Meaning
A polite phrase used to congratulate someone.
Cultural Background
The timing of 'Omedetou' is crucial. For New Year's, it should only be said from January 1st onwards, never before the year ends. When a superior achieves something, subordinates often bow while saying 'Omedetou gozaimasu' to show physical respect alongside the words. At weddings, certain '忌み言葉' (imikotoba - taboo words) like 'cutting' or 'splitting' are avoided. 'Omedetou' is the safe, standard anchor for all speeches. On platforms like LINE, users often use 'Omedetou' stickers or stamps which feature characters like Hello Kitty or Rilakkuma holding celebratory banners.
The 'Go-' Prefix
Adding 'Go-' to the event (e.g., Go-kekkon, Go-shuppan) makes you sound like a native speaker with excellent manners.
Don't be too early!
Never say 'Akemashite omedetou' before midnight on New Year's Eve. Use 'Yoi otoshi wo' instead.
Meaning
A polite phrase used to congratulate someone.
The 'Go-' Prefix
Adding 'Go-' to the event (e.g., Go-kekkon, Go-shuppan) makes you sound like a native speaker with excellent manners.
Don't be too early!
Never say 'Akemashite omedetou' before midnight on New Year's Eve. Use 'Yoi otoshi wo' instead.
The Response
If someone says this to you, a simple 'Arigatou gozaimasu' is perfect. Don't just nod!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to wish your teacher a Happy Birthday.
先生、お{誕生日|たんじょうび} [ ]。
Since you are speaking to a teacher (sensei), you must use the formal 'gozaimasu'.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
Situation: Your friend just told you they passed their driving test.
'Goukaku' means passing an exam or test.
Complete the New Year dialogue.
A: あけましておめでとうございます。 B: [ ]。今年もよろしくお願いします。
The standard response to a New Year greeting is to repeat the same greeting back.
Which of these is the most formal way to congratulate someone on their wedding?
Choose the best option:
Adding the honorific 'Go-' and the polite 'gozaimasu' makes it the most formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say Omedetou
Life Events
- • Wedding
- • New Baby
- • New House
Success
- • Promotion
- • Passing Exam
- • Winning Game
Calendar
- • Birthday
- • New Year
- • Graduation
Practice Bank
4 exercises先生、お{誕生日|たんじょうび} [ ]。
Since you are speaking to a teacher (sensei), you must use the formal 'gozaimasu'.
Situation: Your friend just told you they passed their driving test.
'Goukaku' means passing an exam or test.
A: あけましておめでとうございます。 B: [ ]。今年もよろしくお願いします。
The standard response to a New Year greeting is to repeat the same greeting back.
Choose the best option:
Adding the honorific 'Go-' and the polite 'gozaimasu' makes it the most formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'Shoushin omedetou gozaimasu' is the standard way to congratulate a colleague.
Yes, 'Omedetou' is perfect for friends. You can even shorten it to 'Ome!' in texts.
It is a polite auxiliary verb that shows respect to the person you are speaking to.
Absolutely not. It is only for happy, auspicious occasions.
Say 'O-tanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu'.
It's an adjective meaning 'joyous' or 'happy', but it can also mean 'naive' in some slang contexts.
A slight nod or bow is common and polite, especially in formal settings.
Yes, 'Sotsugyou omedetou gozaimasu' is exactly what you should say.
Yes, 'Omedetou gozaimashita', but 'gozaimasu' is more common even for past events.
Yes, but always use the full 'Omedetou gozaimasu'.
Related Phrases
お{祝|いわ}い
similarA celebration or a celebratory gift.
よかったですね
builds onThat's great / I'm glad for you.
お{幸|しあわ}せに
specialized formI wish you happiness.
万歳
contrastHurrah! / Long life!
