“’Twas a few nights before Christmas, and the only sound in the house,
Was of Dilshan typing on his keyboard, and left-clicking the mouse.
He was writing his Tribesters a Christmas post, ’twas now ready to be seen,
So he posted it as he smiled & said “What a cool tribe they’ve been.”
Apologies to Mr. Clement Clarke Moore for taking his beautiful poem and contaminating it with my words but I couldn’t help it. I’m feeling happy, poetic, and grateful these days.
In short, I’m feeling very “Christmassy”…
However, nothing to be alarmed about folks, I get like this every year. Starting from early December, I get into the festive mood by loading my iPod with all types of Christmas albums from Nat King Cole to the more recent Michael Bublé. I start seeing the good in everything around me and I start to feel very thankful (must be due to the sugar from the Christmas cakes and cookies that find their way to my house).
But don’t worry, I’ll get back to my usual grumpy crotchety state as soon as January shows up, I promise.
In the meantime, many thanks to two of my readers, Laura and Giulia (and of course Giulia’s 2-year old daughter, one of the youngest Sinhala learners of the LBSS family) for giving me their suggestions for this post.
Let’s start.
Outline Of This Post:
1. Christmas Related Sinhala Words
- The word for CHRISTMAS in Sinhala
- Common Christmas related Sinhala words
- Santa related Sinhala words
- Christianity related Sinhala words
2. Christmas Wishes
- Wishing MERRY CHRISTMAS in Sinhala
BONUS: Christmas Flashcards
- Effortlessly recap all the new words you learned
1. Christmas Related Sinhala Words
The Word For CHRISTMAS In Sinhala
Christmas | nath∙thȧ∙lȧ1 |
Notes:
1 You might hear some people refer to Christmas in Sinhala as ‘nath∙thal’ but I would argue that this actually is the adjective form of the word Christmas (like when we say “Christmas day”, “Christmas tree”, “Christmas party”, etc.). In English, we don’t make such a distinction. Therefore, my recommendation is ‘nath∙thȧl∙lȧ’.
(I know that “Tis the season for love and peace” but rest assured, I will fight you on the above point…)
Common Christmas Related Sinhala Words
Christmas Day | nath∙thal dha∙vȧ∙sȧ | |
Christmas Eve | nath∙thal dha∙vȧ∙sȧ∙tȧ is∙sȧ∙rin∙dhaa2 | |
Christmas Time/Season | nath∙thal kaa∙lȧ∙yȧ | |
Christmas Tree | nath∙thal ga∙ha3 | |
Christmas Decorations | nath∙thal sæ∙rȧ∙si∙li | |
Christmas Party | nath∙thal uth∙sȧ∙vȧ∙yȧ4 | |
Christmas Carols/Hymns | nath∙thal gee∙thi∙ka | |
Christmas Wishes | nath∙thal su∙bȧ pæ∙thum | |
Christmas Presents/Gifts | nath∙thal thǣ∙gi | |
Christmas Cake | nath∙thal kḗk |
Notes:
2 ‘nath∙thal dha∙vȧ∙sȧ∙tȧ’ = “to Christmas day”; ‘is∙sȧ∙rin∙dhaa’ = “previous day” so this just means “The previous day to Christmas day”. There isn’t really a specific term in Sinhala for “Christmas eve” (as far as I know).
3 You can interchange the word ‘ga∙ha’ with ‘ga∙sȧ’; it means the same thing. It’s just that ‘ga∙sȧ’ is used more when writing.
4 It is quite typical to replace the word ‘uth∙sȧ∙vȧ∙yȧ’ with ‘paa∙ti∙yȧ’. Just by the sound of it you can guess that this word comes from the English word “party”. Feel free to use either one.
Santa Claus Related Sinhala Words
Santa Claus / Father Christmas / Kris Kringle | nath∙thal see∙ya5 | |
Reindeer | pi∙ni mu∙waa | |
Snow | hi∙mȧ | |
Bells | see∙nu | |
Chimney | chi∙mi∙ni∙yȧ |
Notes:
5 You’ll remember from the post Members of the Family in Sinhala, that ‘see∙ya’ meant “grandfather”.
Christianity Related Sinhala Words
Christianity | kris∙thi∙yaa∙ni aa∙gȧ∙mȧ6 | |
Jesus Christ | jḗ∙sus va∙han∙sé7 | |
Infant/Baby Jesus | jḗ∙su bi∙lin∙dha | |
Prayers | yaag∙nyaa | |
Church Mass | poo∙jaa∙vȧ |
Notes:
6 ‘aa∙gȧ∙mȧ’ = “religion”
7 The best way I can translate the word ‘va∙han∙sé’ would be “lord” or “reverend”. Also note that like in English how one might say “Jesus”, in Sinhala we could say ‘jḗ∙su’.
