gratulacje
/ɡra.tuˈla.t͡sjɛ/
The Polish word for congratulations is gratulacje.
gratulacje is used to express approbation. It is commonly used as a standalone exclamation to celebrate someone's achievement. For a more personal sentiment, you may use the verb form gratuluję, which means "I congratulate (you)".
Meaning: expressing approbation (intj)
Which one should you use?
While gratulacje is the noun form, the verb gratuluję is often used to express the same sentiment more personally. For exclamations, you can also use Brawo.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ɡra.tuˈla.tsjɛ/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Poland, it is considered a superstition or a 'jinx' to say gratulacje before an event has actually happened, such as before a graduation or a wedding.
- While gratulacje is for achievements, Poles use the phrase sto lat (one hundred years) to express congratulations and well-wishes during birthdays and anniversaries.
- When saying gratulacje at a wedding, it is common to accompany the words with a physical gesture of kissing the hand of the bride or groom in traditional settings.
Examples in context
- Wszystkim tutaj należą się gratulacje.Everyone here deserves congratulations.This sentence shows how the word is used when someone deserves praise.Tatoeba #12832195 by Rudzielec, translation #12635205 by rul
- Słyszałem, że zdałeś egzaminy wstępne. Gratulacje!I hear you passed the entrance exam. Congratulations!This sentence demonstrates using gratulacje as an exclamation after hearing good news.Tatoeba #766209 by zipangu, translation #281927 by CK
- Gratulacje, Tom.Congratulations, Tom.This sentence shows a simple direct address using gratulacje.Tatoeba #12360256 by arie, translation #11851740 by CK
- Serdeczne gratulacje z okazji awansu!Heartfelt congratulations on your promotion!
- Brawo! Wygrałeś konkurs!Well done! You won the competition!
- Składam serdeczne gratulacje z okazji urodzenia dziecka!I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the birth of your child!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Paweł are talking about Paweł's new job.
- AgnieszkaSłyszałam, że dostałeś tę pracę. Gratulacje!I heard you got the job. Congratulations!
- PawełDziękuję bardzo, Agnieszko.Thank you very much, Agnieszka.
- AgnieszkaZasłużyłeś na to, naprawdę.You really deserved it.
- PawełJestem bardzo szczęśliwy.I am very happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “congratulations” translations and entries gratulacje, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
