godan verb (-u), transitive verb
celebrate; congratulate; observe a festival
The basic use: to celebrate a happy event, congratulate someone, or mark an occasion or festival. The thing celebrated is usually marked with を.
家族で母の誕生日を祝った。
We celebrated my mother's birthday as a family.
村では秋
In the village, they observe the harvest festival in autumn.
godan verb (-u), transitive verb
give a celebratory gift; drink in celebration; celebrate by doing something
Used when the celebration is expressed through an action such as giving a gift, making a toast, or drinking together. Often appears as 〜を祝って followed by the concrete action.
卒業を祝って、父が時計を贈ってくれた。
To celebrate my graduation, my father gave me a watch.
優勝を祝って、みんなでビールを飲んだ。
We drank beer together to celebrate the victory.
godan verb (-u), transitive verb
wish for good fortune; pray for happiness; toast someone's future
A more ceremonial or formula-like use: to express wishes for someone's future happiness, success, or good fortune, often in speeches or toasts. It overlaps with celebrating but focuses on the wished-for future.
新郎新婦の幸せを祝って、全員で乾杯した。
Everyone made a toast to the bride and groom's happiness.
卒業生の前途を祝って、先生が励ましの言葉を贈った。
The teacher offered words of encouragement, wishing the graduates well in their future.