2. Christmas Wishes in Sinhala
Wishing Someone MERRY CHRISTMAS in Sinhala
“Merry Christmas!” | su∙bȧ nath∙thȧ∙lak vḗ∙wa! | |
“Merry Christmas to you and your family!” | o∙yaa∙tayi o∙yaa∙gé pauw∙lȧ∙tayi su∙bȧ nath∙thȧ∙lak vḗ∙wa!10 |
Notes:
10 This is a familiar way of wishing someone you know
BONUS: Christmas Flashcards
Effortlessly Recap All The New Words You Learned:
There are 23 Flash Cards in this set.
The cards are in no particular order. To shuffle the cards, refresh this page.
As usual, leave your questions & comments below and I’ll get back to you even if I’m already in holiday mode. But when you do, remember to check the ‘Notify’ box, ok?
And that’s it, folks! Hope you liked it. I’ll wrap up this post by simply wishing each and everyone of you:
“Happy Holidays!”
PS. Don’t forget to tell me how you plan to spend it this year. Ciao for now.
Thank you Dilshan it was so nice to wish my partner’s family Happy Christmas I am learning Sinhala by re recording your lessons onto my MP4Player and listen to you whilst walking my dog…early in the mornings…a good hours lessons every day.
I really enjoy it. Am I your oldest pupil at 72 ?
Anthony
P.s. Happy Christmas and a good Big Mac New Year.
That’s great Anthony and you’re very welcome! I did this post mainly for folks like you and was hoping it will help with spreading the ‘holiday cheer’.
It’s been 9 months since I started this blog and I still find it fascinating to know that I ‘accompany’ people through their daily routines, whether it’s while they’re commuting to work, doing the dishes, or as in your case, walking the dog. Makes me very happy.
About your age, haha, I wouldn’t know for sure if you’re the oldest but you’re certainly the oldest person to admit his age to me. (By the way, if anyone reading this is older than Anthony, now is the time to speak up and claim the highly coveted title of “Oldest Member of the LBSS Tribe”…).
Thanks again Anthony for your comment as well as your Big Mac New Year wishes! Happy Christmas to you too!
Actually, I just remembered, I know another reader who is 78 years old. So, unfortunately, I’ll have to take away the “title” from you… Sorry Anthony! :-)
Once again you have made a fantastic, helpful and practical blog. So once again my friend in Sri Lanka was blown away by my awesome pronunciation. Keep em coming Dilshan ! Can’t speak highly enough of your work. Huge thanks to you. Best festive wishes Jen.??
Wow, what great feedback to receive this time of the year. Thanks Jen!
This is just awesome, All any pupil would need to wish all people well over the festive season!
I have attempted to enrol for your email course, seemingly without success, despite more than one try. maybe I am just thick & am doing something wrong! Not unusual for me when it comes to computers! I would really like to enrol on the 8 lesson e/mail course asap in view of the fact that my return visit yo Colombo is close at hand, Please advise what you think I am not doing to complete my enrolling?
Happy & Prosperous holidays to you & yours
Jim
Thank you Dilshan!!!
I have already sent a greeting post card in English… BUT… I will send my wishes once again, in Sinhala, yupi!!!! I still have time and I think it will be a great surprise for my friends.
That’s very cool, please let me know how they react. That should be fun!
Hi Dilshan!
Thanks for your posts. It’s quite helpful!
Around here I live in, there’re very few sinhala textbooks.
I enjoy learning sinhala and I’m trying to have better communication with Sri Lankan friends!
When is your next post? I’m waiting!
Have a nice day :)
Hi Natsumi, you’re welcome.
I’m glad to see how motivated you are to learn Sinhala. Keep it up!
Haha, I appreciate that you’re waiting for the next post but I won’t be doing one immediately since I just posted this one today. Remember, I’m now in holiday mode :)
Good luck with improving the communication with your Sri Lankan friends. Let me know if you have any questions.
Awwww … This post fits perfectly with my current state of mind: I’ll try and learn all of this by Christmas’ Eve between a cookie batch and another. Thank you so much Dilshan! I’ve been learning a lot since I started following your blog: you really make everything easy and fun.
My New Year’s Resolutions include learning the Sinhalese alphabet and maybe write and read a bit … I’ll borrow some of my boyfriend’s storybooks and go from there!
Keep up the awesome work! Read you next year!
Suba naththalak vewa!
