In Portuguese, the most used word to congratulate someone is PARABÉNS! (CONGRATULATIONS!) This word can be used in any situation.
For example, if someone is celebrating a birthday, got a new job, or is going to have a baby, we can just say "Parabéns!" ("Congratulations!")
In addition to the word "Parabéns!", we usually add other sentences to indicate what you wish to that person in that special situation.
Here are some sentences you can use to congratulate someone who is celebrating a birthday.
- Meus parabéns! Tudo de bom! (Congratulations! I wish you all the best!)
- Parabéns! Muitas felicidades! Muitos anos de vida! (Congratulations! I wish you a lot of happiness and long life!)
- Parabéns! Desejo muita paz e muita saúde! (Congratulations! I wish you a lot of peace and good health!)
- Meus parabéns! Que seu dia seja perfeito! (Congratulations! May your day be perfect!)
- Meus parabéns! Aproveite o seu dia! (Congratulations! Enjoy your day!)
Another very common sentence used to congratulate a person who is celebrating a birthday is FELIZ ANIVERSÁRIO! ( HAPPY BIRTHDAY!).
You can also add other sentences to indicate what you wish to that person for their birthday. Here are some examples:
- Feliz aniversário! Muitas felicidades! Muitos anos de vida! (Happy Birthday! I wish you a lot of happiness and long life!)
- Feliz aniversário! Tudo de bom! Que todos seus sonhos se realizem! (Happy Birthday! I wish you all the best! May all your dreams come true!)
- Feliz aniversário! Desejo que você seja muito feliz e tenha muita saúde! (Happy Birthday! I wish you a lot of happiness and good health!)
Different from English, in Portuguese, the word "aniversário" means both "birthday" and "anniversary," so we can say "Happy anniversary!" to congratulate someone on their birthday or wedding anniversary, but when we refer to a wedding anniversary, we are usually specific and say:
- Feliz aniversário de casamento! (Happy Wedding Anniversary!)
Now let's talk a little bit about how to congratulate a person in other situations, such as when someone gets a new job, passes a test, gets married, or buys a new house.
Let's look at some examples of sentences you can use in many different contexts:
- Parabéns! Você merece! (Congratulations! You deserve it!)
- Parabéns pela conquista! (Congratulations on the achievement!)
- Parabéns! Boa sorte nessa nova etapa! (Congratulations! Best of luck in this new phase!
- Tudo de bom pra você! (All the best to you!)
- Parabéns! Desejo muito sucesso! (Congratulations! I wish you a lot of success!)
- Parabéns! Estou muito feliz por você! (Congratulations! I'm very happy for you!)
To be specific, you can also say "parabéns por (congratulations on)..." something. But pay attention to a grammar detail, if the next word is:
- A feminine noun, you should say "parabéns PELA (congratulations on)".
- A masculine noun, you should say "parabéns PELO (congratulations on)"
- A verb, you can say "parabéns POR (congratulations on)".
Some examples:
- Parabéns pelo casamento! (Congratulations on your wedding!)
- Parabéns pelo novo emprego! (Congratulations on your new job!)
- Parabéns pela casa nova! (Congratulations on the new house!)
- Parabéns pela iniciativa! (Congratulations on the initiative!)
- Parabéns por ter passado no teste! (Congratulations on passing the test!)
- Parabéns por ser um estudante dedicado! (Congratulations on being a dedicated student!)
That's it, guys! Now it's homework time! Write a sentence below congratulating a friend on their birthday or another situation that deserves to be celebrated.
Até a próxima!
Your teacher,
Virginia
Want to convey your greetings, thanks, congratulatory messages or condolences in Spanish? If you’re at a loss on what to say to your Spanish-speaking friends during the most important occasions, take your cue from this list and get the Spanish greetings, phrases and sentences you need.
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1. Spanish Birthday Greetings
2. Spanish Wedding Anniversary Greetings
3. Bereavement/ Offering Sympathy
4. Spanish Christmas and New Year Greetings
5. General Congratulations in Spanish
6. Congratulations: New Baby
7. Congratulations: Academic-Related
8. Spanish Engagement and Wedding Greetings
9. Congratulations and well wishes (work-related)
10. Get Well Wishes
11. General Thanks
Conclusion
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1. Spanish Greetings for Birthdays
Let’s start off the list with birthday greetings. This list will help you with how to greet someone in Spanish during their birthday.
¡Feliz cumpleaños!
Happy birthday!
¡Que todos tus deseos se hagan realidad!
May all your wishes come true!
¡Felicidades!
Congratulations!
¡Que cumplas muchos años más
May you enjoy many more years!
