Translation guide
In Japanese, congratulations are expressed with set phrases that vary by formality and context. The most common is おめでとう (omedetou), with polite and formal versions used in different situations.
Expressing congratulations in everyday situations, such as birthdays, achievements, or good news.
The standard casual way to say 'congratulations.' Used among friends, family, and close acquaintances.
The polite form of 'congratulations.' Used in formal situations, with superiors, or when showing respect.
ご結婚おめでとうございます。
Congratulations on your marriage.
ご出産おめでとうございます。
Congratulations on the birth of your child.
A casual, somewhat old-fashioned or dialectal variant of 'congratulations.' Often used in Kansai region or by older speakers.
おめでとうさん、よかったな。
Congrats, that's great.
Expressing congratulations in formal writing, such as letters, emails, or speeches.
A very formal expression meaning 'I offer my congratulations.' Used in formal letters or speeches.
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 formal congratulatory phrase, similar to お祝い申し上げます, often used in formal correspondence.
ご長寿を心よりお喜び申し上げます。
I extend my sincere congratulations on your longevity.
Expressing congratulations tailored to specific events like New Year, weddings, or births.
Standard New Year's greeting meaning 'Happy New Year.' Used after the new year has begun.
明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.
Casual way to say 'congratulations on your wedding.' The polite form is ご結婚おめでとうございます.
結婚おめでとう！幸せになってね。
Congratulations on your wedding! Be happy.
Polite congratulations on the birth of a child.
ご出産おめでとうございます。元気な赤ちゃんですね。
Congratulations on the birth of your baby. What a healthy baby.
In Japanese, おめでとう is reserved for significant achievements or life events. For small daily accomplishments, a simple すごい (sugoi, 'great') or よかったね (yokatta ne, 'that's good') is more natural.
テストで満点取ったんだ。すごい！
You got a perfect score on the test. That's amazing!
おめでとう is an exclamation used directly to congratulate someone. お祝い (oiwai) is a noun meaning 'celebration' or 'congratulatory gift.' You cannot simply say お祝い！ as a standalone congratulation.
お祝いの言葉をありがとうございます。
Thank you for your congratulatory words.