When it comes to celebrating weddings, expressing your congratulations in the couple’s native language adds a special touch of warmth and respect. If you’re attending a Japanese wedding or simply want to extend your best wishes to a newlywed Japanese couple, knowing how to say congratulations in Japanese is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore formal and informal ways to express congratulations in Japanese, along with some helpful tips and examples. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say Congratulations in Japanese Wedding
When addressing someone formally in Japanese, it’s crucial to use the appropriate honorific language and polite expressions. Here are a few phrases you can use to convey your congratulations respectfully:
おめでとうございます。 (Omedetō gozaimasu.)
おめでとうございます is the most common and formal way to say congratulations in Japanese weddings. It is suitable for any situation, conveying a sense of sincerity and respect.
Additionally, you can add specific phrases to make your message more personalized:
- ご結婚おめでとうございます。 (Gokon omedetō gozaimasu.) – Congratulations on your marriage.
- 末永くお幸せに。 (Sue nagaku o-shiawase ni.) – Wishing you a lifetime of happiness.
- お二人の新しい一歩を祝福します。 (O-futari no atarashii ippo o shukufuku shimasu.) – We celebrate your new journey together.
- ご結婚おめでとうございます。末永くお幸せに、お二人の新しい一歩を祝福します。 (Gokon omedetō gozaimasu. Sue nagaku o-shiawase ni, o-futari no atarashii ippo o shukufuku shimasu.) – Congratulations on your marriage. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness and celebrating your new journey together.
Remember, using appropriate honorific language and respectful expressions showcases your understanding of Japanese culture and etiquette, making your congratulations more meaningful.
Informal Ways to Say Congratulations in Japanese Wedding
If you are close to the couple or want to express your congratulations in a more casual setting, you can use informal phrases. Informal speech drops the honorific language and provides a friendly tone:
おめでとう！ (Omedetō!)
This is a friendly and common way to say congratulations in Japanese weddings among close friends or family members.
- 結婚おめでとう！ (Kekkon omedetō!) – Congratulations on your marriage!
- 幸せな結婚生活を送ってください。 (Shiawase na kekkon seikatsu o okutte kudasai.) – May you have a blissful married life.
- これからも仲良くね。 (Kore kara mo nakayoku ne.) – Stay happy together.
- 結婚おめでとう！幸せな結婚生活を送ってください。これからも仲良くね。 (Kekkon omedetō! Shiawase na kekkon seikatsu o okutte kudasai. Kore kara mo nakayoku ne.) – Congratulations on your marriage! May you have a blissful married life and stay happy together.
Using informal language depends on your relationship with the couple and the level of familiarity you share. Make sure to adapt your speech accordingly to maintain appropriate respect and warmth.
Extra Tips for Saying Congratulations in Japanese Wedding
Here are some additional tips to make your congratulations in a Japanese wedding even more meaningful:
- Practice pronunciation: Take time to practice the correct pronunciation of the Japanese phrases. Ask a native speaker or watch pronunciation videos online to ensure your congratulations are clear and accurate.
- Use the couple’s name: Including the couple’s name in your message shows personalization and thoughtfulness. Address both the bride and groom if possible.
- Include symbolic gestures: If you’re attending the wedding in person, incorporating symbolic gifts or gestures, such as a heartfelt card or a small traditional Japanese gift, can further enhance your congratulations.
- Express gratitude: Extend your gratitude to the couple for inviting you and allowing you to be part of their special day.
Remember, whether you choose formal or informal language, the most important aspect is conveying your genuine happiness and joy for the couple.
Conclusion
Congratulating a couple on their wedding day is a beautiful gesture that brings joy and happiness. Now that you have a comprehensive guide on how to say congratulations in a Japanese wedding, you can confidently extend your warm wishes to a newlywed Japanese couple. Remember to use appropriate honorific language and respectful expressions when addressing someone formally, while adapting your language to be more casual and friendly for closer relationships. By incorporating these tips and sincerely expressing your joy, your congratulations will undoubtedly make the couple’s day even more special.
