félicitations
/fe.li.si.ta.sjɔ̃/feminine, plural
The French word for congratulations is félicitations.
félicitations is used to express approbation.
Meaning: expressing approbation (intj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is always used in its plural form when expressing congratulations. Because it is a feminine plural noun, you must use the feminine plural possessive adjective mes when saying "my congratulations" (e.g., mes félicitations). The phrase toutes mes félicitations is a very common, standard way to offer heartfelt congratulations.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /fe.li.si.ta.sjɔ̃/. It has 5 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the singular form félicitation, but the word must be plural in this context.
Did you know?
- In a professional French environment, saying félicitations to a superior can sometimes be seen as patronizing, as the word often implies a vertical hierarchy from a judge to a performer.
- To congratulate someone on a wedding or birth, French people often say tous mes vœux, which literally means 'all my wishes' rather than 'congratulations'.
- The root of félicitations comes from the Latin 'felix', meaning 'happy' or 'lucky', linking the act of congratulating someone to the concept of wishing them happiness.
Examples in context
- Félicitations à tous !Congratulations to all!This sentence shows how to direct congratulations to a group using félicitations.Tatoeba #1240486 by sacredceltic, translation #1240109 by al_ex_an_der
- Toutes nos félicitations !Congratulations!This sentence uses a formal way to say "All our congratulations!" with félicitations.Tatoeba #7360332 by Micsmithel, translation #1437 by CK
- Toutes mes félicitations !Congratulations.This sentence uses the common idiomatic phrase "all my congratulations" with félicitations.Tatoeba #7360335 by Micsmithel, translation #8462173 by shekitten
- Félicitations pour ta promotion! Tu as mérité cette reconnaissance.Congratulations on your promotion! You have deserved this recognition.
- Chapeau pour avoir obtenu ton diplôme! Toutes mes félicitations.Hats off for earning your degree! All my congratulations.
- Mes félicitations pour vos noces d'argent. Je vous souhaite encore de nombreuses années heureuses ensemble.My congratulations on your silver wedding anniversary. I wish you many more happy years together.
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are talking after Nathan's graduation.
- EmmaFélicitations pour ton diplôme, Nathan !Congratulations on your degree, Nathan!
- NathanMerci beaucoup, Emma !Thank you very much, Emma!
- EmmaTu as travaillé très dur.You worked very hard.
- NathanC'est vrai, je suis content.It's true, I am happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “congratulations” translations and entries félicitations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
