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.
私たちは彼の誕生日を祝った。
We celebrated his birthday.
新年を祝うために花火を上げた。
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.
ご結婚をお祝いします。
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.
建国記念日を祝賀する式典が行われた。
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.
昨夜は友達と遅くまで騒いだ。
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 praise, extol, or honor someone's achievements or qualities. Often used in speeches or formal writing.
彼の勇気を称える声が多かった。
Many voices celebrated (praised) his courage.
A stronger form of 称える, meaning to praise highly or sing the praises of.
To mark a significant historical or personal event with respect, often in a somber or reflective manner.
To commemorate or observe an anniversary or event. Can be used for both joyful and solemn occasions.
終戦記念日を記念して黙祷を捧げた。
We observed a moment of silence to commemorate the end of the war.
Specifically means to mourn or pay tribute to the deceased. Used for memorial services.
多くの人が集まり、犠牲者を追悼した。
Many people gathered to mourn (celebrate the lives of) the victims.
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.
観客は彼女の演技を褒め称えた。
The audience celebrated (praised) her performance.