A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Congratulations" in French
The standard French way to say congratulations for achievements, events, and good news.
Félicitations !
fay-lee-see-tah-SYOHNneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when someone gets a promotion, passes an exam, gets married, or has a baby. It's a versatile phrase for any happy occasion.
Alternatives
- Bravo !More informal, often used for a specific, impressive action.
- Tous mes vœux de bonheur !Specifically for weddings or new beginnings, wishing happiness.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 't' in 'Félicitations'
The 't' is silent, so it sounds like 'Félicitations', not 'Félicitations'.
Nasal vowel sound
The 'on' at the end is a nasal sound, like the 'on' in 'song' but without fully closing your mouth.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When do French people say congratulations?
French people say 'Félicitations !' for major life events like graduations, engagements, weddings, births, and career advancements. It's a common way to share in someone's joy.
Is 'Félicitations' formal or informal?
It's generally neutral and can be used in most contexts. For very close friends, you might use 'Bravo !' for a specific achievement, but 'Félicitations' is always safe.
How to say congratulations for a birthday in French?
For birthdays, the standard phrase is 'Joyeux anniversaire !' or 'Bon anniversaire !'. 'Félicitations' is not typically used for birthdays.
How do you congratulate in French?
The most common way to say congratulations in French is 'Félicitations'. You can also use 'Bravo' in many situations.
Is bravo used for congratulations in French?
Yes, 'Bravo' is frequently used in French to express congratulations, especially for achievements or performances.
What is a good way to say congratulations?
A good general way to say congratulations is 'Félicitations'. For more specific or enthusiastic congratulations, you might add phrases like 'Toutes mes félicitations' (All my congratulations).
