A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Congratulations" in Italian
The standard and most versatile way to offer congratulations in Italian for any achievement, from weddings to professional milestones.
Congratulazioni!
kon-gra-tu-la-tzyo-NEEneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this whenever someone shares good news like a promotion, a graduation, or an engagement. It works perfectly in both professional settings and among close friends.
Alternatives
- Auguri!Best for birthdays, anniversaries, or general well-wishes.
- Complimenti!Best for praising a specific skill or a job well done.
- Bravissimo!Best for celebrating a personal performance or success.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing with Auguri
Don't use 'Auguri' for a promotion; it is reserved for celebrations like birthdays or holidays.
Mispronouncing the 'z'
The 'z' in 'tzyo-NEE' is a sharp 'ts' sound, not a buzzing English 'z'.
A small cultural note
While 'Congratulazioni' is standard, Italians often use 'Auguri' much more broadly than English speakers use 'Congratulations,' even for weddings.
Frequently asked
Can I say congratulazioni for a birthday?
It is technically correct but sounds a bit stiff. Italians almost exclusively use 'Auguri' for birthdays.
How do I congratulate someone on their wedding?
You can say 'Congratulazioni' or the more traditional 'Auguri e figli maschi,' though the latter is considered a bit old-fashioned.
Is congratulazioni plural only?
Yes, the word is always used in the plural form in Italian. You will never hear a singular 'congratulazione' in this context.
How do you congratulate someone in Italian?
The most common way to say congratulations in Italian is 'Congratulazioni!'. You can also use 'Auguri!' which means best wishes.
How do you say 'best wishes' in Italian?
To say 'best wishes' in Italian, you can use 'Auguri!'. This phrase is versatile and can be used for many occasions.
What is another way to say congratulations in Italian?
Besides 'Congratulazioni!', you can use 'Complimenti!' which is also a very common way to offer congratulations.
How do you say in Italian 'I am so proud of you'?
You can say 'Sono così orgoglioso/a di te!' to express 'I am so proud of you' in Italian. Remember to use 'orgoglioso' if you are male and 'orgogliosa' if you are female.
