Parabéns!
everyday, Brazil
In Brazil "congratulations" is Parabéns! It is always used in the plural form. It is also called Felicitações! and Meus parabéns!
Meaning: expression of praise for an achievement (interjection)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Parabéns! | everyday, Brazil |
| Felicitações! | formal |
| Meus parabéns! | warm |
You say Parabéns! for birthdays, graduations, new jobs and weddings. To name the reason, add pelo or pela, as in Parabéns pela formatura!
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Felicitações sounds more formal and appears often in written cards.
When do people say it?
At a birthday, Brazilians sing Parabéns pra você and clap along to the song.
Did you know?
- Parabéns comes from the old phrase para bens, meaning "for good things".
Examples in context
- Parabéns pela formatura!Congratulations on your graduation!
- Meus parabéns!My congratulations!
- Parabéns pelo novo emprego.Congratulations on the new job.
Example conversation
Lia hears that her friend Tiago passed an exam in Vitória.
- LiaTiago, parabéns!Tiago, congratulations!
- TiagoObrigado! Estudei muito.Thank you! I studied a lot.
- LiaVocê merece.You deserve it.
