Portuguese Phrase
O Natal é dia 25 de dezembro.
Meaning
This phrase identifies the calendar date for Christmas. It uses the verb 'ser' to define a fixed event and follows the standard Portuguese structure for expressing dates.
When to use
Use this phrase when clarifying the date of the holiday or teaching basic calendar facts in Portuguese. It is appropriate for both educational and casual conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
ONatalédia25dedezembro
Verbo Ser (é)
The verb 'ser' is used for dates, time, and permanent identities.
Dates in Portuguese
Unlike English, Portuguese doesn't use ordinal numbers (like 25th) for dates, except for the first of the month ('primeiro').
Months
Months are not capitalized in Portuguese unless they start a sentence.
🗨In Conversation
Quando é o Natal no Brasil?
When is Christmas in Brazil?
O Natal é dia 25 de dezembro.
Christmas is on December 25th.
✕Common Mistakes
O Natal está dia 25 de dezembro.
Use the verb 'ser' (é) for dates and permanent events rather than 'estar'.
O Natal é em 25 de dezembro.
While 'em' is used for months alone, when specifying the day, it is more common to use 'é dia' or 'é no dia'.
↔Alternatives
A gente comemora o Natal no dia 25.
We celebrate Christmas on the 25th.
O dia de Natal é 25 de dezembro.
Christmas Day is December 25th.
Cultural Tip
While the 25th is the official holiday, most Portuguese-speaking cultures, especially in Brazil, have their main celebration and 'Ceia' (supper) late on the night of December 24th. The 25th is typically reserved for a more relaxed family lunch.