiglia' (At Christmas, I eat with my family). You start using more complex phrases like 'regali di Natale' (Christmas gifts) and 'albero di Natale' (Christmas tree). You also learn the difference between 'Natale' and 'La Vigilia' (Christmas Eve). You are expected to use the word in the context of the past tense to describe how you spent your last holiday: 'L'anno scorso ho passato il Natale a Roma.'
At the B1 level, you can discuss the cultural significance of 'Natale' in Italy compared to your own country. You can talk about the 'Cenone' (the big Christmas Eve dinner) and regional variations in food. You start using the word in idiomatic expressions like 'essere buoni come il pane a Natale'. You can also handle more complex prepositions and combined forms, like 'lo spirito del Natale'. You might discuss the commercialization of the holiday versus its religious roots, using 'Natale' as a focal point for expressing opinions and social observations.
At the B2 level, you explore the nuances of 'Natale' in literature and film (like the 'Cinepanettoni'). You can understand and participate in debates about how traditions are changing in modern Italy. You might use 'Natale' in more abstract ways, such as discussing 'il Natale di Roma' (the founding of Rome) and the historical etymology of the word. Your vocabulary expands to include adjectives like 'natalizio' and 'pre-natalizio'. You can describe the atmosphere (l'atmosfera natalizia) with more sophisticated adjectives and complex sentence structures.
At the C1 level, 'Natale' becomes a point of departure for deep cultural and linguistic analysis. You can analyze the rhetoric of Christmas speeches by public figures or the Pope's 'Urbi et Orbi' message. You understand the subtle differences between 'Natale' and 'Natività' in art history. You can use the word in its rare plural form 'i Natali' to discuss origins or historical births in a sophisticated manner. You are comfortable with the word's presence in classical Italian poetry and can discuss its role in the Italian national identity.
At the C2 level, you possess a near-native grasp of all the historical, religious, and secular connotations of 'Natale'. You can appreciate the word's use in high-level academic discourse regarding sociology, theology, or linguistics. You can use the word in puns, double entendres, and complex metaphors. You understand the deep regionalism associated with the word—how 'Natale' feels different in a snowy village in the Dolomites versus a sunny street in Palermo—and can articulate these differences with precision and stylistic flair.

natale 30秒で

  • Natale is the masculine Italian noun for Christmas, celebrated on December 25th.
  • It is used in greetings like 'Buon Natale' and time expressions like 'a Natale'.
  • The word is deeply linked to family traditions, specific foods, and religious observances.
  • It can also refer to the founding of a city, such as the 'Natale di Roma'.

The word Natale is one of the most evocative and culturally significant nouns in the Italian language. Derived from the Latin natalis (pertaining to birth), it specifically refers to the birth of Jesus Christ, but its usage extends far beyond the religious sphere into the heart of Italian family life, culinary traditions, and social rhythm. In Italy, Natale is not just a day; it is a season that begins with the Immaculate Conception on December 8th and concludes with the Epiphany on January 6th. When an Italian says 'Natale,' they are often invoking a sense of 'casa' (home) and 'famiglia' (family), as the holiday is strictly governed by the proverb: 'Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi' (Christmas with your family, Easter with whoever you want). This cultural imperative makes the word synonymous with large gatherings, long meals, and traditional games like Tombola.

Etymology and Origin
The term comes from the Latin 'dies natalis,' meaning 'day of birth.' While originally pagan (referring to the Sun), it was adopted by Christianity to celebrate the Nativity.
Grammatical Gender
It is a masculine noun ('il Natale'). When used to refer to the holiday, it is almost always capitalized to distinguish it from the generic concept of birth, though 'natalità' is the modern word for birth rate.
Cultural Weight
In Italy, the concept of Natale is tied to the 'Presepe' (nativity scene) more than the Christmas tree, although both are common today. The word carries a weight of tradition, especially regarding the 'Cenone' (the big dinner).

Quest'anno passeremo il Natale in montagna con tutta la famiglia.

