What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of felicitaciones (congratulations), por (for/on), el (the), nuevo (new) and bebé (baby).
Which one should you use?
While felicitaciones por el nuevo bebé is a standard way to express this, you can also use ¡Enhorabuena por el nuevo bebé! as it is a very common and natural way to express congratulations in Spanish. For a more formal tone, you might use Enhorabuena por el nuevo integrante de la familia (Congratulations on the new addition to your family). For informal settings, you can say ¡Felicidades por el bebé! (Congratulations on the baby!), ¡Qué maravilla! ¡Ya tienes a tu chiquitín/chiquitina contigo! (How wonderful! You now have your little one with you!) or ¡Felicidades, papás! ¡Bienvenido/a al mundo, pequeñito/pequeñita! (Congratulations, parents! Welcome to the world, little one!).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word felicitaciones is a feminine plural noun, which is why it is used to express the sentiment of congratulations.
Did you know?
- While felicitaciones is common, speakers in Spain often prefer enhorabuena for milestones like a new baby. This word literally means 'good hour', suggesting the child was born at a lucky moment.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the arrival of a baby is celebrated with a baby shower, but traditionally, the baby's godparents are chosen and announced shortly after the birth.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to say Dios lo bendiga ('God bless him') or Dios la bendiga ('God bless her') immediately after congratulating parents on a new baby.
Examples in context
- ¡Felicitaciones por el nuevo bebé de la familia!Congratulations for the family's new baby!
- Mis más sinceras felicitaciones por el nuevo bebé.My most sincere congratulations for the new baby.
Example conversation
Daniel is visiting Sofia and her newborn baby.
- DanielHola Sofía, ¡felicitaciones por el nuevo bebé!Hi Sofia, congratulations on the new baby!
- SofíaMuchas gracias, Daniel. Es muy lindo.Thank you so much, Daniel. He is very cute.
- Daniel¿Cómo te sientes tú?How are you feeling?
- SofíaEstoy cansada, pero muy feliz.I am tired, but very happy.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
