Meaning
Expressing joy or good wishes for someone's success.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'Enhorabuena' is the standard for any achievement. It's very common to hear it in the workplace. Mexicans often prefer '¡Muchas felicidades!' even for achievements, though 'Enhorabuena' is used in formal writing. In Argentina, 'Enhorabuena' can sound a bit formal or 'Spanish' (from Spain). '¡Felicitaciones!' is the preferred formal term. Similar to Mexico, 'Felicitaciones' is very common for academic and professional success.
The 'Spain' Factor
If you are in Spain, use 'Enhorabuena' frequently for achievements to sound like a local. It shows you know the nuance.
The Birthday Trap
Never say 'Enhorabuena' for a birthday unless the person achieved something incredible on that day (like running a marathon).
Meaning
Expressing joy or good wishes for someone's success.
The 'Spain' Factor
If you are in Spain, use 'Enhorabuena' frequently for achievements to sound like a local. It shows you know the nuance.
The Birthday Trap
Never say 'Enhorabuena' for a birthday unless the person achieved something incredible on that day (like running a marathon).
Follow up
Always follow 'Enhorabuena' with a reason using 'por' to sound more sincere.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase for the situation.
Your friend just graduated from university. What do you say?
Graduation is a major achievement, so 'Enhorabuena' is the perfect choice.
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
¡Enhorabuena ___ tu nuevo trabajo!
We use 'por' to indicate the reason for the congratulations.
Match the phrase to the event.
1. Birthday, 2. Promotion, 3. New Year
Felicidades for birthdays, Enhorabuena for promotions, and Feliz for holidays.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¡He ganado la lotería! B: ¡________! ¡Qué suerte tienes!
Winning the lottery is a happy event (good fortune), so 'Enhorabuena' fits well.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Enhorabuena vs. Felicidades
When to say Enhorabuena
Work
- • Promotion
- • New Job
- • Retirement
Family
- • New Baby
- • Wedding
- • Engagement
Personal
- • Winning a race
- • Passing an exam
- • Buying a car
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYour friend just graduated from university. What do you say?
Graduation is a major achievement, so 'Enhorabuena' is the perfect choice.
¡Enhorabuena ___ tu nuevo trabajo!
We use 'por' to indicate the reason for the congratulations.
1. Birthday, 2. Promotion, 3. New Year
Felicidades for birthdays, Enhorabuena for promotions, and Feliz for holidays.
A: ¡He ganado la lotería! B: ¡________! ¡Qué suerte tienes!
Winning the lottery is a happy event (good fortune), so 'Enhorabuena' fits well.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is most common in Spain, but understood everywhere. Latin Americans use 'Felicitaciones' more often.
Yes! A new baby is considered a major life achievement/event. '¡Enhorabuena por el bebé!' is perfect.
Enhorabuena = Achievement/Success. Felicidades = Birthday/Holiday/General joy.
It is neutral to formal. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Use 'Enhorabuena por tu/su...' followed by the noun.
It's very rare. Stick to the singular 'Enhorabuena'.
It literally means 'In a good hour'.
No, the 'h' in Spanish is always silent. It sounds like 'en-o-ra-bue-na'.
Yes, it's common to congratulate someone on good fortune too.
Yes, 'Felicitaciones' or 'Muchas felicidades' sounds more natural in Mexico.
Related Phrases
Felicidades
similarCongratulations/Happy...
Felicitaciones
synonymCongratulations
Me alegro por ti
builds onI'm happy for you
Buen trabajo
similarGood job
¡Olé!
specialized formBravo!