Beyond the holiday itself, Natale appears in historical contexts to denote the founding of a city, most notably il Natale di Roma, celebrated on April 21st to mark the legendary founding of the city by Romulus. This demonstrates the word's inherent link to 'origins.' In everyday conversation, you will hear it in greetings such as 'Buon Natale' or in questions about holiday plans: 'Cosa fai a Natale?' The word also functions as an adjective in specific phrases like 'albero di Natale' or 'regali di Natale.' Understanding Natale is essential for any learner because it provides a gateway into the Italian psyche, where religious heritage and secular family values intertwine seamlessly. Whether you are discussing shopping, food, or travel, this noun will be at the center of your vocabulary during the winter months.

Non vedo l'ora che arrivi Natale per mangiare il panettone.

Il Natale di Roma è una festa molto sentita nella capitale.

Spero che questo Natale porti pace e serenità a tutti.

I mercatini di Natale in Trentino sono famosi in tutto il mondo.

Using Natale correctly in Italian requires an understanding of prepositions and context. While in English we say 'at Christmas' or 'for Christmas,' Italian uses 'a Natale' or 'per Natale' with slightly different nuances. 'A Natale' usually refers to the specific time or day (e.g., 'A Natale siamo tutti più buoni'), whereas 'per Natale' often refers to gifts or preparations (e.g., 'Cosa vuoi per Natale?'). It is also important to note that when referring to the holiday as a general concept or a specific year's event, the definite article 'il' is often used: 'Il Natale del 2023 è stato indimenticabile.' However, in many idiomatic expressions and greetings, the article is dropped, such as in 'Buon Natale' or 'Babbo Natale' (Santa Claus).

Prepositional Usage
Use 'a' for the timeframe: 'A Natale nevica spesso.' Use 'per' for purpose or gifts: 'Ho comprato un libro per Natale.'
Possessive Phrases
When talking about someone's Christmas, use the possessive: 'Il mio Natale è stato tranquillo.'

Abbiamo deciso di addobbare l'albero di Natale l'otto dicembre.

Another common way to use Natale is as a modifier for other nouns. Since Italian doesn't use nouns as adjectives as easily as English does, it often uses the preposition 'di' (of). For example, 'Christmas spirit' becomes 'lo spirito del Natale,' and 'Christmas vacation' becomes 'le vacanze di Natale.' It's also worth noting the plural form 'Natali,' which is rare but used in literary contexts or to mean 'births/origins.' For example, 'Ebbe i Natali a Firenze' means 'He was born in Florence.' In modern A2-level Italian, however, you will mostly stick to the singular masculine form to describe the holiday festivities. Pay attention to the verb 'passare' (to spend/pass), which is the standard verb used with holidays: 'Passerò il Natale con i nonni.'

Cosa riceverai come regalo di Natale quest'anno?

Le luci di Natale illuminano tutta la piazza principale.

In Italy, the word Natale begins to dominate the soundscape as early as mid-November. You will hear it in grocery stores (supermercati) as announcements promote 'offerte di Natale' for panettone and prosecco. On the radio, classic songs like 'Tu scendi dalle stelle' (You come down from the stars) or Italian versions of international carols will feature the word prominently. If you are in a large city like Rome or Milan, you will hear the 'zampognari' (bagpipe players) playing traditional 'ninne nanne di Natale.' It is also a staple of Italian television, where 'Cinepanettoni'—slapstick comedy movies released specifically for the Christmas season—are advertised everywhere. These films often have 'Natale' in the title, such as 'Natale a Miami' or 'Natale sul Nilo.'

In the Kitchen
You'll hear it when discussing menus: 'Il pranzo di Natale' is a multi-course marathon that varies by region—tortellini in broth in the north, eel or fish in the south.
In Public Squares
Mayors will give speeches for the 'accensione dell'albero di Natale' (the lighting of the Christmas tree).

Signora, ha già comprato il torrone per Natale?

