Congratulations
in Spanish¡Felicidades!
/feh-lee-see-DAH-dehs/
This is the most common and all-purpose way to say 'congratulations'. It's perfect for personal life events like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, pregnancies, or holidays.
Whether for a birthday, a new job, or a wedding, '¡Felicidades!' is the perfect way to share in someone's joy.
💬Other Ways to Say It
¡Felicitaciones!
/feh-lee-see-tah-SYOH-nehs/
Very similar to 'Felicidades', but often used for achievements earned through work or effort, like a promotion, a graduation, or winning an award. In some regions, like Argentina, it's used almost interchangeably with 'Felicidades'.
¡Enhorabuena!
/eh-noh-rah-BWEH-nah/
This is the preferred term in Spain for achievements and accomplishments. It literally means 'in a good hour' and is used to recognize success that results from hard work. While understood in Latin America, it can sound a bit formal or old-fashioned.
¡Te felicito! / ¡Le felicito!
/teh feh-lee-SEE-toh / leh feh-lee-SEE-toh/
This is a more personal and direct way of saying 'I congratulate you'. 'Te felicito' is informal (for friends, family), while 'Le felicito' is formal (for a boss, elder). It highlights that *you* are the one offering the congratulations.
¡Bien hecho!
/byehn EH-choh/
This translates directly to 'Well done!'. It's less of a general 'congratulations' and more of a specific praise for a task completed successfully. It's encouraging and positive.
¡Bravo!
/BRAH-voh/
Just like in English, 'Bravo!' is used to applaud a performance or a great feat. It expresses admiration for a skillful act.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best way to say 'congratulations' based on the situation.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¡Felicidades! | Neutral | Personal life events like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and holidays. | It's never really wrong, but other options can be more specific for achievements. |
| ¡Felicitaciones! | Neutral | Accomplishments earned through effort, like graduating, winning a prize, or getting a promotion. | Congratulating someone on their birthday (use 'Felicidades' instead). |
| ¡Enhorabuena! | Neutral | Achievements and major life milestones, especially in Spain. | In casual conversation in Latin America, where it can sound a bit formal or old-fashioned. |
| ¡Bien hecho! | Informal | Praising a specific, well-done task, like a great presentation or a good test score. | For major life events like a wedding; it's too specific and informal. |
📈Difficulty Level
Fairly easy. The main challenge is the soft 'd' sound in 'Felicidades', which is more like the 'th' in 'the'.
No grammar to worry about. These are standalone interjections, so you just need to memorize the words themselves.
The main difficulty is choosing the right word for the context (Felicidades vs. Felicitaciones vs. Enhorabuena) and region (Spain vs. Latin America).
Key Challenges:
- Remembering the subtle difference between 'Felicidades' and 'Felicitaciones'.
- Knowing to use 'Enhorabuena' primarily in Spain.
💡Examples in Action
¡Felicidades por su boda! Les deseo todo lo mejor.
Congratulations on your wedding! I wish you all the best.
Me dijeron que te ascendieron. ¡Enhorabuena, te lo mereces!
I was told you got promoted. Congratulations, you deserve it!
¡Felicitaciones, campeones! ¡Jugaron un partido increíble!
Congratulations, champions! You played an incredible game!
Papá, ¡mira mis notas! — ¡Excelente, hijo! ¡Bien hecho!
Dad, look at my grades! — Excellent, son! Well done!
Señor director, le felicito por el éxito del proyecto.
Director, I congratulate you on the project's success.
🌍Cultural Context
Life Events vs. Achievements
A key cultural nuance in Spanish is the subtle difference between congratulating for a life event versus an achievement. '¡Felicidades!' is perfect for things that happen *to* you (birthdays, holidays). '¡Felicitaciones!' or '¡Enhorabuena!' are often better for things you *achieve* (graduations, promotions). While the lines can blur, remembering this distinction will make you sound more like a native speaker.
The Spain vs. Latin America Divide
If you're in Spain, '¡Enhorabuena!' is extremely common and often the preferred choice for accomplishments. In most of Latin America, '¡Felicidades!' is the king of congratulations for almost any situation, with '¡Felicitaciones!' as a close second for achievements. Using 'Enhorabuena' in Mexico or Colombia might sound a bit formal or even poetic.
It's a Physical Expression
Saying 'congratulations' in Spanish-speaking cultures is often a full-body experience. Expect it to be accompanied by a warm hug, one or two kisses on the cheek (depending on the region and relationship), a firm handshake, or a friendly pat on the back. The words are just one part of showing genuine happiness for someone.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the 'False Friend' Congratulaciones
Mistake: "Saying '¡Congratulaciones!' because it sounds like the English word."
Correction: ¡Felicidades! or ¡Felicitaciones!
Mixing Up Felicidades and Felicitaciones
Mistake: "Using '¡Felicitaciones!' for someone's birthday."
Correction: ¡Felicidades en tu cumpleaños!
Forgetting the Exclamation Marks
Mistake: "Writing 'Felicidades' without the opening and closing exclamation marks."
Correction: ¡Felicidades!
💡Pro Tips
When in Doubt, Use '¡Felicidades!'
If you can't remember the subtle differences between all the variations, just use '¡Felicidades!'. It is universally understood and appropriate for 99% of happy occasions. It's the safest and most useful option to learn first.
