How To Say “Wedding” in 10 Languages

Nov 04, 2021

Chinese couple at their wedding ceremony

Weddings are both a common and a special event in many lives, and people all over the world say “I do” to the institution. However, every language has its unique way of describing this important ritual!

Here’s how to say “wedding” in 10 languages besides English, along with some tidbits that might help you learn something new about cultures around the world. What would your language say? Let's find out!

1. Spanish: Boda

In Spanish, boda means wedding. Although many brides today choose to wear white, the tradition in Spain is that she should be dressed in a black silk dress. Black signifies her dedication and devotion to her husband until death do they part. Today, a bride may wear a black dress to break away from the standard white dress, thus giving a nod to the older tradition.

2. Chinese: 婚礼 [hūnlǐ]

In Chinese, the word for “wedding” is 婚礼 [hūnlǐ]. Red and gold are the most common colors to see at a Chinese wedding. Red symbolizes love, honor, and success, while gold symbolizes fortune and wealth. Because of this, the bride will often wear a red dress (qipao) with gold accents. The color red is also thought to ward off negative energies.

3. Hebrew: חֲתוּנָה (pronounced: chah-tuh-NAH, or CHA-seh-neh)) CH is pronounced as the name, Johann Sebastian Bach.

In Hebrew, חֲתוּנָה means “wedding.” It is of the root as the word “chaTAN” (CHO-sen), groom. The renowned customs of a Jewish wedding are the marriage canopy, the chuppah, and the signing of the Ketubah (literally, “document), The Marriage Contract. The traditional dance at Jewish wedding receptions is called the "hora". Guests dance in a circle around the bride and groom who are seated in chairs while holding a handkerchief and are then lifted into the air.

jewish couple holding a marriage contract (ketubah)

4. Russian: Cвадьба [svad'ba]

Wedding, in Russian, is свадьба. [svad'ba]. In Russia, once the official wedding registration is complete, it is common for the newlyweds to travel to local landmarks to carry out traditions and take photos at each place. They will often take a small group of family and friends along, too.

5. Italian: Nozze

In Italian, “wedding” is nozze. It's traditional at a nozze reception for the groom's tie to be cut up and the pieces sold to the guests. The money from this is then given to the couple for the wedding expenses and/or to help start their life together.

6. French: Mariage

The French word for "wedding" is mariage. In France, a couple is legally obligated to marry in the town hall with the mayor as the wedding officiant. This is to ensure it's a "public" event. The doors of the room remain open so that anyone who may oppose the union can do so. This is the only way to be legally married in France. Some couples opt to have a religious ceremony afterward, but this is purely spiritual.

7. Turkish: Düğün

In Turkish, düğün means "wedding." An exciting ritual at Turkish weddings is the gold-adoring ceremony in which friends and family pin coins or bills onto a sash that's worn by the newlyweds. Sometimes, if the crowd gets rowdy, they will even toss money into the air!

8. Finnish: Häät

Häät means “wedding” in Finnish. In Finland, the bride-to-be will walk from door to door with a pillowcase to collect her wedding gifts. An older, married man will accompany her and hold an umbrella over her. This tradition symbolizes protection and shelter for the new bride.

9. Danish: Bryllup

Bryllup is the Danish for "wedding." Usually, socks are not given much thought at weddings, but at Danish weddings, it is customary to lift the groom into the air and cut off the toes of his socks. This tradition gives the bride her first wifely duty -- repairing her husband's socks.

10. Greek: γάμος [gámos]

In Greek, "wedding" is γάμος. At a Greek wedding, it is good luck for the bride to have a lump of sugar inside her glove and a gold coin in her shoe. The sugar will bring a sweet life and the coin will ensure fortune in finances. The groom should put a piece of iron in his pocket to ward off evil spirits.

And there you have it! Now you not only know how to say wedding in 10 different languages, but you also know some traditions that make weddings around the world unique! What other ways to say wedding are there? Leave us a comment and let us know!