Translation guide
In Japanese, congratulations are expressed with set phrases that vary by formality and context. The most common word is おめでとう (omedetou), but it changes based on politeness level and the situation. This guide covers how to naturally congratulate someone in Japanese.
おめでとう！
Congratulations! (casual)
おめでとうございます！
Congratulations! (polite)
Expressing congratulations in everyday situations, such as achievements, birthdays, or good news.
Casual and friendly way to say 'congratulations'. Used among friends, family, or close colleagues.
Polite form of 'congratulations'. Use with superiors, strangers, or in formal settings.
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.
Very casual, shortened form. Used in extremely informal speech or text messages.
おめでとー！
Congrats!
Expressing congratulations in formal speeches, letters, or announcements.
Very formal expression meaning 'I offer my congratulations'. Used in speeches or formal letters.
ご卒業、心よりお祝い申し上げます。
I sincerely congratulate you on your graduation.
Archaic or highly formal written expression. Rarely used in modern conversation.
ご昇進の由、おめでたく存じます。
I hear of your promotion and offer my congratulations.
Using set phrases for common celebratory events.
Standard New Year's greeting. The casual form is 明けましておめでとう.
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.
Polite 'Happy Birthday'. The casual form is お誕生日おめでとう or simply 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 wedding congratulation. The casual form is 結婚おめでとう.
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.
How to reply when someone congratulates you.
Polite 'thank you'. The most common response to congratulations.
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.
Humble expression used when receiving praise or congratulations, especially in business settings.
お祝いのお言葉、恐れ入ります。
I am humbled by your kind congratulations.
In English, 'congratulations' can be used for minor achievements, but in Japanese, おめでとう is reserved for significant events. For small accomplishments, a simple すごい (sugoi, 'amazing') or よくやった (yoku yatta, 'well done') is more natural.
テストで満点取ったんだ。すごいね！
You got a perfect score on the test. That's amazing!
おめでとう (congratulations) is for achievements and happy events. お疲れ様 (otsukaresama) is for acknowledging effort or hard work, often used when someone finishes a task or leaves work. Don't use おめでとう when someone simply finishes a routine job.
プレゼン成功したんだって？おめでとう！
I heard your presentation was a success. Congratulations!
今日も一日お疲れ様でした。
Thank you for your hard work today.