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¡Felicidades!

B1 interjection #1,000 most common 14 min read

¡Felicidades!

Top 1,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ¡Felicidades! in 30 Seconds

Explanation ¡Felicidades! in your Level:

When you first start learning Spanish at the A1 level, you will quickly notice that greetings and polite expressions are the foundation of your vocabulary. Among these essential words is ¡Felicidades!, which means Congratulations. As a beginner, you might feel overwhelmed by complex grammar rules and verb conjugations, but learning simple, powerful words like this one can instantly make you feel more confident and capable in real-life conversations. The beauty of this word is that it is a complete sentence all on its own. You do not need to worry about subject pronouns, verb tenses, or adjective agreement. You simply say the word, and you have successfully communicated a positive, joyful message. At this stage, you should focus on using it in the most common and obvious situations. The most frequent scenario is a birthday. When you attend a birthday party or want to wish a Spanish-speaking friend well on their special day, you can say ¡Feliz cumpleaños! followed immediately by ¡Felicidades! This combination is incredibly natural and widely used across all Spanish-speaking countries. Another great time to use it is when someone shares good news with you, even if you do not fully understand all the details of what they are saying. If a friend looks happy and mentions a new job, a new baby, or a good grade on a test, you can simply smile and say ¡Felicidades! It is a safe, polite, and universally appreciated response. Pronunciation is also key at the A1 level. Remember that the letter 'c' before an 'i' in Spanish is pronounced like an 's' in Latin America, or like a soft 'th' in Spain. The vowels should be crisp and clear: fe-li-ci-da-des. Practice saying it out loud several times until it flows smoothly. Do not forget the exclamation marks when you are writing it down. In Spanish, we use an inverted exclamation mark at the beginning of the sentence (¡) and a standard one at the end (!). This is a unique feature of the Spanish language and shows that you are paying attention to the details. As you continue your A1 journey, try to listen for this word in Spanish music, movies, or conversations around you. You will be surprised by how often it comes up. By mastering ¡Felicidades! early on, you are not just learning a word; you are learning how to be a supportive and friendly communicator in your new language. This positive reinforcement will encourage you to keep studying and exploring the rich world of Spanish vocabulary.

As you progress to the A2 level, your ability to interact in social situations improves, and your use of ¡Felicidades! should expand accordingly. You are no longer just saying the word in isolation; you are beginning to connect it to the specific reasons why you are congratulating someone. This is where prepositions become incredibly important. At this stage, you must learn to use the preposition 'por' to explain the cause of your joy. Instead of just saying ¡Felicidades!, you can now say ¡Felicidades por tu nuevo trabajo! (Congratulations on your new job!) or ¡Felicidades por tu bebé! (Congratulations on your baby!). This simple addition of 'por' plus a noun dramatically increases your communicative power. It shows the listener that you are paying attention to their life and that you have the vocabulary to express specific sentiments. You will also start encountering this word in written formats, such as text messages, emails, and social media posts. When a friend posts a picture of their graduation on Facebook or Instagram, you now know exactly what to comment. You can even add an adjective to make it stronger, such as ¡Muchas felicidades! (Many congratulations!). This is a very common and natural way to amplify your good wishes. Furthermore, at the A2 level, you should be aware of the cultural importance of celebrating milestones. In Hispanic cultures, acknowledging someone's success or special day is not just polite; it is a vital part of maintaining relationships. Forgetting to say ¡Felicidades! on a birthday or after hearing good news can be seen as cold or distant. Therefore, make it a habit to use this word generously. You will also start to hear the alternative ¡Felicitaciones! more frequently. While you do not need to master the subtle differences between the two just yet, you should recognize that both mean congratulations and can be used in similar contexts. Practice listening to native speakers to see which one they prefer in different situations. By actively incorporating ¡Felicidades por... into your speaking and writing, you are taking a significant step towards conversational fluency. You are moving beyond basic survival Spanish and entering the realm of genuine social connection, which is one of the most rewarding aspects of learning a new language. Keep building your vocabulary of nouns so you can congratulate people on a wider variety of achievements.

Reaching the B1 level means you are becoming an independent user of the Spanish language. At this stage, your understanding of ¡Felicidades! must deepen beyond simple memorization. You need to grasp the subtle nuances that dictate when to use this word versus its synonyms, and you must be able to construct more complex sentences around it. The primary distinction you must master is the difference between ¡Felicidades! and ¡Felicitaciones! While both translate to 'congratulations', ¡Felicidades! is deeply connected to the concept of happiness (felicidad). Therefore, it is the absolute best choice for life events that are inherently joyous, such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and the birth of a child. You are essentially saying, 'I wish you happiness on this special day.' On the other hand, ¡Felicitaciones! is derived from the act of congratulating someone for an earned achievement. You use it when someone has put in effort and succeeded, such as passing a difficult university exam, winning a sports tournament, or getting a hard-earned promotion. While native speakers sometimes mix them up in casual conversation, using them correctly demonstrates a B1 level of linguistic precision. Furthermore, your sentence structures should become more sophisticated. You are no longer limited to 'Felicidades por + noun'. You can now use infinitives and even subordinate clauses. For example, ¡Felicidades por haber terminado tu carrera! (Congratulations on having finished your degree!) or ¡Muchas felicidades a los dos por este gran paso que han dado! (Many congratulations to you both for this big step you have taken!). Notice how these sentences use compound structures and specify the recipients using the preposition 'a'. At this level, you should also be comfortable using the word in professional settings. If you are writing an email to a colleague, you know how to format it correctly, ensuring you use both the opening and closing exclamation marks (¡!). You understand that in a business context, it strikes the perfect balance between professional respect and personal warmth. Finally, you should be able to respond naturally when someone congratulates you. Instead of a simple 'Gracias', a B1 learner might say, '¡Muchas gracias! Ha sido un camino largo, pero valió la pena' (Thank you very much! It has been a long road, but it was worth it). By mastering these nuances and complex structures, you prove that you are not just translating English thoughts into Spanish, but actually thinking and communicating within the cultural and grammatical framework of the Spanish language.

