A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Congratulations" in Spanish
The go-to Spanish phrase for expressing congratulations on achievements and special occasions.
¡Felicitaciones!
feh-lee-tah-SYOH-nesneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when someone gets a new job, graduates, gets married, or achieves any significant personal milestone. It's also perfect for celebrating holidays like birthdays or anniversaries.
Alternatives
- ¡Enhorabuena!More common in Spain, but understood everywhere.
- ¡Felicidades!Slightly more common for birthdays and holidays.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing with 'felicidad'
'Felicidad' means happiness, not congratulations.
Pronouncing the 'c'
In most of Latin America, the 'c' in 'felicitaciones' sounds like an 's'.
A small cultural note
While '¡Felicitaciones!' is widely understood, the specific phrase used might vary slightly by region or occasion, with '¡Felicidades!' often favored for birthdays.
Frequently asked
how to say congratulations on a birthday in spanish
You can use '¡Felicitaciones!' or '¡Felicidades!' for birthdays. '¡Felicidades!' is often the preferred choice for birthdays.
is felicitaciones formal or informal
'¡Felicitaciones!' is a neutral term that works in most situations. It's not overly casual or strictly formal.
what is the difference between felicitaciones and enhorabuena
'¡Felicitaciones!' is more common in Latin America, while '¡Enhorabuena!' is more prevalent in Spain. Both mean congratulations.
How do you say congratulations in Spanish?
The most common way to say congratulations in Spanish is 'felicidades'. You can also use 'enhorabuena' which is slightly more formal.
How do you say congratulations and best wishes in Spanish?
To say congratulations and best wishes, you can combine 'felicidades' or 'enhorabuena' with 'mis mejores deseos' (my best wishes).
What is the proper way to say 'congratulations'?
The proper way to say congratulations in Spanish depends on the context. 'Felicidades' is widely understood, while 'enhorabuena' is often used for achievements or significant events.
How do Mexicans say 'very good'?
While not directly 'congratulations', Mexicans might say 'muy bien' for 'very good'. For congratulations, 'felicidades' is still the most common.
