parabéns
/pa.ɾaˈbẽj̃s/masculine, plural
Congratulations in Portuguese is parabéns.
parabéns is used to express approbation or to congratulate someone. It is also the standard way to say "happy birthday" in Portuguese.
Meaning: expressing approbation (intj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazilian Portuguese, the informal phrase Tá de parabéns is used to say "You deserve congratulations."
How does it change in a sentence?
When specifying the reason for the congratulations, use pelo for masculine nouns or pela for feminine nouns instead of the English word "on". To say "congratulations to [someone]", use the preposition a before the person.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable. The IPA is /pa.ɾaˈbẽj̃s/.
Did you know?
- The phrase tá de parabéns can be used sarcastically in Brazil to tell someone they have done something remarkably stupid or wrong.
- The term parabéns comes from the combination of para and bem, effectively wishing 'good things' upon the recipient.
- In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, saying parabéns is often accompanied by a specific rhythmic clap or a specific melody during birthday celebrations.
Examples in context
- Parabéns a vocês também.Congratulations to you too.Tatoeba #8162284 by carlosalberto, translation #8160935 by magnificentgoddess
- Parabéns pelo seu diploma.Congratulations on your diploma.Tatoeba #8591864 by arademaker, translation #2897100 by megamanenm
- Parabéns! Você é um palhaço.Congratulations! You're a clown.Tatoeba #11053627 by omniglotman, translation #2942451 by astyng
- Desejo-lhe muitos parabéns pela sua recente promoção!I wish you many congratulations on your recent promotion!
- Enviamos nossas felicitações ao casal pelo nascimento do bebê.We send our congratulations to the couple on the birth of their baby.
- Meus parabéns por essa conquista incrível!My congratulations on this incredible achievement!
- Parabéns pela tua nova casa!Congratulations on your new house!
- Felicidades pelo teu casamento!Congratulations on your wedding!
- Muitos parabéns pela vitória na competição de dança!Many congratulations on your victory in the dance competition!
- Parabéns pela festa até altas horas!Congratulations on the late-night party!
- Arrasou na apresentação! Tá de parabéns!You nailed the presentation! Congratulations!
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Felipe are celebrating his promotion at a cafe.
- CamilaParabéns pela nova promoção, Felipe!Congratulations on your new promotion, Felipe!
- FelipeMuito obrigado, Camila!Thank you very much, Camila!
- CamilaVocê merece muito esse sucesso.You really deserve this success.
- FelipeEu estou muito feliz.I am very happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “congratulations” translations and entries parabéns, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries parabéns, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