At the B2 level, you are expected to navigate the Spanish language with a high degree of fluency and cultural awareness. Your use of celebratory language, including ¡Felicidades!, must reflect this advanced understanding. You are no longer just learning the rules; you are learning how to bend them, adapt them to different registers, and understand the sociolinguistic context of the words you use. At this stage, you must be acutely aware of regional variations. While ¡Felicidades! is universally understood, a B2 learner knows that in Spain, the term ¡Enhorabuena! is frequently used for major life achievements and successes. If you are interacting with Spaniards, integrating ¡Enhorabuena! into your vocabulary alongside ¡Felicidades! will make your Spanish sound incredibly authentic and sophisticated. You also understand that in Latin America, ¡Felicitaciones! is heavily favored for academic and professional triumphs. Your ability to switch between these terms based on your audience demonstrates true B2 competence. Furthermore, you can use ¡Felicidades! in abstract or hypothetical contexts. You can express congratulations for collective achievements or societal milestones. For instance, in a debate or discussion, you might say, 'Mis felicidades al equipo de investigación por este descubrimiento revolucionario' (My congratulations to the research team for this revolutionary discovery). You are comfortable using the noun form 'felicitaciones' (congratulations as a noun) in formal writing, such as 'Le extiendo mis más sinceras felicitaciones' (I extend my most sincere congratulations to you). This level of formality is crucial for professional correspondence. You also understand the role of intonation and body language. A B2 speaker knows that a flatly delivered ¡Felicidades! can sound sarcastic or envious. You know how to modulate your voice to convey genuine excitement, empathy, or formal respect, depending on the situation. You are also adept at using idiomatic expressions related to success and celebration, seamlessly weaving them into your conversations. When someone shares fantastic news, you don't just say ¡Felicidades!; you might add, '¡Qué maravilla! Te lo mereces más que nadie' (How wonderful! You deserve it more than anyone). This ability to surround the core vocabulary word with rich, supportive language is the hallmark of an upper-intermediate speaker. By fully integrating the cultural, regional, and emotional dimensions of ¡Felicidades!, you ensure that your interactions are not just grammatically correct, but deeply resonant and socially appropriate in any Spanish-speaking environment.

Reaching the C1 level signifies an advanced, near-native command of the Spanish language. At this tier, your engagement with a common word like ¡Felicidades! shifts from practical application to a deep sociolinguistic and pragmatic understanding. You are expected to manipulate the language effortlessly, recognizing the subtle psychological and cultural undercurrents that accompany expressions of joy and congratulation in the Hispanosphere. A C1 speaker understands the etymological weight of the word. Derived from the Latin 'felicitas', it is intrinsically linked to the philosophical concept of happiness and good fortune. When you use it, you are consciously participating in a linguistic tradition that prioritizes communal well-being. You are adept at using it in highly formal, academic, or diplomatic contexts. For example, in a formal speech or a published article, you might write, 'Es motivo de gran celebración, y por ello, extendemos nuestras más efusivas felicidades a la institución' (It is a cause for great celebration, and therefore, we extend our most effusive congratulations to the institution). Notice the use of elevated adjectives like 'efusivas' and the formal structure. Furthermore, you understand the pragmatic use of the word in complex social dynamics. You can use it ironically or sarcastically, though you know this requires precise intonation and context to avoid genuine offense. For instance, if a friend makes a spectacularly obvious and unhelpful observation, a drawn-out, flat '¡Felicidaaaades!' serves as a sarcastic 'Wow, congratulations on figuring that out.' This demonstrates a mastery of tone that goes far beyond textbook definitions. You are also intimately familiar with the literary and historical usage of celebratory terms. You recognize how authors use these words to establish character relationships or highlight societal values in literature. In professional environments, you can navigate the delicate balance of congratulating a superior or a rival with the exact right degree of warmth and professional distance, choosing between ¡Felicidades!, ¡Felicitaciones!, or ¡Enhorabuena! with surgical precision based on the specific corporate culture and regional dialect. At the C1 level, you don't just speak Spanish; you perform it. Your use of ¡Felicidades! is a conscious choice, reflecting your deep integration into the cultural fabric of the language, allowing you to build rapport, navigate complex social hierarchies, and express nuanced emotional states with absolute confidence and elegance.

At the C2 level, your mastery of Spanish is equivalent to that of a highly educated native speaker. Your relationship with everyday vocabulary like ¡Felicidades! is analytical, intuitive, and profoundly cultural. You do not merely use the word; you understand its place within the broader tapestry of Hispanic sociolinguistics, pragmatics, and emotional expression. You are capable of dissecting the semantic overlap and divergence between ¡Felicidades!, ¡Felicitaciones!, and ¡Enhorabuena! across different dialects, historical periods, and social strata. You understand that the choice of word can subtly signal the speaker's regional origin, level of education, and even their psychological stance toward the recipient's achievement. For instance, you recognize that in certain highly formal Latin American contexts, the plural noun form 'felicidades' can be used almost as a synonym for 'best wishes' in holiday greetings (e.g., 'Felicidades en estas fiestas'), whereas 'felicitaciones' remains strictly tied to merit. You can effortlessly employ the word in the most complex and delicate of rhetorical situations. Whether you are drafting a diplomatic communiqué, delivering a keynote address, or writing a nuanced piece of literary criticism, you know exactly how to frame your congratulations. You might employ elegant variations such as 'Vayan mis parabienes' (May my congratulations go to...) or 'Reciba mi más cordial enhorabuena' (Receive my most cordial congratulations), demonstrating a vast lexical repertoire. Furthermore, you understand the performative nature of the word in Hispanic cultures. You know that saying ¡Felicidades! is often accompanied by specific kinesic behaviors—the exact type of embrace, the duration of eye contact, the modulation of volume—that vary significantly between a boardroom in Madrid, a family gathering in Mexico City, or a literary circle in Buenos Aires. You can seamlessly adapt your delivery to match these unspoken cultural scripts. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, you also appreciate the philosophical implications of the word. You understand how the communal celebration of individual success, encapsulated in this single interjection, reflects the collectivist underpinnings of many Spanish-speaking societies. Your use of ¡Felicidades! is not just an act of communication; it is an act of cultural participation, executed with the flawless precision, profound empathy, and effortless grace that defines true bilingualism. You have mastered not just the mechanics of the language, but its very soul.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

¡Felicidades! in 30 Seconds

Means 'Congratulations' in English.
Used for birthdays, weddings, and achievements.
Always use exclamation marks (¡!) in writing.
Often followed by 'por' to state the reason.

