おめでとう

この語は、祝福やお祝いの挨拶として使われる。

INTJ (1)

[/ome̞de̞to̞ː/^ja-JP]

congratulations formalceremonial / happy congratulations informal / best wishes general / well done informal / celebratory greeting untranslatable (This captures the spirit of celebration but is not a common expression in ENGLISH.)

Synonyms お祝い formalceremonial , 祝福 formal

A versatile Japanese interjection used as a general celebratory greeting, expressing congratulations, best wishes, or acknowledging a happy occasion. While often translated as "congratulations" or "best wishes," its application is broader than any single English equivalent. It is used for events ranging from birthdays and holidays to achievements and life milestones (e.g., weddings, graduations). The specific nuance and formality can vary depending on the context and any particles or honorifics added (e.g., adding 「ございます」 for politeness). The core meaning conveys a celebratory sentiment for a positive event, applicable whenever one would wish someone well on a happy occasion.

誕生日おめでとう！ — Happy birthday!
あけましておめでとうございます。 — Happy New Year (a polite greeting used at the start of the new year).
卒業おめでとう！よく頑張ったね！ — Congratulations on your graduation! You worked really hard!
ご結婚おめでとうございます。末永くお幸せに。 — Congratulations on your marriage. Wishing you lasting happiness.
N1合格おめでとう！ — Congratulations on passing the N1 (JLPT)!
優勝おめでとう！ — Congratulations on winning!