In a domestic setting, the word is used constantly when planning logistics. Because Italian families are often spread out across the country, the question 'Dove passi il Natale?' is a common conversation starter among friends and colleagues. In churches, the 'Messa di Natale' (Christmas Mass), particularly the one at midnight, is a focal point of the community. Even in secular environments, the 'cena di Natale' with coworkers is a mandatory social ritual. The word also carries a commercial weight; 'saldi di Natale' (Christmas sales) are a major event for shoppers. Whether it's the 'mercatini di Natale' in the Alps or the 'presepi viventi' (living nativities) in small villages, the word is the linguistic thread that ties the winter season together.

Tutta la città è immersa in una magica atmosfera di Natale.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with Natale is using the wrong preposition. While in English we say 'on Christmas Day,' Italians do not say 'su Natale.' Instead, they use 'a' or simply the date: 'Il venticinque dicembre.' Another common error is forgetting that Natale is masculine. Students sometimes mistakenly treat it as feminine because many Italian holidays ending in 'a' (like Pasqua or Epifania) are feminine. Always remember: il Natale, un Natale. Furthermore, learners often confuse 'Natale' with 'nascita' (birth). While they share an etymological root, 'Natale' is only used for the holiday or the founding of a city, while 'nascita' is the general word for the act of being born.

Mistake: 'Buona Natale'
Correction: Since Natale is masculine, the adjective must be masculine: 'Buon Natale.'
Mistake: 'In Natale'
Correction: Use 'a Natale' for 'at Christmas time.'

Sbagliato: Auguro a tutti una buona Natale. (Corretto: un Buon Natale).

Another nuance involves the word 'Babbo Natale.' Some learners try to translate 'Father Christmas' or 'Santa Claus' literally, but 'Babbo' is the specific Tuscan/informal word for 'Dad' used in this context. Calling him 'Padre Natale' would sound very strange and overly formal/religious. Additionally, be careful with the plural. If you want to say 'many Christmases,' you say 'molti Natali,' but this is rarely used in conversation. Usually, people say 'tante feste di Natale.' Finally, avoid using 'Natale' to describe your own birthday. Your birthday is your 'compleanno.' Using 'Natale' for a personal birthday is an archaic or highly literary usage that would confuse people in a modern A2 context.

While Natale is the specific term for the holiday on December 25th, there are several related words that learners should know to sound more natural. 'Le festività' or 'le feste' are often used to refer to the entire period from Christmas to New Year's. If you want to be more inclusive or general, you might say 'Buone Feste' instead of 'Buon Natale.' Another related term is 'La Natività,' which is used specifically in religious or artistic contexts to describe the scene of Christ's birth. In the culinary world, 'natalizio' is the adjective of choice; you'll see 'dolci natalizi' (Christmas sweets) rather than 'dolci di Natale,' although both are understood.

Natale vs. Vigilia
'Natale' is the 25th; 'La Vigilia' is Christmas Eve (the 24th), which is equally important in many regions.
Natale vs. Capodanno
'Capodanno' is New Year's Day. Often grouped together as 'le feste di Natale e Capodanno.'
Natale vs. Santo Stefano
December 26th is 'Santo Stefano,' a public holiday in Italy that is essentially 'Part 2' of Christmas.

Preferisco l'atmosfera della Vigilia rispetto a quella del giorno di Natale.

In terms of alternatives, if you are writing a formal card, you might use 'Il Santo Natale' to add a layer of reverence. If you are talking about the winter season in a broader sense, you might use 'il periodo invernale,' but for the specific joy of the holidays, nothing replaces Natale. It's also helpful to know 'Babbo Natale' (Santa) and 'il Bambinello' (the Baby Jesus), as these are the two figures that 'bring' gifts depending on the family's tradition. Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate the complex social and religious landscape of an Italian December.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

In Ancient Rome, 'dies natalis' was used for the birthdays of emperors and the founding dates of temples. The Christians later appropriated the 'Dies Natalis Solis Invicti' (Birthday of the Unconquered Sun) for Christmas.

発音ガイド

UK /naˈta.le/
US /nɑˈtɑ.leɪ/
The stress is on the second syllable: na-TA-le.
韻が合う語
canale finale giornale mentale normale ospedale reale uguale
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' like an English 'y' (Natalee). It should be a crisp Italian 'e' as in 'bed'.
  • Stress on the first syllable (NAtale). This is incorrect.
  • Making the 't' too aspirated. In Italian, 't' is dental and soft.
  • Pronouncing 'le' as 'lay'. It should be shorter.
  • Stretching the 'a' sounds too much.