The Spanish word ¡Felicidades! is one of the most common and joyful expressions you will encounter in the Spanish language. It directly translates to Congratulations in English, but its usage extends far beyond the simple acknowledgment of an achievement. When you learn Spanish, mastering the art of celebrating others is crucial for building strong interpersonal relationships, and this single word is your most powerful tool for doing exactly that.

Sentence ¡Felicidades por tu graduación!.

The term is deeply rooted in the Latin word felicitas, which means happiness or good fortune. Therefore, when you say ¡Felicidades! to someone, you are not merely acknowledging their success; you are actively wishing them continued happiness and joy.

Core Meaning: To express joy for someone else's success or milestone.

This makes the expression incredibly versatile. You will hear it at birthday parties, weddings, graduations, anniversaries, and even when someone announces a pregnancy or a new job. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, celebrating milestones is a communal activity. People do not just briefly say congratulations and move on; they embrace, they kiss on the cheek, and they express genuine warmth.

Sentence ¡Felicidades en tu día especial!.

The exclamation marks are not just grammatical requirements; they represent the true enthusiasm that must accompany the word. If you say it with a flat tone, it might sound insincere. Therefore, always inject energy into your voice. Let us look at some specific scenarios where this word shines. First, birthdays. While ¡Feliz cumpleaños! is the standard greeting, ¡Felicidades! is used interchangeably and often together. You might hear someone say, ¡Feliz cumpleaños, amigo! ¡Muchas felicidades en tu día! Second, achievements. If a colleague gets a promotion, this is the perfect word. It shows support without being overly formal.

Sentence ¡Felicidades por el nuevo bebé!.

Third, life events. Weddings and anniversaries demand this word. It is the standard way to express your joy for the couple.

Cultural Context: In Hispanic cultures, expressing shared joy is highly valued and expected.

However, it is important to note the difference between this word and its close cousin, ¡Felicitaciones! While both mean congratulations, ¡Felicidades! is generally broader and more focused on the happiness of the event (like a birthday or anniversary), whereas ¡Felicitaciones! is often used for specific, earned achievements (like passing an exam or winning a competition).

Sentence ¡Felicidades a los novios!.

Despite this subtle distinction, in everyday conversation, native speakers often use them interchangeably, so you do not need to stress too much about making a mistake. The key is the intention and the warmth behind the delivery. Furthermore, the word can be modified to increase its impact. Adding muchas (many) creates ¡Muchas felicidades!, which translates to Many congratulations or Best wishes.

Common Modification: Adding 'Muchas' amplifies the warmth of the greeting.

This is extremely common and adds an extra layer of affection. You can also specify the reason for the congratulations by using the preposition por. For example, ¡Felicidades por tu nuevo trabajo! (Congratulations on your new job!).

Sentence ¡Muchas felicidades por tu ascenso!.

This structure allows you to be specific and shows that you are paying attention to the person's life. In conclusion, ¡Felicidades! is more than just a vocabulary word; it is a cultural bridge. It allows you to participate in the joy of others, which is a fundamental aspect of Hispanic cultures. By using this word frequently and sincerely, you will endear yourself to native speakers and demonstrate that you understand not just the language, but the heart of the people who speak it. Practice saying it with a smile, and you will find that it opens many doors and creates lasting positive impressions. Always remember that language learning is not just about memorizing vocabulary; it is about connecting with human beings. Every time you use this joyful interjection, you are participating in a rich tradition of shared happiness. So, do not be shy. Whenever you see an opportunity to celebrate someone, seize it. The world can always use more positivity, and your willingness to express it in a new language is a beautiful thing in itself. Keep practicing, keep listening to how native speakers use it, and soon it will become a natural part of your Spanish repertoire.

Understanding how to properly construct sentences using ¡Felicidades! is essential for effective communication in Spanish. While it can be used as a standalone exclamation, integrating it into longer sentences allows you to be more specific and expressive.

Sentence ¡Felicidades por haber aprobado el examen!.

The most common preposition used with this word is 'por', which translates to 'for' or 'on' in this context. When you want to congratulate someone on a specific achievement or event, you follow the interjection with 'por' and then the noun or infinitive verb representing the accomplishment.

Syntax Rule: Use 'Felicidades por' + [noun/infinitive] to specify the reason.

For instance, if a friend buys a new house, you would say, '¡Felicidades por tu nueva casa!' This structure is highly versatile and can be adapted to almost any situation.

Sentence ¡Felicidades por tu matrimonio!.

Another important preposition is 'en', which is typically used for specific days or occasions. For example, '¡Felicidades en tu cumpleaños!' (Congratulations on your birthday!) or '¡Felicidades en tu aniversario!' (Congratulations on your anniversary!). It is crucial to distinguish between these two prepositions to sound natural. Using 'por' for a birthday (¡Felicidades por tu cumpleaños!) is understandable but less common than using 'en' or simply saying the phrase without a preposition.

Preposition Usage: Mastering 'por' vs 'en' elevates your fluency significantly.

Furthermore, you can direct your congratulations to specific people using the preposition 'a'. If you are at a wedding and want to congratulate the couple, you might say, '¡Felicidades a los dos!' (Congratulations to both of you!).

Sentence ¡Felicidades a los ganadores del torneo!.

This is particularly useful in group settings or when acknowledging a shared achievement. You can also combine these elements to create complex, highly expressive sentences. For example, '¡Muchas felicidades a ti y a tu familia por esta maravillosa noticia!' (Many congratulations to you and your family for this wonderful news!). Notice how the addition of 'Muchas' amplifies the sentiment, while the prepositions 'a' and 'por' clarify the recipients and the reason. In written Spanish, especially in formal contexts like emails or greeting cards, punctuation is paramount.

Sentence ¡Felicidades por el excelente trabajo realizado!.

Always enclose the exclamatory phrase within the inverted exclamation mark (¡) at the beginning and the standard exclamation mark (!) at the end. This is a defining characteristic of Spanish orthography and demonstrates your proficiency.

Punctuation: Never forget the opening inverted exclamation mark in formal writing.

In informal digital communication, such as text messages or social media comments, native speakers often omit the opening exclamation mark or use multiple closing marks for emphasis (e.g., Felicidades!!!). However, as a learner, it is best practice to master the correct formal punctuation first.

Sentence ¡Felicidades a todos los participantes!.

