Inklingo

felicitación

feh-lee-see-tah-SYOHNfeliθitaˈθjon

felicitación means congratulations in Spanish (the act of praising someone for an achievement).

congratulations, greeting card

Also: praise, compliment
NounfA2
Spain
A group of happy friends clapping and cheering for a person wearing a gold medal.

📝 In Action

He recibido una felicitación de Navidad muy bonita.

A1

I received a very beautiful Christmas card.

¡Muchas felicitaciones por tu ascenso!

A2

Many congratulations on your promotion!

La empresa envió una felicitación a todos los empleados.

B1

The company sent a message of praise to all the employees.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • enhorabuena (congratulations (usually for success))
  • parabién (congratulation (formal))

Antonyms

  • insulto (insult)
  • crítica (criticism)

Common Collocations

  • tarjeta de felicitacióngreeting card
  • dar la felicitaciónto offer congratulations
  • mensaje de felicitacióncongratulatory message

Idioms & Expressions

  • quedarse con la felicitación en la bocato be unable to say something nice because the moment passed or was interrupted

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: felicitación

Question 1 of 3

What is the most natural way to say 'Congratulations!' to a friend?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
canciónemocióncorazón
📚 Etymology

From the Latin 'felicitatio', which comes from 'felix', meaning happy or lucky.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: felicitationFrench: félicitationItalian: felicitazione

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'felicitación' the same as 'enhorabuena'?

They are very close! 'Enhorabuena' is usually used for a specific success or achievement (like winning a race), while 'felicitación' is more general and can also mean a holiday greeting card.

Can I use 'felicitación' for someone's birthday?

Yes, you can send a 'felicitación de cumpleaños' (birthday greeting/card), but when you see them, it's more common to shout '¡Felicidades!' or '¡Feliz cumpleaños!'

How do I say 'congratulations' in a formal email?

You can use 'Le envío mis más sinceras felicitaciones' (I send you my most sincere congratulations).