Translation guide
The English verb 'celebrate' covers a range of joyful activities, from formal ceremonies to casual enjoyment. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what is being celebrated and the nature of the event.
To observe or honor a special day or event with festivities, rituals, or gatherings.
The most common and general verb for celebrating an occasion. Can be used for birthdays, weddings, holidays, and personal achievements.
We celebrated his birthday.
We set off fireworks to celebrate the new year.
Polite noun-verb form of 祝う, often used in formal or respectful contexts. Can also refer to giving a gift or holding a celebration.
Congratulations on your marriage. (lit. I celebrate your marriage.)
Formal term for celebration, often used for public or official events like national holidays or company milestones.
A ceremony was held to celebrate National Foundation Day.
To have a good time, often with food, drink, and socializing, not necessarily tied to a specific occasion.
Means to make noise, have a wild time, or party. Often used for casual, boisterous celebrations.
Can also mean 'to make a fuss' or 'to panic', so context is important.
Last night I partied with friends until late.
Literally 'drink till dawn', implies celebrating by drinking all night.
To be in high spirits, merry, or carried away with joy. Often used for a lighthearted, festive mood.
To express admiration and approval for a person, achievement, or work, often in a formal or public way.
To mark a significant historical or personal event with respect, often in a somber or reflective manner.
祝う is for joyful celebrations (birthdays, weddings), while 記念する is for marking an occasion, which can be either happy or solemn (anniversaries, memorials). 記念する often implies a formal or public commemoration.
If you mean 'let's go out and celebrate (party)', 祝う can sound too formal. Instead, use 騒ぐ, 飲みに行く (go for drinks), or パーティーする depending on the context.
合格を祝って一晩中飲み明かした。
We celebrated passing the exam by drinking all night.
彼は昇進の知らせにすっかり浮かれている。
He's totally elated (celebrating) the news of his promotion.
The audience celebrated (praised) her performance.
Many people gathered to mourn (celebrate the lives of) the victims.