When responding to someone saying ¡Felicidades! to you, the most appropriate and common response is simply '¡Gracias!' or '¡Muchas gracias!'. You can also add a phrase of humility or shared credit, such as 'Gracias, fue un esfuerzo de equipo' (Thank you, it was a team effort). By practicing these sentence structures and understanding the nuances of the accompanying prepositions, you will be able to express your congratulations accurately and naturally in any Spanish-speaking environment. This grammatical precision, combined with genuine emotional delivery, will make your interactions much more meaningful and culturally appropriate. Keep experimenting with different combinations of nouns and verbs following 'por' to expand your celebratory vocabulary.

The beauty of the word ¡Felicidades! lies in its omnipresence across the Spanish-speaking world. It is not a word reserved for formal literature or rare occasions; it is the heartbeat of daily social interactions. You will encounter this expression in a vast array of contexts, from intimate family gatherings to professional corporate environments.

Sentence ¡Felicidades! gritó toda la familia al unísono.

One of the most frequent places you will hear it is during family celebrations. In Hispanic cultures, family is paramount, and milestones are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Whether it is a child's first communion, a quinceañera, a graduation, or a golden anniversary, the air will be filled with shouts of ¡Felicidades!

Family Events: The primary domain for this word, filled with hugs and loud cheers.

It is often accompanied by physical affection, such as hugs (abrazos) and kisses on the cheek (besos), reinforcing the warmth of the spoken word.

Sentence ¡Felicidades por tu compromiso! dijeron sus amigos.

Beyond the family, the workplace is another common setting. When a colleague secures a major client, receives a promotion, or announces their retirement, ¡Felicidades! is the standard, professional yet warm way to acknowledge their success. In these environments, it might be followed by a handshake rather than a hug, but the sentiment remains identical.

Workplace Usage: Used to celebrate promotions, project completions, and retirements.

You will also hear it extensively in educational institutions. Teachers say it to students who perform well, and students say it to each other after passing difficult exams.

Sentence ¡Felicidades por terminar tu tesis!.

Media and entertainment provide another massive platform for this word. If you watch Spanish-language television, particularly telenovelas, reality shows, or sports broadcasts, you will hear it constantly. When a soccer team wins a championship, the commentators will shout ¡Felicidades al equipo campeón! When a character in a drama finally marries their true love, the scene will be awash with congratulations. Social media has also adopted the word enthusiastically. On platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, it is arguably one of the most typed words.

Sentence ¡Felicidades! comentó en la foto de perfil.

Whenever someone posts a life update—a new car, a vacation, a graduation photo—the comments section will be flooded with ¡Felicidades!, often accompanied by party popper or clapping emojis.

Digital Communication: Extremely common in comments and direct messages, often with emojis.

Furthermore, you will hear it during national holidays and festive seasons. During Christmas and New Year, people often combine greetings, saying things like ¡Feliz Navidad y muchas felicidades para el Año Nuevo! (Merry Christmas and many congratulations/best wishes for the New Year!).

Sentence ¡Felicidades en estas fiestas!.

This demonstrates how the word transcends personal achievements and is used to wish general well-being and happiness during culturally significant times. By immersing yourself in these various contexts, you will develop a natural intuition for when and how to deploy this essential vocabulary word, making your Spanish sound authentic and culturally attuned. The more you listen, the more you will realize that this word is the soundtrack to happiness in the Spanish-speaking world.

While ¡Felicidades! is a straightforward and highly useful word, learners of Spanish often make a few common mistakes regarding its usage, pronunciation, and grammatical integration. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid awkward social situations.

Sentence ¡Felicidades! (Correct usage).

The most significant mistake learners make is using the word in inappropriate contexts. Because it translates to 'Congratulations', some learners mistakenly assume it can be used whenever they want to acknowledge a significant life event. However, ¡Felicidades! is strictly for positive, joyous occasions.

Context Error: Never use it for condolences or sad events; it is exclusively for joy.

Using it when someone is grieving or has experienced a loss is a severe faux pas. For sad events, you must use expressions like 'Lo siento mucho' (I am very sorry) or 'Mis condolencias' (My condolences).

Sentence ¡Felicidades por tu éxito! (Correct).

Another common error involves the confusion between ¡Felicidades! and ¡Felicitaciones! While they are often interchangeable, there is a subtle nuance. ¡Felicidades! is more emotional and is tied to happiness (like birthdays and anniversaries). ¡Felicitaciones! is slightly more formal and is typically reserved for recognizing an achievement that required effort, such as graduating from university or winning a medal. Using ¡Felicitaciones! for a birthday sounds a bit strange to native ears, though they will understand your intent.

Nuance Error: Mixing up the emotional weight of the two congratulatory terms.

Pronunciation also trips up many beginners. The word has five syllables: fe-li-ci-da-des. English speakers often rush through the middle syllables or mispronounce the 'c'.

Sentence ¡Muchas felicidades! (Correct).

Remember that the 'c' before an 'i' is soft. Furthermore, the stress falls on the penultimate syllable (da): fe-li-ci-DA-des. Placing the stress on the wrong syllable makes the word sound unnatural. Grammatically, learners often use the wrong preposition when extending the sentence. As discussed earlier, using 'para' instead of 'por' is a frequent mistake. Saying '¡Felicidades para tu nuevo trabajo!' is incorrect; it must be '¡Felicidades por tu nuevo trabajo!'.

Preposition Error: Using 'para' instead of 'por' when stating the reason for congratulations.

Finally, in written Spanish, neglecting the inverted exclamation mark (¡) is a clear sign of a non-native writer.

Sentence ¡Felicidades por el premio! (Correct punctuation).

While it might be skipped in quick text messages, formal emails, essays, and greeting cards require proper punctuation.

Sentence ¡Felicidades a la familia! (Correct).

By paying attention to these common mistakes—ensuring the context is joyous, choosing between felicidades and felicitaciones correctly, mastering the pronunciation and stress, using the correct prepositions, and applying proper punctuation—you will use this wonderful word with confidence and precision, bringing genuine smiles to the faces of those you are celebrating.

Expanding your vocabulary beyond a single word is crucial for achieving fluency, and while ¡Felicidades! is excellent, knowing its alternatives allows you to express yourself with greater nuance and variety. Depending on the specific situation, the region, and the level of formality, different words might be more appropriate.

Sentence ¡Enhorabuena por tu ascenso!.

The most prominent alternative, particularly in Spain, is ¡Enhorabuena! This word literally translates to 'in good hour' and is used to congratulate someone on a significant, usually hard-earned, achievement.

