Inklingo
← Dictionary

enhorabuena

/en-oh-rah-BWEH-nah/

congratulations

A high quality illustration depicting two cheerful people giving each other a high-five, celebrating a success.

Use "enhorabuena" as an interjection, meaning 'congratulations!'

enhorabuena(interjection)

A1

congratulations

?

as a stand-alone expression

Also:

well done

?

praising an achievement

📝 In Action

¡Ganaste el premio mayor! ¡Enhorabuena!

A1

You won the grand prize! Congratulations!

¡Enhorabuena por tu boda! Les deseo lo mejor.

A2

Congratulations on your wedding! I wish you the best.

Terminaste el proyecto a tiempo, ¡enhorabuena!

A2

You finished the project on time, well done!

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • felicidades (congratulations (often used for birthdays))

💡 Grammar Points

Always Singular

Unlike the English plural 'congratulations,' 'enhorabuena' is a single, fixed word and does not need an 's' at the end.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the Article

Mistake: "Decir '¡La enhorabuena!' as a stand-alone expression."

Correction: Just say '¡Enhorabuena!' The word 'la' is only used when the word functions as a noun (see Definition 2).

⭐ Usage Tips

Versatile Use

This word can be used for any positive news, from professional achievements (promotions) to personal milestones (births, marriages).

A colorful storybook illustration showing three diverse individuals standing together, all clapping their hands and smiling, performing the act of congratulating someone.

Use "enhorabuena" as a noun, referring to the act of giving a congratulation.

enhorabuena(noun)

fB1

congratulation

?

the act of congratulating

Also:

praise

?

formal acknowledgment

📝 In Action

Le di la enhorabuena por su nuevo negocio.

B1

I gave him my congratulations on his new business.

Recibieron la enhorabuena del presidente de la compañía.

B2

They received the congratulations from the company president.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • felicitación (congratulation (noun))

Common Collocations

  • dar la enhorabuena – to congratulate (lit. to give the congratulation)
  • recibir la enhorabuena – to receive congratulations

Idioms & Expressions

  • estar en la enhorabuena – to be in luck or in a very opportune moment

💡 Grammar Points

Feminine Noun

When used with a verb, 'enhorabuena' acts as a feminine noun, meaning you must use the article 'la' before it: 'la enhorabuena'.

Preposition 'Por'

To state why someone is being congratulated, use the preposition 'por' (for): 'dar la enhorabuena por [la razón]'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: enhorabuena

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'enhorabuena' as a noun?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'enhorabuena' and 'felicidades'?

Both mean 'congratulations.' 'Enhorabuena' is slightly more formal or focused on achievements (like a promotion or a win). 'Felicidades' is often used specifically for celebrations like birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries, though it can be used generally as well. They are mostly interchangeable.