¡Que tengas un maravilloso día!
Have a wonderful day!
Mis mejores deseos en este día tan especial para ti.
Wishing you the best on your special day.
2. Spanish Greetings for Wedding Anniversary
Do you wish to greet a married couple in Spanish during their wedding anniversary? Here’s how.
¡Feliz aniversario!
Happy anniversary!
¡Felicidades por su aniversario número ,,,!
Happy _th anniversary!
¡Felicidades por sus bodas de ...!
Congratulations on your ___ wedding anniversary!
... de plata
silver (25th)
... de oro
golden (50th)
... de diamante
diamond (60th)
3. Bereavement/ Offering Sympathy
Expressing condolences can be quite challenging especially in another language. How do you express your sadness at someone’s loss in Spanish? Here are some simple Spanish phrases to help you.
Estamos con ustedes.
We are with you.
Mis condolencias para la familia.
My condolences for the family.
Mi más sentido pésame.
My deepest condolences.
Lo siento.
I´m sorry.
Que encuentren pronta resignación.
I hope you recover promptly from your grief.
Lamentamos su pérdida.
We are sorry for your loss.
4. Spanish Christmas and New Year Greetings
The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, or so the song says. You simply couldn’t miss out greeting your Spanish-speaking friends during Christmas and New Year! Here’s how to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Spanish.
¡Feliz navidad!
Merry Christmas!
¡Feliz año nuevo!
Happy New Year!
¡Que este año que llega esté lleno de bendiciones!
May the coming New Year bring you blessings!
¡Felices Fiestas!
Happy Holidays!
¡Feliz navidad y próspero año nuevo!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
5. General Congratulations in Spanish
Are congratulations in order? If you need to pat someone on the back for a job well done, here’s how to congratulate someone in Spanish.
¡Felicidades!
Congratulations!
Bien hecho.
Well done.
Sabíamos que lo lograrías.
We knew you could do it.
Estamos orgullosos de ti.
We are so proud of you!
¡Lo hiciste excelente!
You did an excellent job!
Te quiero felicitar.
I want to congratulate you.
6. Congratulations: New Baby
Hooray! A little bundle of joy have just arrived! Time to congratulate the new parents. Here are some ways to do that in Spanish.
¡Felicidades por el nuevo integrante de la familia!
Congratulations on the new arrival in your family!
¡Felicidades por el nacimiento de su niño/niña!
Congratulations on the arrival of your baby boy/girl!
¡Qué gusto saber que ya nació!
We are delighted to hear that he/she has already born!
7. Congratulations: Academic-Related
Did someone just aced an exam, graduated, or got into some University? Tell them how thrilled you are with these phrases. Say congratulations in Spanish!
¡Felicidades por tu graduación!
Congratulations on your graduation!
¡Buen trabajo!
Good job!
¡Felicidades por tus buenas calificaciones!
Congratulations on your good grades!
¡Felicidades por tu maestría!
Congratulations on getting your Master´s degree!
¡Felicidades por entrar a la universidad!
Well done on getting into University!
¡Felicidades por pasar el examen!
Congratulations on passing your exam!
8. Spanish Engagement and Wedding Greetings
Engagements and weddings are among life’s most important events. When you need to extend your warm wishes on somebody’s engagement or big day, take your pick from this list on how to congratulate them in Spanish!
¡Felicidades a los futuros esposos!
Congratulations to the future spouses!
¡Felicidades a los novios!
Congratulations to the groom and bride!
¡Salud por los novios!
Cheers to the newlyweds!
Espero que sean muy felices.
I hope you will be very happy.
¿Ya tienen fecha para la boda?
Have you set the date of the big day?
¡Felicidades por esta nueva etapa!
Congratulations on this new stage!
¡Mis mejores deseos para los dos!
Best wishes to you both!
¡Felicidades por su boda!
Congratulations on the wedding!
9. Congratulations and well wishes (work-related)
Did someone just move up the corporate ladder or got the job he or she had been eyeing? Greet them in Spanish! Here’s what to say.
¡Felicidades por tu nuevo empleo!
Congratulations on your new job!
¡Felicidades por tu ascenso!
Congratulations on the promotion!
¡La mejor de las suertes en tu nueva etapa!
We wish you the best of luck on your new stage!
¡Éxito!
We wish you success!
¡Suerte en tu nuevo trabajo!
Good luck on your new job!
¡Suerte en tu primer día de trabajo!
Good luck on your first day at work!
10. Get Well Wishes
Do you have Spanish-speaking friends or colleagues that are sick and need some cheering up? Wish them a speedy recovery! Here's how to say get well soon in Spanish!
Recupérate pronto.