Regional Alternative: ¡Enhorabuena! is heavily used in Spain for major achievements.

If someone gets married, has a baby, or gets a major promotion, ¡Enhorabuena! is the perfect choice in Peninsular Spanish. In Latin America, it is understood but sounds quite formal or literary.

Sentence ¡Felicitaciones por graduarte!.

As previously mentioned, ¡Felicitaciones! is the closest synonym. It is widely used across Latin America to acknowledge effort and success. When a student passes a difficult exam, a teacher will likely write ¡Felicitaciones! on the paper rather than ¡Felicidades!

Effort-Based Synonym: ¡Felicitaciones! highlights the merit of the accomplishment.

For birthdays, the standard alternative is simply ¡Feliz cumpleaños! (Happy birthday!). While ¡Felicidades! is often added to this, ¡Feliz cumpleaños! is the core greeting.

Sentence ¡Feliz cumpleaños, amigo!.

Another beautiful, though slightly more formal, way to express good wishes is to use the verb desear (to wish). You might say, 'Te deseo lo mejor' (I wish you the best) or 'Mis mejores deseos' (My best wishes). These phrases are excellent for closing formal letters or writing in greeting cards when you want to sound elegant and sincere.

Formal Expressions: Phrases using 'desear' add a touch of elegance to your congratulations.

In more casual settings, particularly when acknowledging a job well done rather than a life milestone, you can use phrases like ¡Buen trabajo! (Good job!) or ¡Excelente! (Excellent!).

Sentence ¡Buen trabajo con el proyecto!.

If a friend cooks a great meal or finishes a small task successfully, shouting ¡Felicidades! might be an overreaction. In these cases, ¡Qué bien! (How great!) or ¡Genial! (Awesome!) are much more appropriate.

Sentence ¡Qué bien que conseguiste las entradas!.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to calibrate your response to the exact emotional weight of the situation. You wouldn't use the same word for someone passing a math quiz as you would for someone getting married. By mastering this spectrum of celebratory vocabulary—from the casual ¡Genial! to the formal ¡Enhorabuena! and the universally loved ¡Felicidades!—you demonstrate a deep, nuanced understanding of Spanish social dynamics and cultural empathy.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Rome, Felicitas was actually a goddess who personified good luck and success. She was often featured on Roman coins to promote the prosperity of the empire. So when you say ¡Felicidades!, you are echoing an ancient Roman wish for divine good fortune!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /fe.li.θiˈða.ðes/

US /fe.li.siˈda.des/

fe-li-ci-DA-des

Rhymes With

edades verdades ciudades mitades voluntades amistades facilidades oportunidades

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'c' as a hard 'k'.
Placing the stress on the first syllable (FE-li-ci-da-des).
Placing the stress on the last syllable (fe-li-ci-da-DES).
Pronouncing the 'i's like the English 'eye' instead of 'ee'.
Dropping the final 's' completely.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to its frequency and similarity to 'felicity'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the inverted exclamation mark and correct spelling of 'c' and 's'.

Speaking 4/5

Five syllables can be a tongue twister for beginners. Stress placement is crucial.

Listening 2/5

Usually spoken loudly and clearly with positive body language, making it easy to identify.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Feliz Por Cumpleaños Trabajo Bien

Learn Next

Felicitaciones Enhorabuena Éxito Logro Brindar

Advanced

Parabienes Elogio Conmemoración Homenaje Laureles

Grammar to Know

Preposition 'por' for cause/reason

Felicidades por tu éxito. (Congratulations for/on your success.)

Preposition 'a' for personal 'a' or indirect object

Felicidades a los ganadores. (Congratulations to the winners.)

Infinitive verbs after prepositions

Felicidades por ganar. (Congratulations on winning.)

Exclamatory punctuation

¡Felicidades! (Requires both ¡ and !)

Adjective agreement (Muchas)

Muchas felicidades. (Felicidades is feminine plural, so 'muchas' must match.)

Examples by Level

¡Felicidades por tu cumpleaños!

Congratulations on your birthday!

Used as a direct exclamation.

¡Felicidades, amigo!

Congratulations, friend!

Followed by a noun of address.

¡Muchas felicidades!

Many congratulations!

Modified by the adjective 'muchas'.

¡Felicidades por el bebé!

Congratulations on the baby!

Uses 'por' to indicate the reason.

¡Felicidades a los dos!

Congratulations to both of you!

Uses 'a' to indicate the recipients.

¡Felicidades en tu día!

Congratulations on your day!

Uses 'en' for a specific day.

¡Felicidades por la casa!

Congratulations on the house!

Simple vocabulary combination.

Digo felicidades.

I say congratulations.

Used as a noun object.

¡Felicidades por tu nuevo trabajo en la oficina!

Congratulations on your new job at the office!

Expanded sentence with prepositional phrases.

Te deseo muchas felicidades hoy.

I wish you many congratulations today.

Used as the direct object of 'desear'.

¡Felicidades por haber ganado el partido!

Congratulations on having won the game!

Uses 'por' followed by a perfect infinitive.

Todos te mandan felicidades.

Everyone sends you congratulations.

Used with the verb 'mandar'.

¡Felicidades por tus buenas notas!

Congratulations on your good grades!

Vocabulary related to school.

Quiero darte mis felicidades.

I want to give you my congratulations.

Used with 'dar' and possessive adjective.

¡Felicidades por el aniversario de bodas!

Congratulations on the wedding anniversary!

Specific event vocabulary.

¡Felicidades! Qué buena noticia.

Congratulations! What good news.

Combined with an exclamatory phrase.

¡Felicidades por haber conseguido la beca para estudiar en el extranjero!

Congratulations on having gotten the scholarship to study abroad!

Complex reason using perfect infinitive and prepositional phrases.

Le escribo para expresarle mis más sinceras felicidades.

I am writing to express my most sincere congratulations to you.

Formal register using 'expresar' and 'sinceras'.

Aunque no pude asistir, ¡muchas felicidades a los novios!

Although I couldn't attend, many congratulations to the bride and groom!

Used in a concessive clause structure.

¡Felicidades por el ascenso! Te lo mereces por todo tu esfuerzo.

Congratulations on the promotion! You deserve it for all your effort.

Followed by a supportive statement using 'merecer'.

Es un honor darte mis felicidades en este momento tan importante.

It is an honor to give you my congratulations in this very important moment.