PS: Love the snowflakes, haven’t told you yet :)
PS2: “Naththala” and “natale” sound a lot similar :)
Hi Laura,
Firstly, thanks for the suggestions you had previously made regarding this post!
I know what you mean in terms of fitting perfectly with the current state of mind. The only thing I sort of miss strangely is the European cold weather during this period (well, not that I’d switch places, let’s not go crazy, but yet I do miss it a little). But I sort of make up for it with the air-conditioner set at 16 degrees…
Glad that you’re learning so much. Even gladder that, as always, you take the time to tell me about it. Much appreciated.
Sinhala alphabet could be a fun adventure for you. Do let me know how you get by.
Yeah I know, the snowflakes are cool, right? And finally, yes ‘naththala’ is very close to the Italian word. This is something I noticed as soon as I started hanging out with the Italian group at my university and hearing them speak. I remember how amazed I was. Sadly that was the only word similar to a Sinhala word that i came across. Tell me if you’ve noticed any since you joined my blog.
Thanks again for your input for this post. Buon natale Laura!
Merry Christmas! :)
Thanks Laura! I wish you and your loved ones the same!
Hi Dilshan,
I just wanted to say a massive thank you for your time and efforts put in to this website. I got back from Sri Lanka a couple of weeks ago and want to stay in contact with a special someone. In doing that, I wanted to show effort to learn the language and it is not easy to find information on it but this has been a great help and I very much appreciate it.
I am thoroughly enjoying learning and your approach and attitude makes it fun and rewarding.
Thanks again, now enjoy some time off for the festivities, and a very Merry Christmas to you!
Hi Cara,
Your comment is what I’d call one of those ‘perfect’ comments.
Why?
– Starting from start to finish, it’s got so much appreciation for what I offer on this blog
– It shows your enthusiasm and motivation to learn this language
– It uses words like “enjoying”, “fun”, and “rewarding” to describe my content (everything a blogger wants to hear)
– and MOST IMPORTANTLY, it shows me that through my work I am (in my own little way) helping you get closer and connect to that ‘special someone’ :) – Can you imagine how happy this makes me?!! :)
So Thank You for your comment!
Thank you also for the wishes. I wish you great holidays too.
Hope to talk to you again soon.
Hello Dilshan!!! Thanks again for the great effort that you’ve put for this post. I have been busy for these past few weeks and I can’t remember when was the last time I visited your blog…and now walllaaa it’s snowing! :D Anyway, wishing you suba aluth auwrudhdhak vewa in advance !
p.s: will reply to your mail soooon !
Hi Shaggy, nice to hear from you again.
Yeah, I was wondering what happened to that last email I sent you. I remember sending you some “fantastic” career advice that obviously had nothing to do with learning Sinhala, haha. I get like that sometimes. You see, I rarely censor what I write, so if I felt like giving you unsolicited advice, I would definitely give you unsolicited advice :) Yes, reply when you find the time.
Yeah did you see how it’s snowing now in the LBSS blog?… For the SInhala new year in April, I wonder if I can find a plugin that makes “kæwums” fall too? :)
Thanks for the new year wishes in advance. I wish you and your family (and your students) a happy new year too.
Take care.
Oyaatayi Oyaage Pauwlatayi Suba aluth auwrudhdhak vewa!
Have a nice day.
Thanks Sajanthan, I wish you and your family the same! All the best!
MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ARE AWESOME………. THANKS A LOT ………
BY THE WAY I’M SRILANKAN…
I’M AMAZED LOOKING AT YOUR SITE.. FABULOUS..
YOU ARE DOING SUCH A GREAT SERVICE .(FREE)………..
THANKS A LOT…
You’re welcome my friend, glad you like it. Thanks for the very flattering words. I appreciate it!
Oh dear what a mouthful for happy new year …I’d rather stick with the lazy but smart English ….version…my fillings almost all fell out trying with that lot…
Thanks Dlishan…it was useful, you will be with me in hospital in January for a minor opp….my Sri Kankan doctor was so surprised when I went into a tirade of Singhala when visiting his surgery…it’s all your fault.
Happy New English new year
Anthony and Chaminda
Hi Anthony, happy to hear that it’s only a minor operation. I wish you all the best my friend! I look forward to speaking to the “new & improved post-operation” Anthony once you’re fully recovered :) Take care.
Hello Dilshan
Great post. thanks. Have been greeting my neighbours, friends & also sometime people I
meet on the way in the same way when I was in beautiful Sri Lanka. Now I take this
opportunity to wish you Season’s Greetings & a Very Bright 2015.
Talk to you in the New Year.