Wish you a speedy recovery.
¡Que te mejores!
Get well!
Alíviate pronto.
Get well soon.
Espero que te sientas mejor.
I hope you feel better.
11. General Thanks
Finally, for some ways to express your gratitude to someone, here’s how to say thanks in Spanish.
Gracias.
Thank you.
Muchas gracias.
Many thanks.
Se agradece.
It´s appreciated.
Mil gracias.
Thanks a thousand times.
No sé como podría agradecertelo.
I don’t know how to thank you.
Estamos muy agradecidos.
We are very grateful.
Que amable de su parte.
It is really nice of you.
Gracias desde el fondo de mi corazón.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Conclusion
With this handy list, you'll know exactly what to say during the right occasions.
For more Spanish phrases, check out the e-book below!
Congratulations + Noun
When congratulations is followed by a NOUN, then we always say congratulations ON.
Here are some examples:
• Congratulations on the promotion.
• Congratulations on your new home.
• Congratulations on your wedding.
• Congratulations on the birth of your baby.
• Congratulations on your success.
Congratulations + VERB
When congratulations is followed by a VERB in the -ING form, then we can say ON or FOR, but ON is much, much more common:
• Congratulations on being elected class president.
• Congratulations on graduating from college.
• Congratulations on finding a job.
• Congratulations on finishing the marathon.
• Congratulations for winning the gymnastics competition.
• Congratulations for getting the highest grade in the class.
“For” can only be used in cases where the person achieved something, not when something happened to them.
So we'd always say “congratulations ON winning the lottery” (since that was by luck and not skill or hard work) but we can say “congratulations FOR or ON winning the gymnastics competition” since that is an achievement.
Again, at least in American English, “ON” is still much more common even when talking about achievements.
Congratulations to
What about “congratulations to”?
We occasionally use that if we want to specify the person/group receiving our congratulations:
For example, if the president of the company is making a speech to all employees and she wants to specify one group, she could say “Congratulations to the marketing team for finishing this project in record time.”
Or if my friend and his wife recently adopted a child, I could say “Congratulations to both of you on becoming parents!”
Congratulate + a person
When we use “congratulate,” the verb, then we NEVER use “to” after it:
• He congratulated me on quitting smoking.
• I'd like to congratulate her on her spectacular performance.
• Before I forget, let me congratulate you on your Ph.D.
OK? I hope this helped show when we use each preposition, but if you're not sure, just use “on.” Congratulations on finishing this lesson!
• Work Anniversary Wishes
25 Best Work Anniversary Messages for Employees, Managers, and Colleagues
Work anniversaries are a great occasion to honor the years of service of the people around you. Whether it is the 1 year or 5 year work anniversary, each milestone is important and deserves thought and a heartfelt message.
Work shouldn't be a routine that brings you a check at the end of the month. Besides loving what you do, you should also love the people around you. Employees, managers, and colleagues are the foundation of a healthy work environment. They help you achieve your goals, acquire knowledge and expertise, and grow as a person. Their work anniversaries denote loyalty, dedication, and hard work. So, acknowledge their qualities and let them know you appreciate their support. And what better way to do this than a happy work anniversary message?
5 Ideas to Celebrate Work Anniversaries
The work anniversary message you send should reflect your feelings, the relationship with the receiver, and the company's culture. It should be thoughtful, respectful, and personalized. However, you have total freedom in choosing the content and tone of the message. Work anniversary messages fit everyone, from peers and colleagues to employees and managers. Check out these five creative ideas to write a message/letter that will reach people's hearts and help you connect with the people around you.
Funny Happy Work Anniversary Messages
1. Congratulations on another year with all of us, dear [Name]! We know it isn't easy to be around us sometimes, but no one could have done it better than you. Have a happy work anniversary day! The cake is on us!
2. Every workplace needs someone like you. But we don't let you go! You are our inspiration, support, and blessing. We wish this milestone to be one of the many to come and have you with us until retirement. Have a great day at work today and the happiest work anniversary!
3. We are so happy that you resisted with us for [years of service]. We aren't sure how you did it, but we are happy anyway. Please, stay with us forever, as you are our strength, binder, and inspiration. Without you, we fall apart. Literally. So have the best work anniversary and promise to celebrate the next one together!
4. One year has gone, and many to come! Happy anniversary, my dearest [Name], and all the blessings in the world. Thank you for giving me so much of your time and energy. I promise to be less of a burden next year. In the meantime, let's celebrate your resilience. Happy Work Anniversary!