Abstract expression of feeling.

¡Felicidades por la publicación de tu primer libro!

Congratulations on the publication of your first book!

Specific professional achievement.

Mis felicidades van para todo el equipo que trabajó en el proyecto.

My congratulations go to the whole team that worked on the project.

Using 'ir para' to direct the congratulations.

¡Felicidades! Sabía que lo ibas a lograr.

Congratulations! I knew you were going to achieve it.

Combined with imperfect and periphrastic future.

Quisiera extender mis más cálidas felicidades a la junta directiva por los resultados obtenidos.

I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the board of directors for the results obtained.

Highly formal register using conditional 'quisiera'.

¡Felicidades por haber superado todos los obstáculos y llegado a la meta!

Congratulations on having overcome all the obstacles and reached the goal!

Complex sentence with multiple perfect infinitives.

Aprovecho la ocasión para enviarle mis felicidades en estas fiestas patrias.

I take this opportunity to send you my congratulations on these national holidays.

Idiomatic formal phrasing 'Aprovecho la ocasión'.

¡Felicidades! Es un hito verdaderamente notable en tu carrera profesional.

Congratulations! It is a truly notable milestone in your professional career.

Advanced vocabulary like 'hito' and 'notable'.

Recibe mis felicidades, no solo por el premio, sino por tu dedicación constante.

Receive my congratulations, not only for the award, but for your constant dedication.

Using 'no solo... sino' structure.

¡Felicidades! Que este nuevo capítulo en tu vida esté lleno de éxitos.

Congratulations! May this new chapter in your life be full of successes.

Using the subjunctive 'esté' to express a wish.

Mis felicidades por la brillante exposición que acabas de realizar.

My congratulations for the brilliant presentation you just made.

Using 'acabar de' for a recent action.

En nombre de toda la empresa, ¡muchas felicidades por su jubilación!

On behalf of the whole company, many congratulations on your retirement!

Using 'En nombre de' for collective congratulations.

Es menester expresar nuestras más efusivas felicidades ante un logro de tal magnitud.

It is necessary to express our most effusive congratulations in the face of an achievement of such magnitude.

Elevated vocabulary 'menester', 'efusivas', 'magnitud'.

¡Felicidades! Tu perseverancia ha rendido frutos de una manera verdaderamente encomiable.

Congratulations! Your perseverance has borne fruit in a truly commendable way.

Idiomatic expression 'rendir frutos' and advanced adjective 'encomiable'.

Hago extensivas mis felicidades a todos los que, de una forma u otra, contribuyeron a este éxito.

I extend my congratulations to all who, in one way or another, contributed to this success.

Formal phrase 'Hago extensivas'.

¡Felicidades! Has demostrado una resiliencia digna de la mayor de las admiraciones.

Congratulations! You have demonstrated a resilience worthy of the greatest of admirations.

Complex prepositional phrase 'digna de la mayor de las'.

Sirva la presente para hacerle llegar mis más sinceras felicidades por su reciente nombramiento.

Let this serve to send you my most sincere congratulations on your recent appointment.

Classic formal epistolary formula 'Sirva la presente'.

¡Felicidades! El rigor metodológico de tu investigación es incuestionable.

Congratulations! The methodological rigor of your research is unquestionable.

Academic vocabulary.

Mis felicidades por haber sabido sortear las vicisitudes con tanta elegancia.

My congratulations for having known how to navigate the vicissitudes with such elegance.

Advanced vocabulary 'sortear', 'vicisitudes'.

¡Felicidades! Tu obra literaria marca un antes y un después en la narrativa contemporánea.

Congratulations! Your literary work marks a before and after in contemporary narrative.

Idiomatic phrase 'marca un antes y un después'.

Resulta ineludible manifestar nuestras más sentidas felicidades ante la consumación de este magno proyecto.

It is unavoidable to express our most heartfelt congratulations upon the consummation of this grand project.

Highly literary and formal syntax.

¡Felicidades! Has pergeñado una estrategia cuya brillantez solo es equiparable a su audacia.

Congratulations! You have devised a strategy whose brilliance is only comparable to its audacity.

Rare verb 'pergeñar' and complex comparative structure.

Vayan mis parabienes y felicidades para aquellos que no claudicaron ante la adversidad.

May my best wishes and congratulations go to those who did not give up in the face of adversity.

Use of 'parabienes' and literary verb 'claudicar'.

¡Felicidades! Tu discurso estuvo imbuido de una elocuencia verdaderamente cautivadora.

Congratulations! Your speech was imbued with a truly captivating eloquence.

Advanced participle 'imbuido'.

Me congratulo y te extiendo mis felicidades por haber desentrañado tan complejo enigma.

I rejoice and extend my congratulations to you for having unraveled such a complex enigma.

Reflexive use of 'congratularse' and verb 'desentrañar'.

¡Felicidades! La sutileza de tu argumentación ha dejado a tus detractores sin réplica posible.

Congratulations! The subtlety of your argumentation has left your detractors without a possible reply.

Advanced vocabulary 'sutileza', 'detractores', 'réplica'.

Que estas felicidades sirvan como humilde tributo a tu inquebrantable compromiso con la excelencia.

May these congratulations serve as a humble tribute to your unwavering commitment to excellence.

Subjunctive of purpose with highly elevated nouns and adjectives.

¡Felicidades! Has logrado amalgamar la tradición con la vanguardia de una manera magistral.

Congratulations! You have managed to amalgamate tradition with the avant-garde in a masterful way.

Advanced verb 'amalgamar' and abstract concepts.

Common Collocations

Muchas felicidades

Felicidades por

Felicidades a

Dar las felicidades

Mandar felicidades

Felicidades atrasadas

Sinceras felicidades

Felicidades en

Doble felicidades

Mil felicidades

Common Phrases

¡Felicidades por tu cumpleaños!

— Congratulations on your birthday! Used as a standard birthday greeting.

¡Feliz cumpleaños, amigo! ¡Felicidades por tu cumpleaños!

¡Felicidades a los novios!

— Congratulations to the bride and groom! Standard wedding greeting.

La boda fue hermosa, ¡felicidades a los novios!

¡Muchas felicidades!

— Many congratulations! Used to add warmth and emphasis.

¡Muchas felicidades por tu nuevo hogar!

Quiero darte mis felicidades

— I want to give you my congratulations. A slightly more formal way to express the sentiment.

