Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing congratulations depends heavily on the situation, relationship, and formality. The most common word is おめでとう (omedetou), but it changes form based on politeness. For formal occasions like weddings or business achievements, set phrases like おめでとうございます are standard. In casual settings, shortened forms are used. There are also specific expressions for different milestones.
Expressing congratulations in everyday situations, from casual to polite.
The standard casual way to say 'congratulations'. Used among friends, family, or in informal settings.
The polite form of 'congratulations'. Use with superiors, acquaintances, 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.
A very casual, shortened form of おめでとう. Common in quick, informal speech or text messages.
おめでと！
Congrats!
Expressing congratulations in very formal contexts, such as ceremonies, speeches, or formal letters.
A very formal and respectful expression of congratulations. Often used in speeches or formal written messages.
このたびのご栄転、心よりお祝い申し上げます。
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your recent promotion.
An even more formal and somewhat old-fashioned expression. Rarely used in modern conversation, but may appear in very formal letters.
ご長寿の由、まことにおめでたく存じます。
I am truly delighted to hear of your longevity.
Using set phrases for common celebratory events.
Standard New Year's greeting, meaning 'Happy New Year'. Used from January 1st onwards.
あけましておめでとうございます。今年もよろしくお願いします。
Happy New Year. I look forward to your continued friendship this year.
Polite 'Happy Birthday'. The casual form is 誕生日おめでとう.
お誕生日おめでとうございます。素敵な一年になりますように。
Happy birthday. I hope you have a wonderful year.
Standard congratulation for a wedding. The prefix ご adds politeness.
ご結婚おめでとうございます。お二人の幸せを心から願っています。
Congratulations on your marriage. I sincerely wish you both happiness.
Used to congratulate someone on graduation. Can be made polite by adding ございます.
卒業おめでとう！これからの活躍を期待してるよ。
Congratulations on graduating! I'm looking forward to seeing what you do next.
How to respond when someone congratulates you.
The standard polite response to congratulations, meaning 'Thank you very much'.
A: おめでとうございます！ B: ありがとうございます。
A: Congratulations! B: Thank you very much.
Casual 'thanks' in response to congratulations.
A: おめでとう！ B: ありがとう！
A: Congrats! B: Thanks!
A very humble and formal response, expressing that you feel undeserving of the congratulations. Often used in business settings.
A: ご昇進おめでとうございます。 B: 恐れ入ります。
A: Congratulations on your promotion. B: I am much obliged (humble).
おめでとう is only for happy occasions. Never use it for funerals or sad events. For condolences, use expressions like ご愁傷様です (ごしゅうしょうさまです).
In most cases, adding ございます to おめでとう makes it polite. However, in very casual speech, it can sound stiff. Use the plain form with close friends and family.
おめでとう is the standard exclamation. お祝い (おいわい) is a noun meaning 'celebration' or 'congratulatory gift'. You can say お祝いを言う (to offer congratulations) or お祝いを贈る (to send a congratulatory gift).
お祝いの言葉をありがとうございます。
Thank you for your congratulatory words.
新しいお仕事おめでとうございます！
Congratulations on your new job!
賞を取ったんだってね。おめでとう！
I heard you won the award. Congrats!