Add a 'Por' to Be Specific
To say what you're congratulating someone *for*, add the word 'por' after the phrase. For example: '¡Felicidades por tu nuevo bebé!' (Congratulations on your new baby!) or '¡Felicitaciones por el ascenso!' (Congratulations on the promotion!).
How to Respond
If someone congratulates you, a simple and warm '¡Gracias!' or '¡Muchas gracias!' is the perfect response. You can also add something like '¡Qué amable!' (How kind!) to show extra appreciation.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
In Spain, 'Enhorabuena' is the default for almost all achievements, from getting engaged to passing an exam. Using 'Felicidades' for these events is not wrong, but 'Enhorabuena' is more precise and common. 'Felicidades' is reserved more for personal celebrations like birthdays.
Mexico
'¡Felicidades!' is the universal, all-purpose term used for everything from birthdays to job promotions. 'Felicitaciones' is understood perfectly but used less frequently. 'Enhorabuena' is very rare in conversation and would sound quite formal or even literary.
Argentina
Argentinians use '¡Felicitaciones!' very frequently, often interchangeably with '¡Felicidades!'. There is less of a strict distinction between achievements and life events compared to other regions. It's very common to hear '¡Felicitaciones!' for a birthday or a wedding.
💬What Comes Next?
After you congratulate someone
¡Muchas gracias!
Thank you very much!
De nada, ¡te lo mereces!
You're welcome, you deserve it!
You congratulate a friend on their engagement
¡Gracias! ¡Estamos muy emocionados!
Thanks! We are very excited!
¡Me alegro mucho por ustedes!
I'm so happy for you both!
You congratulate a colleague on their promotion
Gracias, ha sido mucho trabajo.
Thanks, it has been a lot of work.
Claro, tu esfuerzo ha valido la pena.
Of course, your effort has paid off.
🧠Memory Tricks
This links the Spanish word to an English concept of pure joy, helping you remember it's for celebrations of life itself.
This mnemonic helps you connect the word to a specific, successful moment in time, which is its primary use, especially in Spain.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference is that English uses 'Congratulations' as a one-size-fits-all term for everything from winning an award to having a baby. Spanish is more nuanced, with different words often preferred for personal life events ('Felicidades') versus earned achievements ('Felicitaciones', 'Enhorabuena'). This distinction adds a layer of specificity that doesn't exist in English.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: The Spanish cognate 'congratulaciones' is a real word, but it sounds extremely formal and is almost never used in everyday speech. Using it will immediately mark you as a non-native speaker.
Use instead: Stick with '¡Felicidades!', '¡Felicitaciones!', or '¡Enhorabuena!' for all situations where you would say 'Congratulations' in English.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say 'Happy Birthday'
This is one of the most common situations where you'll need to say '¡Felicidades!'.
How to say 'Good luck'
This is another common expression of well-wishing, often used before an event that might later require congratulations.
How to say 'I'm proud of you'
This is a great follow-up phrase to use after congratulating a close friend or family member on an achievement.
How to say 'Thank you'
You'll need to know how to respond when someone congratulates you.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: Congratulations
Question 1 of 3
Your friend from Mexico just told you she's getting married. What is the most natural and common thing to say?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'Felicidades' and 'Felicitaciones'?
Think of it this way: 'Felicidades' celebrates a state of being happy (a birthday, a wedding). 'Felicitaciones' congratulates an action or achievement (a graduation, a promotion). While they are sometimes used interchangeably, especially in Latin America, this core difference can help you sound more precise.
Is it okay to just say 'Felicidades' for everything to be safe?
Absolutely. If you're ever in doubt, '¡Felicidades!' is your safest bet. It's universally understood and will never be incorrect, even if another word might be slightly more specific. It's the first one every learner should master.
When should I really use 'Enhorabuena'?
Use 'Enhorabuena' when you are in Spain and want to congratulate someone for an achievement. Think promotions, passing a tough exam, getting engaged, or even buying a new house. Outside of Spain, it can sound a bit formal, so 'Felicidades' or 'Felicitaciones' are often better choices.
How do I say 'congratulations on...' something specific?
It's easy! Just add the word 'por' after your congratulatory phrase. For example, '¡Felicidades por tu graduación!' (Congratulations on your graduation!) or '¡Enhorabuena por el nuevo trabajo!' (Congratulations on the new job!).
How do I respond if someone congratulates me?
A simple and polite 'Gracias' or 'Muchas gracias' is the perfect response. You can also add something like 'Gracias, qué amable' (Thanks, how kind of you) if you want to be a little warmer.
Is 'Congratulaciones' ever correct?
Technically, it's a real word, but you should avoid using it in conversation. It's extremely formal and dated, and you will almost never hear a native speaker say it. Sticking to 'Felicidades' and its variations will make you sound much more natural.
📚Continue Learning Spanish Phrases
Explore More Phrases in These Categories
Find similar phrases to expand your Spanish vocabulary:
Want to Learn More Spanish Phrases?
Browse our complete collection of Spanish phrases organized by situation, from basic greetings to advanced conversations. Perfect for travelers, students, and anyone learning Spanish.
View All Spanish Phrases →