Congratulations are a great way to express joy and admiration when someone achieves something special. When it comes to saying “congratulations” in Japanese, there are both formal and informal ways to convey your sentiments. Regional variations exist within Japan, but they are not as common, so we’ll focus on the standard usage. In this guide, you’ll find tips, examples, and variations of how to say congratulations in Japanese. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say Congratulations
When addressing someone older or in a professional setting, it’s appropriate to use formal expressions of congratulations. These phrases convey respect and politeness. Here are some commonly used formal expressions:
- Omedetou gozaimasu – This is the most common and versatile way to say congratulations in Japanese. It can be used for various occasions.
- Omedetou – A slightly less formal version of “Omedetou gozaimasu.”
- Gokurousama desu – Used to congratulate someone specifically for their hard work and effort.
- Mattaku sugei desu ne – This phrase expresses heartfelt admiration for someone’s remarkable achievement.
Informal Ways to Say Congratulations
When you want to show your enthusiasm or express congratulations to friends, family, or peers, you can use more casual expressions. Informal phrases often reflect a closer relationship and a relaxed tone. Here are some examples:
- Omedetou – This is the most common informal way to say congratulations. It’s a shortened version of the formal expression.
- Omedetou gozaimasu – While it is formal, it can also be used casually among friends or when expressing heartfelt congratulations.
- Iiwake nai – This phrase expresses admiration for someone’s success without any hint of jealousy. It’s often used among close friends.
- Suteki da yo – Used to express excitement and admiration for someone’s achievement. It carries a positive and enthusiastic tone.
Regional Variations
Regional dialects and variations exist within Japan, resulting in some differences in the way congratulations are expressed. Here are a couple of examples:
Kennai (in Kansai dialect) – This is the Kansai region’s local expression for congratulations. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Medetashi (in Hiroshima dialect) – Hiroshima locals use this term to express congratulations with a unique regional flavor. However, using standard Japanese expressions is generally more widely understood.
Tips for Using Congratulations Phrases
1. Tone and Context – When deciding between the formal and informal expressions, consider the tone and context of the situation. If in doubt, it’s safer to lean towards formality, especially when addressing someone older or in a professional setting.
2. Add Emotion – To show sincerity and warmth, you can add certain words to your congratulations. For example, adding “hontou ni” (meaning “truly”) before the word “omedetou” emphasizes your genuine congratulations.
3. Body Language – Hand gestures like clapping or a thumbs up, along with a smile, can accompany your spoken congratulations. This non-verbal communication enhances your message of congratulations.
Examples of Congratulations in Japanese
Here are some examples combining formal and informal expressions:
Formal:
- Omedetou gozaimasu! Kinou no eikou ni daidoubutsu shita na.
- Gokurousama desu! Soko made shinjiru koto ga dekite, hontou ni subarashii desu.
Informal:
- Omedetou! Eigo no tesuto de saikou no tensuu wo toru nante, sugoi yo.
- Iiwake nai! Hanashi kikitai kara, watashi datte nepi ni narimashou ka!
Congratulations are sure to brighten someone’s day, no matter the occasion. With this guide, you now have a range of formal and informal ways to express your joy and admiration in Japanese. Remember to consider the context, use appropriate phrases, and add warmth to your congratulations. So go ahead, practice these phrases, and make someone’s special moment even more memorable!
