Korean Dictionary
How to say "Merry Christmas" in Korean
“Merry Christmas” in Korean is 메리 크리스마스 (pronounced "Meri Keuriseumaseu").
메리 크리스마스
Meri Keuriseumaseu
Usage & Context
The Christmas greeting used in South Korea, which is a predominantly Christian country. Christmas is a public holiday and celebrated widely. Young people often spend Christmas with romantic partners rather than family, making it a romantic holiday similar to Valentine's Day.
Example Sentence
메리 크리스마스! 올해도 건강하게 보내세요.
Merry Christmas! Stay healthy this year too.
How to use 메리 크리스마스 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Merry Christmas” is 메리 크리스마스, romanized as Meri Keuriseumaseu.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 메리 크리스마스.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '메리' as 'meh-ree', like 'merry'. '크리스마스' is 'Keu-ree-seu-mah-seu'. 'Keu' sounds like 'crew' without the 'w', 'ree' like 'reap', 'seu' like 'sue', 'mah' like 'mama', and 'seu' again like 'sue'.
More Example Sentences
A general Christmas greeting, wishing good health for the year.
메리 크리스마스! 올해도 건강하게 보내세요.
Merry Christmas! Stay healthy this year too.
To a child or close friend, asking about their Christmas wish list.
메리 크리스마스! 선물 뭐 받고 싶어?
Merry Christmas! What gift do you want to receive?
A group greeting, wishing everyone a joyful holiday season.
모두 메리 크리스마스! 행복한 연휴 보내세요.
Merry Christmas everyone! Have a happy holiday.
Cultural Context
Christmas, or '크리스마스' (Keuriseumaseu), is a widely celebrated public holiday in South Korea. While it has religious significance for many, it's also embraced as a festive occasion by the general public. Interestingly, for many young Koreans, Christmas is often seen as a romantic holiday, similar to Valentine's Day, where couples go on dates and exchange gifts, rather than a family-centric event. You'll see cities adorned with lights and decorations, and K-pop idols often release special Christmas songs or content.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 메리 크리스마스 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
메리 크리스마스! 행복하세요!
Merry Christmas! Be happy!
크리스마스 선물
Christmas gift
크리스마스 트리
Christmas tree
Related Expressions
즐거운 성탄절 보내세요
Jeulgeoun Seongtanjeol bonaeseyo
Have a joyful Christmas (more traditional/formal)
해피 뉴 이어
Haepi Nyu Ieo
Happy New Year (often paired with Christmas greetings)
새해 복 많이 받으세요
Saehae bok mani badeuseyo
Happy New Year (traditional Korean greeting)
연말 잘 보내세요
Yeonmal jal bonaeseyo
Have a good year-end
More Greetings Words
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