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おめでとうございます

A2 interjection #1,500 most common 12 min read

おめでとうございます

Congratulations.

omedetougozaimasu Top 1,500

At the A1 level, 'おめでとうございます' (omedetou gozaimasu) is introduced as a fixed, essential greeting that simply means 'Congratulations.' Beginners are taught to memorize this phrase as a single block of vocabulary without worrying too much about its grammatical breakdown. It is one of the first polite expressions learners encounter, alongside 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you) and 'ohayou gozaimasu' (good morning). At this stage, the focus is on pronunciation and recognizing the situations where it is appropriate to use. Students learn to apply it to universal concepts like birthdays ('otanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu') and the New Year ('akemashite omedetou gozaimasu'). The primary goal is to enable the learner to participate in basic social interactions and show politeness when someone shares good news. Teachers often emphasize the importance of not dropping 'gozaimasu' to ensure the learner remains respectful in all standard interactions. It is a vital tool for building early rapport with Japanese speakers and participating in basic cultural exchanges. The sheer frequency of this phrase in daily life makes it an indispensable part of an A1 vocabulary toolkit.

At the A2 level, learners begin to understand the modularity of 'おめでとうございます'. They start to attach specific vocabulary words to the front of the phrase to create tailored congratulations. For example, they learn words like 'kekkon' (marriage), 'sotsugyou' (graduation), and 'shoukaku' (promotion), and practice combining them with 'omedetou gozaimasu'. Furthermore, A2 learners are introduced to the honorific prefixes 'o' and 'go', learning that it is more polite to say 'go-kekkon omedetou gozaimasu' rather than just 'kekkon omedetou gozaimasu'. This introduces the concept of showing respect not just through the verb ending, but through the treatment of the noun itself. Learners also begin to distinguish between the polite form ('omedetou gozaimasu') and the casual form ('omedetou'), practicing when to use which based on their relationship with the listener. They learn that 'omedetou' is strictly for close friends and family, while 'omedetou gozaimasu' is the safe default for acquaintances, colleagues, and strangers. This level marks the transition from rote memorization to active, context-aware application of the phrase.

At the B1 level, the understanding of 'おめでとうございます' deepens to include tense changes and more complex social nuances. Learners are taught how to conjugate the phrase into the past tense, 'omedetou gozaimashita', which is crucial for congratulating someone on an event that has already concluded, such as a graduation ceremony that took place the previous week. Additionally, B1 students learn to pair the phrase with introductory clauses to create more natural and flowing conversational sentences. For instance, they might learn to say, 'Kono tabi wa, gokekkon omedetou gozaimasu' (Congratulations on your marriage at this time) or 'Shiken ni goukaku shite, omedetou gozaimasu' (Congratulations on passing the exam). The focus shifts towards fluency and sounding more like a native speaker by embedding the core phrase within a broader grammatical context. Learners also start to recognize situations where 'omedetou gozaimasu' might not be the best choice, such as using 'yokatta desu ne' for minor successes, thereby refining their pragmatic competence and cultural sensitivity.

At the B2 level, learners are expected to use 'おめでとうございます' with a high degree of sociolinguistic accuracy, particularly in formal and business environments. They master the use of the phrase in written Japanese, such as drafting formal emails, writing New Year's cards (nengajou), and preparing congratulatory telegrams (denpou). In these contexts, they learn to pair the phrase with highly formal vocabulary and keigo (honorific language). For example, they might write, 'Kiden no go-shoushin o kokoro yori oiwai moushiagemasu to tomo ni, omedetou gozaimasu' (I humbly offer my heartfelt congratulations on your promotion). B2 learners also understand the subtle intonation and body language required when delivering this phrase in professional settings, such as the appropriate depth of a bow. They are fully aware of the cultural weight of the phrase and use it to actively build and maintain professional networks and social harmony (wa). The phrase is no longer just vocabulary; it is a tool for navigating complex Japanese social hierarchies.

At the C1 level, the learner's grasp of 'おめでとうございます' is near-native, encompassing a deep understanding of its etymology and its role in Japanese cultural psychology. C1 learners know that 'omedetou' derives from the adjective 'medetai' (auspicious) and understand how this concept ties into traditional Japanese beliefs about luck, fortune, and shared joy. They can effortlessly switch between various synonyms and related expressions, such as 'oiwai moushiagemasu' or 'keiha itashimasu', depending on the exact degree of formality required by the situation. They can use the phrase rhetorically or in complex, multi-clause sentences during formal speeches, such as giving a toast at a wedding or addressing a corporate gathering. At this level, learners are also attuned to the subtle emotional undertones of the phrase, knowing how to inject genuine warmth into a highly formal expression through pacing, tone, and choice of accompanying words. They can navigate the most delicate social situations, ensuring their congratulations are perfectly calibrated to the recipient's status and the specific nature of the event.

At the C2 level, mastery of 'おめでとうございます' is absolute. The user not only employs the phrase flawlessly in all conceivable contexts but also understands its historical evolution and its reflection of the Japanese soul (kotodama - the spirit of words). A C2 speaker can engage in high-level literary or academic discussions about how the concept of 'medetai' shapes Japanese societal interactions and rituals. They can read and write the phrase in its rare kanji form (お目出度う御座います) if encountered in classical or highly stylized literature, though they know it is practically obsolete in daily use. They can effortlessly craft highly poetic and personalized congratulatory messages that blend traditional seasonal greetings (kigo) with sincere personal sentiments, seamlessly integrating 'omedetou gozaimasu' into a tapestry of advanced keigo and refined vocabulary. At this pinnacle of fluency, the phrase is wielded with the grace and precision of a native diplomat or scholar, perfectly embodying the Japanese ideals of respect, empathy, and aesthetic communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

おめでとうございます in 30 Seconds

The standard polite way to say 'Congratulations' in Japanese.
Used for birthdays, weddings, graduations, and the New Year.
Combine with 'gozaimasu' for politeness with superiors.
Derived from 'medetai', meaning auspicious or joyous.