Elizabeth T
Thank you Elizabeth, for your comment, as well as for being such a vocal contributor to this little blog of mine throughout the year. It’s folks like you that make the comments section interesting for everyone.
I wish you an excellent new year! Thanks again.
Thanks for being an invisible lovely friend throughout this year and hope you will continue to be the same ole Dil in the New Year & years to come.
Actually I can say ‘Merry Christmas’ & Happy New Year in Sinhala, but I cannot spell the words the way you do ok. Here I go.
Suba Naththalak Weva. Suba Aluth Avuruddak Weva.
Please correct me if I am wrong. Thanks.
Bye for now.
Elizabeth T.
Hi Elizabeth, there is no single standard way of transliterating Sinhala words in English, so don’t worry. As long as it sounds like the words, you’ll be fine.
I shall try to be the “same ole Dil” even in 2016…
Best wishes to you too
Hi Dilshan, tks again for your blog, its so useful :)
happy new year to you and your family
Thank you Domoina! Let me also wish you and your whole family all the very best for 2015!!! Sorry for the delay in replying to your thoughtful wishes. Bad Dilshan.. :)
Hi Dilshan,
sounds like you had a very intensive festive season so far! ;-)
Again – thank you very much for all your time and effort this year and for your interesting, helpful and creative fun posts!
I got a lot of happy and surprised feedbacks whenever I used some Sinhala… Looking forward to your ideas in 2015…
ඔයාටයි ඔයාගේ පවුලටයි සුභ අලුත් අවුරුද්දක් වේවා!
පරිස්සමින් ඉන්න!
අංක
To all other readers:
Hi, folks! Actually, I hate speaking in public, so I normally don’t comment on blogs either. But today I have to, because Dilshan matter-of-factly blackmailed me – the deadline is tonight. =8-0 Yeah, it’s hard to believe but good old amazing Dilshan has a very dark side, too – well, at least one… lol
Haha, I’m sorry I missed this comment until now. Hilarious!
Thanks Anke! You made it just in time. You’ve earned yourself another year at LBSS :)
Thanks for the kind wishes. I wish you all the best for 2015!
Thanks for the useful post, Dilshan. Happy and prosperous New Year!
Thank you Tatiana, all the best for 2015 to you too! Sorry for taking this long to reply. Have a great year!
Hi Dilshan,
Thanks for your lessons on festive greetings and popular phrases.
Jothy
Sorry for the delayed response, Jothy. Saw this only now. Thanks for the wishes and hope 2015 was as exciting for you as it was for me.
Thanks again
I got a mail from you and the voca list you sent me will be really helpful when I learn Sinhalese.^^
Thanks Eden, all the best. Sorry for the long delay, didn’t see this comment until now.
Suba nathala ve we….thank you Dilshan , you’re a star! …I’ll put you on top of my tree :)
Haha, over the years I’ve heard “I’ll do this to you” or “I’ll do that to you” but “I’ll put you on top of my tree”??? That’s a first.
Hi, Dilshan.
Awesome timing! Just what I needed to wish a special friend for the festive season :-)
To Dilshan and Mrs Smart
Su∙bȧ nath∙thȧ∙lak vḗ∙wa!
Su∙bȧ a∙luth auw∙rudh∙dhak vḗ∙wa!
All the best ;-)
Thanks for the wishes Gina, and glad the post came in handy. Best wishes to you too.
Hi Dilshan,
I love your regular emails, thanks lots of follow up which helps my persistence to learn your language.
I like the XMas Greetings and will try to pronounce really well tomorrow when I greet my Sri Lankan mother in law. Cant wait to try it out.
AM quite excited to try out some phrases learnt when i come over in Feb for a month
Many Thanks, Merry Christmas
Thanks for the wishes, Rosemary. Let me know how your mom-in-law reacts, I’d be fascinated to know.
dear dilshan
many thanks for your very helpful and always funny lessons in sinhala. it helps me a lot to learn this not easy language.
wish you and your family happy christmas and a very prosperous new year !!
see you or better read ;-) in 2016. have a good time.
angela
You’re very welcome Angela. Thanks for the kind wishes. All the very best to you too.
Happy Christmas, Dilshan !
Thank you for your new post.
I enjoyed it very much, but find it rather hard.
Or is it just a decline of my enthusiasm ?
Meantime, I had my sinhara relatives and friends
visited my house and my brother’s early this month
for fortnight. We took them here and there.
We had Sinhara lunch together, 6 of them and 4 of us,
of course we ate with fingers ! Taste really changes
when eaten with fingers ! Great experience !
That feeling I had in Sri Lanca returned to me.
