Translation guide
In Japanese, congratulating someone depends on the situation and relationship. The most common expression is おめでとう (omedetou), but it changes with formality. For achievements, おめでとうございます is standard. In formal speeches or letters, set phrases like お祝い申し上げます are used. Be careful: おめでとう is not used for condolences or before an event happens.
おめでとう！
Congratulations! (casual)
おめでとうございます。
Congratulations! (polite)
Expressing congratulations in everyday situations, from casual to polite.
Casual way to say 'congratulations'. Used among friends, family, or in informal settings.
Polite form of おめでとう. Use with superiors, strangers, or in formal situations.
ご結婚おめでとうございます。
Congratulations on your marriage.
昇進おめでとうございます。
Congratulations on your promotion.
Expressing congratulations in very formal contexts such as speeches, formal letters, or ceremonies.
Very formal expression meaning 'I offer my congratulations'. Used in speeches or formal letters.
このたびのご栄転、心よりお祝い申し上げます。
I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations on your recent promotion.
Another very formal congratulatory phrase, similar to お祝い申し上げます.
ご長寿を迎えられ、お喜び申し上げます。
Congratulations on reaching such a venerable age.
Expressing congratulations for a particular accomplishment or happy event.
Attach the event or achievement before おめでとう. Use おめでとう for casual, おめでとうございます for polite.
卒業おめでとう。
Congratulations on graduating.
新しいお仕事おめでとうございます。
Congratulations on your new job.
Casual way to express happiness for someone's good news. Implies 'I'm glad for you' and can serve as a light congratulation.
試験に受かったんだって？よかったね！
I heard you passed the exam? That's great!
Expressing congratulations in written form, from casual to formal.
Used in casual written messages like texts or social media comments.
結婚おめでとう！末永くお幸せに。
Congratulations on your marriage! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness.
How to respond when someone congratulates you.
Standard polite response to congratulations, meaning 'thank you'.
A: 合格おめでとう！ B: ありがとうございます。
A: Congratulations on passing! B: Thank you.
Casual 'thanks' in response to congratulations among friends.
A: 誕生日おめでとう！ B: ありがとう！
A: Happy birthday! B: Thanks!
おめでとう is only for happy occasions. For condolences, use expressions like お悔やみ申し上げます (おくやみもうしあげます) for funerals or お大事に (おだいじに) for illness.
お悔やみ申し上げます。
My condolences.
In Japanese culture, it's considered bad luck to congratulate someone before an event has successfully occurred. For example, don't say おめでとう before an exam or a wedding; instead, say 頑張って (がんばって) for encouragement.
Polite written form, suitable for emails or cards to acquaintances or superiors.
ご出産おめでとうございます。母子ともに健康でありますように。
Congratulations on the birth of your child. Wishing health to both mother and baby.