Quiero darte mis felicidades por el excelente trabajo.

¡Felicidades por el bebé!

— Congratulations on the baby! Used when someone announces a pregnancy or birth.

¡Qué hermosa noticia! ¡Felicidades por el bebé!

¡Felicidades por tu graduación!

— Congratulations on your graduation!

Todo tu esfuerzo valió la pena, ¡felicidades por tu graduación!

¡Felicidades en tu día!

— Congratulations on your day! Often used for birthdays, Mother's Day, etc.

A todas las madres, ¡felicidades en su día!

¡Mil felicidades!

— A thousand congratulations! A very enthusiastic way to congratulate.

¡Mil felicidades por haber ganado el concurso!

¡Felicidades por el ascenso!

— Congratulations on the promotion! Common workplace greeting.

Escuché las buenas noticias, ¡felicidades por el ascenso!

Te mando muchas felicidades

— I send you many congratulations. Used when you cannot be there in person.

Desde la distancia, te mando muchas felicidades.

Often Confused With

¡Felicidades! vs Felicitaciones

Felicitaciones is often used for achievements based on merit or hard work, while Felicidades is broader and includes joyous life events like birthdays.

¡Felicidades! vs Enhorabuena

Enhorabuena is primarily used in Spain for major achievements. It sounds very formal or literary in Latin America.

¡Felicidades! vs Feliz

Feliz is an adjective meaning 'happy' (e.g., Feliz cumpleaños). Felicidades is the plural noun used as an interjection (Congratulations).

Idioms & Expressions

"Estar de enhorabuena"

— To be in luck or to have cause for celebration. Often used similarly to receiving congratulations.

Estamos de enhorabuena porque hemos firmado el contrato.

Formal/Spain

"Llevarse los laureles"

— To take the laurels/glory. Related to the concept of achieving something worthy of congratulations.

Al final, ella se llevó los laureles por el proyecto.

Neutral

"Estar de manteles largos"

— To be dressed up/celebrating a special occasion (literally: to have long tablecloths). Used when a big celebration is happening.

Hoy la familia está de manteles largos por la boda.

Informal/Mexico

"Tirar la casa por la ventana"

— To spare no expense in celebrating something. Often follows a congratulatory event.

Para su graduación, tiraron la casa por la ventana.

Informal

"Dar el abrazo"

— To give the hug. Often implies giving the congratulatory hug for New Year or a birthday.

Vine a darte el abrazo de cumpleaños.

Informal

"Brindar por"

— To toast to. The action that often accompanies saying congratulations.

Vamos a brindar por tu nuevo trabajo.

Neutral

"Estar de fiesta"

— To be partying/celebrating. The state of being after receiving congratulations.

Hoy estamos de fiesta por tu éxito.

Informal

"Cosechar éxitos"

— To harvest successes. The reason one receives congratulations.

Él no para de cosechar éxitos en su carrera.

Formal

"Tocar el cielo con las manos"

— To touch the sky with your hands. To be extremely happy, often the feeling when congratulated.

Cuando le dieron el premio, tocó el cielo con las manos.

Literary/Emotional

"Estar en la cima"

— To be at the top. The state of having achieved something great.

Después de tanto esfuerzo, por fin está en la cima.

Neutral

Easily Confused

¡Felicidades! vs Felicitaciones

Both translate to 'Congratulations' in English.

Felicidades focuses on wishing happiness (birthdays, weddings). Felicitaciones focuses on praising effort and merit (graduations, promotions). However, they are often used interchangeably in casual speech.

¡Felicidades en tu cumpleaños! vs. ¡Felicitaciones por graduarte!

¡Felicidades! vs Felicidad

It is the singular form of the word.

Felicidad is the abstract noun meaning 'happiness'. Felicidades is the plural form used specifically as the interjection 'Congratulations'.

El dinero no compra la felicidad. (Money doesn't buy happiness.) vs. ¡Felicidades! (Congratulations!)

¡Felicidades! vs Feliz

Shares the same root and is used in celebratory phrases.

Feliz is an adjective. It must modify a noun (Feliz año, Feliz día). Felicidades stands alone as an exclamation.

¡Feliz Navidad! (Merry Christmas!) vs. ¡Felicidades! (Congratulations!)

¡Felicidades! vs Afortunado

Relates to good fortune, similar to the etymology of felicidades.

Afortunado means 'lucky' or 'fortunate'. It describes a state, not an expression of congratulation.

Eres muy afortunado. (You are very lucky.)

¡Felicidades! vs Éxito

Often the reason you are saying congratulations.

Éxito means 'success'. You wish someone éxito, or you congratulate them on their éxito.

Te deseo mucho éxito. (I wish you much success.)

Sentence Patterns

¡Felicidades!

¡Muchas felicidades!

¡Felicidades por [noun]!

¡Felicidades por tu casa!

¡Felicidades a [person]!

¡Felicidades a tu hermano!

¡Felicidades por [infinitive]!

¡Felicidades por terminar el proyecto!

Quiero darte mis felicidades por [noun].

Quiero darte mis felicidades por el premio.

¡Felicidades por haber [participle]!

¡Felicidades por haber ganado!

Le extiendo mis más sinceras felicidades por [noun].

Le extiendo mis más sinceras felicidades por su nombramiento.

Word Family

Nouns

felicidad

felicitación

Verbs

felicitar

Adjectives

feliz

infeliz

infelicidad

felicitado

felicitador

felicitaciones

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High

Common Mistakes

Using 'para' instead of 'por'. (e.g., Felicidades para tu graduación) → Felicidades por tu graduación.
In Spanish, 'por' is used to indicate cause or reason. You are congratulating them *because of* the graduation.
Forgetting the opening exclamation mark in writing. (e.g., Felicidades!) → ¡Felicidades!
Standard Spanish orthography requires an inverted exclamation mark at the beginning of any exclamatory sentence or phrase.
Using it for sad occasions. (e.g., Saying Felicidades at a funeral) → Mis condolencias. / Lo siento mucho.
Felicidades is strictly for joyous events. Using it for sad events is a severe cultural and linguistic error.
Stressing the wrong syllable. (e.g., fe-li-ci-da-DES) → fe-li-ci-DA-des
Words ending in 's' naturally stress the penultimate (second-to-last) syllable unless there is an accent mark.
Saying 'Muchos felicidades'. → Muchas felicidades.
The noun 'felicidades' is feminine plural, so the adjective modifying it must also be feminine plural ('muchas').

