What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Parabéns (congratulations), pelo (for the/by the), seu (your) and casamento (wedding).
Which one should you use?
A very common, shorter alternative to express well-wishes to a newly married couple is simply saying Felicidades!
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Parabéns pelo seu casamento is a formal/neutral way to offer congratulations. In very informal Brazilian Portuguese, one might use teu instead of seu. Parabéns pelo casório! is an informal way to say Congratulations on your wedding!
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the informal expression Parabéns pelo casório! is common, as is the expression Desejo muitas felicidades ao casal! In Portugal, the formal expression Os meus parabéns pelo matrimónio! is common, as is Desejo felicidades ao casal!
How does it change in a sentence?
In Portuguese, the preposition por (contracted here as pelo) is used to express the reason for the congratulations, whereas English uses "on".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /pa.ɾaˈbẽj̃s pe.lu sew ka.zaˈmẽ.tu/. The word has 7 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word parabéns is used for weddings, but it is also the standard word used to say 'Happy Birthday' in Portuguese.
- The word parabéns is a plural form of parabém, which combines the preposition para and the word bem to literally wish 'toward the good'.
- In Brazil, the informal term casório is used for weddings, but it can sometimes imply a more simple or rustic ceremony compared to the formal casamento.
Examples in context
- Quero dar os parabéns pelo seu casamento.I want to congratulate you on your wedding.
- Muitos parabéns pelo seu casamento, meus amigos.Many congratulations on your wedding, my friends.
Example conversation
Mariana visits Felipe at his house after his wedding ceremony.
- MarianaOi, Felipe! Parabéns pelo seu casamento!Hi, Felipe! Congratulations on your wedding!
- FelipeMuito obrigado, Mariana! Você é muito gentil.Thank you very much, Mariana! You are very kind.
- MarianaA festa foi linda e você estava radiante.The party was beautiful and you were radiant.
- FelipeObrigado pelo carinho, eu estou muito feliz.Thank you for the affection, I am very happy.
