Merry Meaning in English

word

US

/ˈmɛɹi/

ME-ree

UK

/mˈɛɹi/

ME-ree

Definition

Happy and full of lively enjoyment, especially in a social or festive situation. It is somewhat old-fashioned in everyday English and is very common in holiday expressions like 'Merry Christmas'.

Usage & Nuances

More common in greetings, songs, stories, and holiday language than in ordinary conversation. 'Merry' suggests cheerful celebration; people more often say 'happy' in daily speech. Common combinations: 'merry Christmas', 'merry laughter', 'make merry'.

• Spanish: alegre - festivo
• Portuguese (BR): alegre - festivo
• Portuguese (PT): alegre - festivo
• Chinese (Simplified): 欢乐的 - 愉快的 - 节日气氛浓的
• Chinese (Traditional): 歡樂的 - 愉快的 - 節日氣氛濃的
• Hindi: खुशमिज़ाज - आनंदित - उत्सवी
• Arabic: مَرِح - مُبتهج - احتفالي
• Bengali: আনন্দিত - ফুরফুরে মন (বেশি সামাজিক বা উৎসব পরিস্থিতিতে)
• Russian: весёлый - радостный (праздничный контекст)
• Japanese: 陽気な - 楽しい (特に祝祭の雰囲気)
• Vietnamese: vui vẻ - hân hoan (thường dùng trong dịp lễ)
• Korean: 명랑한 - 즐거운 (특히 잔치, 축제 때)
• Turkish: neşeli - şen (özellikle kutlamalarda)
• Urdu: خوش باش - شادمان (خاص طور پر تہواروں یا تقاریب میں)
• Indonesian: riang gembira - ceria (khususnya saat perayaan)

Example Sentences

The children were merry at the party.

basic

We wish you a merry Christmas.

basic

Her merry laugh filled the room.

basic

The whole pub was merry after the match.

natural

They stayed up late, singing and being merry.

natural

Come in, grab a drink, and make merry with us.

natural