Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| tebrikler | /tebɾicleɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| tebrik ederim | /tebɾic edeɾim/ (from spelling rules) |
You use these expressions to show approval. While tebrikler acts as a quick exclamation of congratulations, tebrik ederim is a more complete way to say "I congratulate you".
What does it mean word for word?
The word tebrikler is the plural form of tebrik, which means congratulation or compliment.
Which one should you use?
Tebrikler is a noun-based exclamation used similarly to the English word "congratulations". In contrast, tebrik ederim is a full sentence that literally means "I congratulate you".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Tebrikler is a polite way to offer congratulations. For more formal situations, use the phrase tebrik ederim, which translates to "I congratulate you". Another formal option is kutlarım. For informal settings where you want to express admiration, you might use the phrase helal olsun, which means "well done" or "bravo".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase tebrik ederim, tebrik serves as the object and ederim is the first-person singular present tense of the verb etmek (to do or make).
How do you pronounce it?
The IPA is /tebɾicleɾ/. The sounds are as follows: the /b/ is like the [b] in English "about", the /ɾ/ is like the [t] in American English "atom", the /i/ is like the [ee] in "creek" and the /c/ is like the [k] in "skew".
Did you know?
- In many Turkish contexts, instead of just saying 'congratulations', people use the phrase Gözünüz aydın, which literally means 'may your eyes be bright'.
- In traditional Turkish culture, offering tebrikler for a wedding is often accompanied by the phrase bir yastıkta kocayın, which literally wishes the couple to grow old on one pillow.
- The root of tebrik comes from Arabic, where it is related to the concept of 'blessing' or 'making someone blessed'.
Examples in context
- Her ikinize de tebrikler.Congratulations to you both.This sentence is useful for offering congratulations to two people.Tatoeba #4565113 by duran, translation #2643770 by CK
- Yeni işin için tebrikler.Congratulations on your new job.This sentence shows how to congratulate someone on a new job.Tatoeba #5258990 by deyta, translation #3264747 by CK
- Büyük zaferin için tebrikler.Congratulations on your big victory.This sentence demonstrates congratulating someone on a victory.Tatoeba #4211284 by duran, translation #3314980 by CK
- Kutlarım sizi, mezuniyetiniz dolayısıyla.Congratulations on your graduation.
- Tebrikler, sürücü ehliyetini aldığın için!Congratulations on getting your driver's license!
- Helal olsun, güzel bir sunum yaptın!Well done, you made a great presentation!
- İyi iş çıkardın, sınavı geçtin!You did a good job, you passed the exam!
- Harika! Bebeğinizi kucağınıza aldığınız için tebrikler!Great! Congratulations on having your baby in your arms!
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mehmet greets Merve after she receives an award.
- MehmetMerve, ödülün için tebrikler!Merve, congratulations on your award!
- MerveÇok teşekkür ederim, Mehmet.Thank you very much, Mehmet.
- MehmetGerçekten çok başarılı oldun.You were truly very successful.
- MerveSenin desteğin benim için çok değerli.Your support is very precious to me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “congratulations” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tebrik, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
