Definition
In modern Chinese, 圣诞 (Shèngdàn) almost always means 'Christmas' — you'll see it in greetings like 圣诞快乐 (Merry Christmas) and compound words like 圣诞老人 (Santa Claus) and 圣诞树 (Christmas tree). Historically, the term literally means 'holy birth' and was used for the birthdays of sages, Buddhas, or emperors, but that usage is now very rare outside of classical texts. For everyday conversation, just think of it as 'Christmas'.
n.
Christmas
Examples
- 圣诞!Zhù nín Shèng dàn kuàilè!Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
- 圣诞。Wǒmen zài Shèng dàn qián zhuāngshì le piàoliang de Shèng dàn shù.We decorated a beautiful Christmas tree before Christmas.
- 。Háizimen zuì xǐhuan Shèng dàn lǎorén sòng de lǐwù.Children like gifts from Santa Claus the most.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.