難易度

読解 1/5

The word is very common and easy to recognize in text.

ライティング 2/5

Requires remembering the masculine gender and the 'e' at the end.

スピーキング 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but learners must avoid 'Natalee' sounds.

リスニング 1/5

Easily identifiable in songs and speech due to its distinct rhythm.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

festa dicembre famiglia regalo buono

次に学ぶ

vigilia capodanno befana tradizione auguri

上級

natività natalizio zampognaro presepe panettone

レベル別の例文

1

Buon Natale a tutti!

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Buon is the shortened form of buono used before masculine nouns.

2

Il Natale è il venticinque dicembre.

Christmas is on December 25th.

Note the use of the definite article 'il'.

3

Mi piace il Natale.

I like Christmas.

The subject of 'piace' is 'il Natale'.

4

Babbo Natale porta i regali.

Santa Claus brings the gifts.

Babbo means 'Dad' in some dialects but is standard for Santa.

5

Dov'è l'albero di Natale?

Where is the Christmas tree?

Use 'di' to connect tree and Christmas.

6

Mangiamo il panettone a Natale.

We eat panettone at Christmas.

'A Natale' indicates the time of the holiday.

7

C'è molta neve a Natale.

There is a lot of snow at Christmas.

'C'è' means 'there is'.

8

Natale è una festa bellissima.

Christmas is a very beautiful holiday.

Festa is a feminine noun.

1

Cosa fai a Natale quest'anno?

What are you doing at Christmas this year?

A common question for holiday plans.

2

Ho comprato molti regali di Natale.

I bought many Christmas gifts.

Passato prossimo of 'comprare'.

3

La mia famiglia si riunisce per Natale.

My family gathers for Christmas.

Reflexive verb 'riunirsi'.

4

Preferisco il Natale in montagna.

I prefer Christmas in the mountains.

Specific location with 'in'.

5

A Natale decoriamo la casa con le luci.

At Christmas, we decorate the house with lights.

Present tense 'decoriamo'.

6

Voglio andare ai mercatini di Natale.

I want to go to the Christmas markets.

Mercatini is the diminutive of mercati.

7

Il pranzo di Natale dura molte ore.

Christmas lunch lasts many hours.

Dura comes from 'durare' (to last).

8

Mio fratello arriva a casa per Natale.

My brother arrives home for Christmas.

'Per Natale' implies the purpose of his arrival.

1

Il Natale è un'occasione per stare insieme.

Christmas is an occasion to be together.

Stare insieme is a common phrase for 'being together'.

2

Ogni regione ha le sue tradizioni di Natale.

Every region has its own Christmas traditions.

Possessive 'sue' agrees with 'tradizioni'.

3

Nonostante il freddo, l'atmosfera di Natale è calda.

Despite the cold, the Christmas atmosphere is warm.

Nonostante takes a noun or 'che' clause.

4

Mi ricordo ancora il Natale di quando ero bambino.

I still remember Christmas from when I was a child.

Ricordarsi is reflexive, often used with 'il'.

5

Spero che quest'anno il Natale sia sereno.

I hope that this year Christmas is peaceful.

Congiuntivo (sia) after 'Spero che'.

6

Le città diventano magiche durante il Natale.

Cities become magical during Christmas.

Durante is a preposition followed by a noun.

7

Abbiamo preparato il presepe per Natale.

We prepared the nativity scene for Christmas.

Presepe is a key Italian cultural term.

8

Il Natale porta sempre un po' di nostalgia.

Christmas always brings a bit of nostalgia.

Un po' di is the partitive construction.

1

Il Natale stimola i consumi in modo significativo.

Christmas stimulates consumption in a significant way.

Consumi refers to consumer spending.

2

Molti criticano la commercializzazione del Natale.

Many criticize the commercialization of Christmas.

Commercializzazione is a long, formal noun.

3

L'essenza del Natale risiede nella solidarietà.

