How do you say Congratulations in French?
The most common way to say “congratulations” in French is Félicitations !. Here are the main options, when to use each, and how to pronounce them.
-
Félicitations !
fay-lee-see-tah-SYOHN
For an achievement, an engagement, a wedding or a birth.
-
Toutes mes félicitations !
toot may fay-lee-see-tah-SYOHN
Warmer and a little more formal: “all my congratulations”.
-
Bravo !
brah-VOH
For something someone did well — passing an exam, a performance.
-
Chapeau !
shah-POH
Casual “hats off”, admiring an achievement.
Use it in a sentence
- Congratulations on your promotion!Félicitations pour ta promotion !
- Congratulations to the newlyweds!Félicitations aux jeunes mariés !
- Congratulations on the birth of your daughter.Félicitations pour la naissance de votre fille.
- Well done, you did it!Bravo, tu as réussi !
Good to know
Félicitations is always plural.
Not for birthdays: say joyeux anniversaire.
What it is for takes pour: félicitations pour ta promotion. “I congratulate you” is je te félicite.