Ways to say it
| Serbian | Note |
|---|---|
| честитке | Cyrillic |
| čestitke | Latin |
The word is used to express approbation. While честитке is the noun form for 'congratulations', speakers frequently use the verb form честитам! as a direct exclamation to say 'Congratulations!' In many celebratory contexts where an English speaker might say 'congratulations', Serbians often use the warm sentiment Све најбоље!, which means 'All the best!'
Which one should you use?
The forms честитке (Cyrillic) and čestitke (Latin) are the same word, differing only in the script used. For direct exclamations, the verb честитам! is a common way to express the sentiment of 'Congratulations!'
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the verb честитам to congratulate someone, you typically follow it with the dative form of the pronoun, such as честитам ти (I congratulate you).
Did you know?
- While честитке means 'congratulations' in a celebratory sense, the word is also the standard term for 'greeting cards' sent during holidays.
- The root of честитке is linked to the concept of being 'honorable' or 'blessed', suggesting that the person is receiving something of high value.
- Serbians have a specific way of 'congratulating' someone who has just recovered from an illness by using phrases centered on 'health' rather than 'success'.
Examples in context
- Čestitam na novoj poziciji u kompaniji! Želim Vam mnogo uspeha!Congratulations on your new position in the company! I wish you much success!
- Srdačne čestitke povodom vašeg venčanja! Živeli!Warm congratulations on your wedding! Cheers!
- Bravo za odličan rezultat na ispitu!Congratulations on the great exam result!
- Svaka čast na pobedi u konkurenciji!Well done on your victory in the competition!
- Примите моје најискреније честитке.Please accept my most sincere congratulations.
Example conversation
Ana and Nikola are celebrating Nikola's promotion at work.
- AnaНикола, велике честитке за унапређење!Nikola, big congratulations on the promotion!
- NikolaХвала пуно, Ана!Thank you so much, Ana!
- AnaЗаслужио си то потпуно.You completely deserved it.
- NikolaВеома сам срећан.I am very happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “congratulations” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