Tips

Use 'Por' for Reasons

Always use the preposition 'por' (not 'para') when you want to state the reason for the congratulations. Example: ¡Felicidades por tu premio!

Master the Stress

The stress falls on the 'DA' syllable: fe-li-ci-DA-des. Practice clapping on the 'DA' to get the rhythm right.

Add Physical Touch

In Hispanic cultures, saying ¡Felicidades! is almost always accompanied by a hug or a kiss on the cheek. Don't be afraid to be warm!

Amplify with 'Muchas'

To sound more native and enthusiastic, add 'Muchas' before the word. '¡Muchas felicidades!' is extremely common and polite.

Punctuation Matters

Always use both ¡ and ! in formal writing. It shows you respect the rules of the Spanish language.

Birthdays are Key

If you only remember one context to use this word, use it for birthdays. It is the perfect follow-up to '¡Feliz cumpleaños!'.

Never for Sad Events

Never use this word for condolences or sad news. It is exclusively reserved for positive, happy moments.

Spain vs. Latin America

If you are in Spain, try using '¡Enhorabuena!' for big achievements to sound like a local. Stick to '¡Felicidades!' in Latin America.

Listen to the Tone

Pay attention to how native speakers say it. The pitch usually goes up, reflecting genuine joy and excitement.

Combine Greetings

Combine it with other positive phrases. '¡Qué buena noticia! ¡Muchas felicidades!' sounds incredibly natural and fluent.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Feel the City's Dads: Imagine all the Dads in the City Feeling happy and shouting Congratulations! (Fe-li-ci-da-des).

Visual Association

Picture a giant, happy face (Feliz) holding a banner that says 'DADES' while confetti falls around it.

Word Web

Feliz Cumpleaños Fiesta Logro Abrazo Regalo Sonrisa Éxito

Challenge

Next time you see a friend achieve something, even a small victory like finishing a puzzle, enthusiastically shout '¡Felicidades!' to build the muscle memory.

Word Origin

The word comes from the Latin word 'felicitas', which means happiness, good fortune, or fertility. It is the plural form of the Spanish noun 'felicidad'. The use of the plural abstract noun as an interjection is a common feature in Romance languages to express abundance or intensity of the feeling.

Original meaning: Originally, it meant 'happinesses' or 'instances of good fortune'. Over time, it evolved into a performative utterance used to wish those 'happinesses' upon someone else.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Western Romance > Ibero-Romance > Spanish.

Cultural Context

Never use this word in the context of a funeral, illness, or loss. It is strictly for positive, celebratory events.

English speakers often just say 'Congrats' casually. In Spanish, while you can say it casually, the full word ¡Felicidades! retains a strong sense of warmth and is rarely abbreviated in speech.

The song 'Felicidades' by famous Puerto Rican singer José Feliciano. Countless telenovela wedding scenes where the crowd erupts in '¡Felicidades!'. The classic Mexican birthday song 'Las Mañanitas' often ends with shouts of '¡Felicidades!'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Birthdays

¡Feliz cumpleaños!
¡Felicidades en tu día!
¡Que cumplas muchos más!
Te mando un abrazo.

Weddings

¡Felicidades a los novios!
¡Que sean muy felices!
¡Viva los novios!
Mis mejores deseos.

Workplace Promotions

¡Felicidades por el ascenso!
¡Buen trabajo!
Te lo mereces.
¡Qué gran logro!

Graduations

¡Felicidades por tu graduación!
¡Lo lograste!
Estamos muy orgullosos.
¡Éxito en tu carrera!

New Baby

¡Felicidades por el bebé!
¡Qué bendición!
¡Es hermoso/a!
¡Muchas felicidades a la familia!

Conversation Starters

"Me enteré de las buenas noticias, ¡muchas felicidades! ¿Cómo te sientes?"

"¡Felicidades por el nuevo proyecto! Cuéntame, ¿de qué se trata?"

"Vi tus fotos de la graduación, ¡felicidades! ¿Qué vas a hacer ahora?"

"¡Felicidades por la casa nueva! ¿Cuándo hacemos la fiesta de inauguración?"

"Acabo de escuchar lo de tu ascenso, ¡felicidades! Vamos a celebrar, ¿te invito un café?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when someone said '¡Felicidades!' to you and how it made you feel.

Write a short congratulatory note in Spanish to a friend who just got a new job.

Explain the cultural difference between celebrating achievements in your country versus a Spanish-speaking country.

Write a dialogue between two friends where one is sharing good news and the other is congratulating them.

List five different life events where you would use the word '¡Felicidades!' and write a specific sentence for each.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, absolutely. While ¡Felicitaciones! is also excellent because a graduation requires hard work, ¡Felicidades! is universally accepted and very common to express your joy for the graduate.

In formal writing, yes. It is a strict grammatical rule in Spanish. However, in quick text messages or informal social media comments, native speakers often omit it for convenience.

¡Enhorabuena! is heavily used in Spain for major life achievements (like a wedding or a new job). In Latin America, ¡Felicidades! or ¡Felicitaciones! are preferred, and ¡Enhorabuena! sounds quite formal.

The most common and polite response is simply '¡Gracias!' or '¡Muchas gracias!'. You can also add a humble comment like 'Gracias, fue un gran esfuerzo' (Thanks, it was a big effort).

No, that is a common mistake. You should use the preposition 'por' or 'en'. The correct phrasing is '¡Felicidades por tu cumpleaños!' or '¡Felicidades en tu cumpleaños!'.

No, never. ¡Felicidades! is strictly for joyous, celebratory occasions. To wish someone well when they are sick, say 'Que te mejores pronto' (Get well soon).

In Spanish, abstract nouns are sometimes pluralized to express intensity or abundance. By saying 'Felicidades', you are essentially wishing them an abundance of happinesses.

Yes, though it's less common than the interjection. For example, 'Le mandé mis felicidades' (I sent him my congratulations).

If you are learning Latin American Spanish, pronounce it like an 's' (se). If you are learning Peninsular Spanish (Spain), pronounce it like the 'th' in 'think' (the).

No. 'Feliz' is an adjective meaning 'happy'. You cannot use it alone to mean congratulations. You must say '¡Felicidades!'.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a simple sentence congratulating a friend on their birthday.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Basic A1 structure.