Meaning
A casual form of congratulations.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'O-iwai' (celebration/gift) often accompanies 'Omedetou.' When you say it for a wedding or birth, it's common to give a monetary gift in a special envelope called 'Shuugibukuro.' In companies, 'Omedetou' is used for promotions, but it's often followed by a humble response from the recipient, attributing their success to the team. The first 'Omedetou' of the year is very important. People send 'Nengajo' (New Year postcards) with this phrase to everyone they know to maintain social ties. The phrase is often used in a 'clapping circle' in anime to show group support, most famously in the finale of Neon Genesis Evangelion.
The 'Gozaimasu' Rule
When in doubt, use the long form. It's never rude to be too polite, but it's very rude to be too casual.
New Year Timing
Only say 'Akemashite omedetou' from Jan 1st to about Jan 7th. After that, it's too late!
Meaning
A casual form of congratulations.
The 'Gozaimasu' Rule
When in doubt, use the long form. It's never rude to be too polite, but it's very rude to be too casual.
New Year Timing
Only say 'Akemashite omedetou' from Jan 1st to about Jan 7th. After that, it's too late!
Not for 'Good Luck'
English speakers often say 'Congratulations' when someone gets an opportunity. In Japanese, wait until they actually succeed.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to say to your teacher who just got married.
先生、ご結婚（ ）。
Teachers require the polite 'gozaimasu' form.
Fill in the blank to wish someone a Happy Birthday.
（ ）おめでとう！
Tanjoubi means birthday.
Match the phrase to the correct date.
When do you say 'あけましておめでとう'?
This is the specific greeting for the New Year.
Complete the dialogue.
A: テストで100点取ったよ！ B: すごい！（ ）！
B is congratulating A on their perfect score.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say Omedetou
Life Events
- • Wedding
- • New Baby
- • New House
Achievements
- • Passing Exam
- • Graduation
- • Promotion
Calendar
- • Birthday
- • New Year
Practice Bank
4 exercises先生、ご結婚（ ）。
Teachers require the polite 'gozaimasu' form.
（ ）おめでとう！
Tanjoubi means birthday.
When do you say 'あけましておめでとう'?
This is the specific greeting for the New Year.
A: テストで100点取ったよ！ B: すごい！（ ）！
B is congratulating A on their perfect score.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, Japanese doesn't have a general 'Happy Holidays.' For Christmas, use 'Merry Christmas' (Meri-kurisumasu). 'Omedetou' is only for New Year.
Simply say 'Arigatou' (casual) or 'Arigatou gozaimasu' (polite).
Yes, {御目出度う|おめでとう}, but it is almost always written in Hiragana in modern Japanese.
Not really. It's a social greeting. If you're happy about your own success, you'd say 'Yatta!' (I did it!).
It comes from 'akeru,' meaning 'to dawn' or 'to open.' It refers to the new year dawning.
Related Phrases
お祝い
similarA celebration or a gift.
よかったね
similarI'm glad for you / That's good.
万歳
specialized formHurrah! / Long life!
お幸せに
builds onI wish you happiness.