5. For he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow… and no one can deny! Happy anniversary my dear friend and colleague. It's been a crazy year for sure, but nothing is too hard with you around. So thank you for your effort and dedication. Without your jokes, we would have been lost. Without your hardworking, we would have been fired. Without your wisdom, we would have been meaningless. Happy Anniversary!
Professional Work Anniversary Wishes
1. Dear [Employee Name],
You are a valuable member of our team and contribute to the success of the company year after year. We are very happy to celebrate your [years of service] work anniversary. Thank you so much for your continuous effort. Happy anniversary!
2. Dear [Employee Title, Name],
On the occasion of your [years of service] work anniversary, we would like to congratulate you and wish you all the best. It is an important milestone for all of us, and we are happy to celebrate together. Happy anniversary and all the best!
3. Dear [employee name],
On the occasion of your [years of service] work anniversary, I wish you success in your career. Congratulations on another year with all of us!
4. Dear [Employee Title, Name],
You are an example of hard work and loyalty to all of us. After [years of service] together, you have earned our utmost respect and appreciation. We are proud to have you on our team. Happy anniversary and all our best wishes!
5. Dear [Employee Name],
Another year has passed, and once again, we proudly celebrate one of our best employees. You are inspiring, committed, and hardworking. You are an example for your colleagues and managers. We couldn't have wished for a better employee. Happy Work Anniversary and or best wishes for the future!
Happy Work Anniversary Quotes
1. Happy 1 Year Anniversary! Remember the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Without ambition, one starts nothing. Without work, one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it."
2. Happy anniversary! Here is the best 1-year work anniversary quote for you: "Be steady and well-ordered in your life so that you can be fierce and original in your work." - Gustave Flaubert
3. We wish you all the best and gift you a 5-year anniversary quote to reach your heart: "This is the real secret of life - to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play." - Alan Watts
4. We believe you have found your purpose. Happy 5-year work anniversary and all the best. "Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give your whole heart and soul to it" – Buddha
5. Happy 1 Year Anniversary! We are happy to have you with us. We hope you enjoy it too. Here is a quote full of wisdom to help you on your journey "Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." – Aristotle
Work Anniversary Messages for Your Boss
1. Happy Work Anniversary and thank you for all your support and care. You are more than a manager; you are a true leader. May the years ahead of you bring prosperity, success, and growth. We are proud to be your team.
2. Congratulations on completing another year of hard work and achievements. You are an inspiration to us all. Every team should have a leader like you. We wish you all the best and many more years with the company. Happy Work Anniversary!
3. Dear [Sir/Madam],
Please receive our congratulations on completing another year of success and achieving goals in this organization. You bring so much to this company, and we are grateful to have a manager and colleague like you. You inspire us to be better people and employees. We wish you a happy work anniversary, [team/department].
4. On behalf of our [team/department], we would like to congratulate you on your work anniversary. You demonstrate dedication, passion, and loyalty by devoting [years of service] to this company. You are a valuable member of our community and a fantastic leader. We wish you all the best and success in the years to come.
5. Congratulations on all of your hard work and dedication over the years. You are a pillar of our organization, a great leader, and a supportive colleague. It is an honor to be part of your team. Happy Work Anniversary!
Work Anniversary Wishes for Friends and Colleagues
1. Dear colleague and friend,
I am blessed to work by your side for such a long time. You are a source of inspiration and positivity, a committed person, and a good friend. You are always willing to help everyone and have a good word whenever needed. Thank you for investing so much time in this team. Happy Work Anniversary and all the best!
2. Congratulations on completing your [years of service] anniversary with us. I am fortunate to have you by my side. Working hours fly by when you are here. I wish you all the best in the years to come. Good luck and have the happiest work anniversary!
3. Dear [Name],
Congratulations on completing another year of work successfully. I have known you for a long time, and I'm happy to be your friend and colleague. Knowing you have opened my eyes and helped me grow and prosper. I'm grateful for all your kind words and support. Have a great work anniversary and a fantastic year to come!
4. My dearest [Name],
I don't have enough words to tell you how much I appreciate your friendship. You've been with this company for [years of service], and I shared with you part of them. It's an important milestone, and I wish you all the best. Continue to grow and become the best version of yourself. Happy Work Anniversary!
5. Dear [Name],
You deserve an award for your dedication and hard work. As your colleague and friend, I wish you all the best and more. In my heart, you get all the awards in the world. Thank you for being part of my life. I couldn't have wished for a better colleague. Happy Work Anniversary!
Bonus: How to Keep Track of Employees' Work Anniversaries
Sending work anniversary messages to employees and colleagues should become a routine. It's your opportunity to be more than a boss, HR expert, or team member. You can be warm and appreciative, send all your best, and create a pleasant and happy work environment.
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