Thanks Shintaro, yes I agree, Sri Lankan (and Indian) food taste much better for me when eaten with fingers. Sounds like you had a great time.
Thanks for the post buddy, I was hoping you would make something like this for Christmas.
Suba naththalak vewa! And subȧ aluth auwrudhdhak vewa!
Thanks Teshan, all the best to you and your family too.
Merry Christmas
and
Zhana Zhylynyzben!!! (it’s in Kazakh language)
рақмет сізге Dima!
I think this may have the first time I’ve been wished in Kazakh language.
Thanks a bunch! :)
You’re welcome… a bunch.
Hi Dilshan,
Thanks a lot for your efforts, making people like me feel guilty and remind me of what I should do. Wishing you all the best for the new year and looking forward to your reminders.
Haha, didn’t mean to make you guilty but glad it came as a reminder. Thanks for the wishes and all the best to you too, Helga.
Dilshan you are a cute,cruel criminal teaching Sinhala thru simple English!
Thanks to Chrismasee Siyaa!
Love,
Madhavanji
haha
Très belle année 2016 à toi cher Dilshan ainsi qu’à ton épouse et tes proches
I have tried to catch up on your last posts and comments this evening. Congrats for your book. I will try to get one this year, as I really want to study Sinhala more properly. I feel ashamed because my level is so low and I still cannot answer your tests. I wish I had more time to learn…but I have not given up.
Take care.
PS : je mets de côté une bonne bouteille de vin rouge pour toi. On s’organisera pour qu’elle te parvienne. C’est largement mérité.
Thanks for your lovely message Elisabeth and special thanks for the bottle of wine too. I appreciate the thought very much. I’d love to say “You shouldn’t” but you know me and red wine :)
Thank you for your kindness. I am touched.
Hello Dilshan, Your lessons have been a great learning curve for me. Thank you so much.
I have not bought any books from you as am more of an internet reader. I would like to give you a donation for your services.
Besides paying by credit card , are there any other options.
With best wishes
Max
Thanks Max, that’s very kind of you to offer. However, I don’t take donations and instead, I prefer to exchange value for money (e.g. by selling my premium products). Only payment options I accept are online. Continuing this message by email now. Expect it shortly. PS. Glad to hear that my material is a good learning curve for you.
Dilshan, thank you for reminding me to send wishes in sinhala to my lankave friends . Suba nathal oyaage pauwlatayi. Bohoma sthooti.
Thanks Velo, my “Zagrebian” friend (see I remember), I wish you and your family the same. Enjoy.
Hallo Dilshan, බොහොම Sthoothi for the post. It comes handy for sending Christmas cards! Just landed in Colombo a few hours ago. It is a big change coming from a France (-2°C) to 25°C! Happy holidays.
Daniel & Shanika.
Salut Daniel et Shanika, tell me all about your trip and Sinhala adventures when you’re back. Enjoy. Bon sejour!
Krismasi Njema na Heri ya Mwaka Mpya!!!
I wish you all the best.
p.s. it’s nice that you’re able to choose what language to learn.
Thanks, buddy! All the best to you too.
LazyButSmartSinhala はありがとうございます。メリークリスマス。(Japanese)
Thank you for “Lazy But Smart Sinhala.” Merry Christmas!
Dilshan
Thank you very much for your “Christmas Greetings in Sinhala”
Nollaig Sona Duit.
Noel
I haven’t been able to hear the words in the last few posts. I am not sure if anyone else has had this issue and it is probably my computer but I can hear the words on the old posts but not the new ones. Do you have any ideas about what might be the problem. I ‘ve been a bit preoccupied with family issues for the last few months but I am going back to Sri Lanka next year and need to start learning this again.
THanks Julie
Welcome back, Julie. Could you give me an example of a) a post in which you can hear the pronunciation and b) a post in which you can’t? It’ll be easier for me to pinpoint the issue. Thanks.
Hello Dilshan, hope u had an enjoyable and relaxed festive season.
Thank you for the Christmas phrases in Sinhala.
God Bless
Max G
Thanks Max! I never saw your wishes until now, sorry about that.
Merry Christmas to you, your family and your subscribers, Sinhala language learners, Dilshan.
Thanks Tatiana, that’s very kind of you. Hope you had a great one too.
Happy Christmas to you Dilshan, and wishing you all the best in the New Year.
Jonathan
Thank you, Jonathan. The very best to you too.
Merry Xmas to and family and all Christian subsribers. I really enjoyed your sinhala way of saying all the Christmas greetings etc. Thanks.
Thank you, Poosparajah. Very kind of you.
Suba nattalak veva! 🎄🎅
Thanks, Erica. Great to hear from you again.