The essence of Christmas lies in solidarity.

Risiedere in is a formal way to say 'to lie in'.

4

Si dice che a Natale siamo tutti più buoni.

It is said that at Christmas we are all better people.

Si dice is an impersonal construction.

5

Il Natale di Roma si festeggia il ventuno aprile.

The birthday of Rome is celebrated on April 21st.

Here Natale means 'founding day'.

6

I film di Natale sono un classico del cinema italiano.

Christmas movies are a classic of Italian cinema.

Un classico is used as a noun here.

7

Bisogna prenotare il treno per Natale con largo anticipo.

One must book the train for Christmas well in advance.

Con largo anticipo is a useful idiomatic phrase.

8

Il Natale evoca ricordi d'infanzia in ognuno di noi.

Christmas evokes childhood memories in each of us.

Evocare is a high-level verb for 'to evoke'.

1

L'iconografia del Natale si è evoluta nei secoli.

The iconography of Christmas has evolved over the centuries.

Iconografia is a technical term for visual symbols.

2

Il Natale rappresenta un momento di tregua dai ritmi frenetici.

Christmas represents a moment of respite from frantic rhythms.

Tregua means 'truce' or 'respite'.

3

Le radici pagane del Natale sono spesso dimenticate.

The pagan roots of Christmas are often forgotten.

Radici is used metaphorically for 'origins'.

4

Il fervore natalizio pervade ogni angolo della penisola.

Christmas fervor pervades every corner of the peninsula.

Pervadere is a literary verb for 'to pervade'.

5

Nonostante la secolarizzazione, il Natale mantiene il suo fascino.

Despite secularization, Christmas maintains its charm.

Secolarizzazione refers to the decline of religious influence.

6

La letteratura italiana è ricca di riferimenti al Natale.

Italian literature is rich with references to Christmas.

Riferimenti a is the standard construction.

7

Il Natale funge da catalizzatore per le riunioni familiari.

Christmas acts as a catalyst for family reunions.

Fungere da means 'to act as'.

8

Si avverte un senso di comunione durante il periodo di Natale.

A sense of communion is felt during the Christmas period.

Avvertire is more nuanced than 'sentire' (to feel).

1

Il Natale è l'archetipo della festività ciclica.

Christmas is the archetype of the cyclical holiday.

Archetipo is a sophisticated philosophical term.

2

Ebbe i suoi Natali in una terra aspra e bellissima.

He was born in a harsh and beautiful land.

Aver i Natali is an archaic/high-literary way to say 'to be born'.

3

La dicotomia tra sacro e profano nel Natale è evidente.

The dichotomy between the sacred and the profane in Christmas is evident.

Dicotomia is a formal term for a division into two parts.

4

Il Natale incarna la speranza di un rinnovamento universale.

Christmas embodies the hope of a universal renewal.

Incarnare means 'to embody' or 'to personify'.

5

L'analisi sociologica del Natale rivela mutamenti profondi.

The sociological analysis of Christmas reveals deep changes.

Mutamenti is more formal than 'cambiamenti'.

6

La simbologia del Natale trascende i confini religiosi.

The symbology of Christmas transcends religious boundaries.

Trascendere means 'to go beyond'.

7

Il Natale si configura come un pilastro dell'identità collettiva.

Christmas takes shape as a pillar of collective identity.

Configurarsi come is a formal reflexive construction.

8

L'opulenza del Natale contrasta talvolta con la povertà circostante.

The opulence of Christmas sometimes contrasts with the surrounding poverty.

Opulenza is a high-level word for 'wealth/luxury'.

よく使う組み合わせ

Buon Natale
Albero di Natale
Regali di Natale
Pranzo di Natale
Mercatini di Natale
Vigilia di Natale
Babbo Natale
Canzoni di Natale
Luci di Natale
Vacanze di Natale

よく使うフレーズ

A Natale siamo tutti più buoni

— A common saying suggesting people are kinder during the holidays.

Dovresti aiutarlo, a Natale siamo tutti più buoni!

Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi

— A proverb meaning spend Christmas with family and Easter with friends.

Non posso venire in viaggio, Natale con i tuoi!

Cosa fai a Natale?

— The standard way to ask about holiday plans.

Ciao Maria, cosa fai a Natale?

Auguri di Natale

— Christmas wishes/greetings.

Ti mando i miei migliori auguri di Natale.

Passare il Natale

— To spend Christmas (at a place or with people).

Passerò il Natale a Milano.

Aspettare il Natale

— To wait for/look forward to Christmas.

I bambini aspettano il Natale con ansia.

Atmosfera di Natale

— Christmas spirit or atmosphere.

C'è una bella atmosfera di Natale in centro.

Sotto Natale

— In the period just before Christmas.

Sotto Natale i negozi sono affollatissimi.

Il giorno di Natale

— Christmas Day specifically.

Il giorno di Natale restiamo a casa.

Dopo Natale

— After Christmas.

Ci vediamo dopo Natale per un caffè.

慣用句と表現

"Essere come un regalo di Natale"

— To be a very welcome surprise or a blessing.

La tua visita è stata come un regalo di Natale.

Informal
"Arrivare come Babbo Natale"

— To arrive bearing many gifts or solutions.

È arrivato lo zio come Babbo Natale con mille pacchi.

Informal
"Fare il Natale"

— Sometimes used to mean preparing the decorations or the feast.

Oggi facciamo il Natale in salotto.

Informal/Regional
"Natale al sole"

— Spending Christmas in a warm climate.

Quest'anno vogliamo fare un Natale al sole alle Maldive.

Neutral
"Cercare il Natale in agosto"

— To look for something at the wrong time (less common).

È inutile che cerchi quella giacca ora, è come cercare il Natale in agosto.

Literary
"Essere un Babbo Natale"

— To be someone who gives too much or is easily exploited.

Non posso mica fare sempre il Babbo Natale con te!

Informal
"L'albero di Natale"

— Can metaphorically refer to someone overdressed or covered in jewelry.

Si è conciata come un albero di Natale.

Informal/Slightly Derogatory
"Natale di sangue"

— A tragic Christmas (often used in news or history).

Quello fu purtroppo un Natale di sangue per la città.

Journalistic
"Tanti Natali fa"

— Many years ago.

Tanti Natali fa, le cose erano diverse.

Poetic/Nostalgic
"Un Natale coi fiocchi"

— A perfect, classic Christmas (literally 'with snowflakes/bows').

Vi auguro un Natale coi fiocchi!

Informal/Cheerful

語族

名詞

natalità (birth rate)
natia (birthplace/native)
natività (nativity)

動詞

nascere (to be born)
natalizzare (to make something Christmas-like - rare)

形容詞

natalizio (Christmas-related)
natale (native/of birth)
nativo (native)

関連

Babbo Natale
pre-natalizio
post-natalizio
capodanno
pasqua

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'Natal' clinic where babies are born. 'Natale' is the day the most famous baby (Jesus) was born.

視覚的連想

Imagine a giant red 'N' shaped like a candy cane leaning against a Christmas tree.

Word Web

Gesù Regali Dicembre Famiglia Neve Panettone Albero Presepe

チャレンジ

Try to use 'Natale' in three different sentences today: one greeting, one about food, and one about a gift.

語源

From the Latin 'natalis,' which is the adjective form of 'natus,' the past participle of 'nasci' (to be born). It originally appeared in the phrase 'dies natalis' (day of birth).

元の意味: Pertaining to birth or a birthday.

Indo-European -> Italic -> Latin -> Romance -> Italian.

文化的な背景

While Italy is increasingly secular, 'Natale' remains heavily tied to Catholic tradition; however, it is celebrated as a cultural holiday by almost everyone.

Unlike the US or UK where 'Happy Holidays' is common to be inclusive, 'Buon Natale' remains the standard in Italy, though 'Buone Feste' is also used.

'Natale in Casa Cupiello' (famous play by Eduardo De Filippo) 'Tu scendi dalle stelle' (most famous Italian carol) Cinepanettoni (the genre of Christmas comedy films)

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Family Gatherings

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