The Japanese phrase 'おめでとうございます' (omedetou gozaimasu) is an essential and universally recognized expression used to convey congratulations, celebrate auspicious occasions, and share in the joy of others' achievements or milestones. To truly grasp what this phrase means, one must look beyond the simple English translation of 'congratulations' and delve into its linguistic and cultural roots. The word 'おめでとう' (omedetou) originates from the traditional Japanese adjective 'めでたい' (medetai), which means auspicious, joyous, happy, or worthy of celebration. When this adjective is transformed into its adverbial form and combined with the honorific prefix 'お' (o), it becomes 'おめでとう'. This alone can be used as a casual form of congratulations among close friends and family members. However, the addition of 'ございます' (gozaimasu), a highly polite and formal verb meaning 'to be' or 'to exist', elevates the phrase to a level of respect and formality that makes it appropriate for almost any social or professional situation.

Linguistic Breakdown: The prefix 'o' adds politeness, 'medetou' conveys the auspicious nature of the event, and 'gozaimasu' ensures the statement is delivered with appropriate social deference.

ご結婚おめでとうございます。

When you say this phrase, you are essentially stating, 'This is an auspicious and joyous state of affairs.' It is a reflection of the Japanese cultural value of 'wa' (harmony), where sharing in the happiness of others strengthens social bonds and community ties. The phrase is incredibly versatile and is not limited to personal achievements like passing an exam or getting a promotion; it is also heavily used in seasonal greetings, most notably during the New Year.

Cultural Significance: In Japanese society, acknowledging milestones is a critical component of maintaining harmonious relationships and showing respect for others' life journeys.

昇進おめでとうございます。

Furthermore, the concept of 'medetai' is deeply ingrained in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, where celebrating good fortune is seen as a way to invite even more positive energy and blessings into one's life. Therefore, when you use this phrase, you are participating in a long-standing cultural tradition of spreading positivity and acknowledging the hard work, good luck, or simply the joyous nature of a specific event.

合格おめでとうございます。

It is also important to note that the phrase can be modified depending on the specific occasion by adding a prefix noun, such as 'otanjoubi' (birthday) or 'gokekkon' (marriage), making it a highly modular and adaptable expression.

Modularity: By simply placing the occasion before the phrase, you instantly create a specific, tailored congratulatory message suitable for any event.

ご卒業おめでとうございます。

Ultimately, mastering this phrase is a fundamental step in Japanese language acquisition, as it opens the door to participating in social rituals, building rapport with native speakers, and demonstrating a respectful understanding of Japanese social etiquette.

明けましておめでとうございます。

Using 'おめでとうございます' correctly involves understanding both the grammatical structure and the social context in which it is applied. This phrase is incredibly versatile and serves as the backbone for almost all celebratory greetings in the Japanese language. The most common way to use it is by placing the event or occasion immediately before the phrase. For example, 'otanjoubi' means birthday, so 'otanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu' translates to 'Happy Birthday'. Similarly, 'gokekkon' means marriage, resulting in 'gokekkon omedetou gozaimasu' for 'Congratulations on your marriage'.

Prefixing Occasions: Always remember to add the honorific 'o' or 'go' to the noun preceding the phrase when speaking formally, such as 'o-tanjoubi' or 'go-sotsugyou'.

お誕生日おめでとうございます。

Another highly specific and culturally significant use of this phrase is during the New Year. In Japan, the New Year is the most important holiday, and the standard greeting is 'Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu', which literally means 'Congratulations on the opening (of the new year)'. This phrase is used exclusively from January 1st until around January 7th or 15th, depending on the region.

New Year Greeting: 'Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu' is a fixed phrase. Never use it before January 1st; before the new year, use 'Yoi otoshi o' instead.

新年明けましておめでとうございます。

In professional settings, such as when a colleague receives a promotion or completes a major project, the phrase is indispensable. You might say 'Shoushin omedetou gozaimasu' (Congratulations on your promotion). It is important to deliver this with a slight bow and a sincere tone, as Japanese business etiquette places a high value on acknowledging the success of team members.

プロジェクトの成功、おめでとうございます。

Furthermore, when someone announces a pregnancy or the birth of a child, 'Goshussan omedetou gozaimasu' is the standard and expected response. The versatility of the phrase means you do not need to learn dozens of different congratulatory expressions; you simply need to learn the vocabulary for the event itself.

Written vs. Spoken: In written form, such as in a greeting card (nengajou) or an email, the phrase remains exactly the same, though it may be accompanied by more formal introductory and concluding remarks.

昨日はご卒業おめでとうございました。

Mastering the usage of this phrase ensures that you can smoothly navigate the social landscape of Japan, participating in the shared joy that characterizes so many of its cultural and personal milestones.

ご就職おめでとうございます。

The phrase 'おめでとうございます' is ubiquitous in Japanese society, echoing through a vast array of settings, from the most intimate family gatherings to the most formal corporate boardrooms. Because Japanese culture places a significant emphasis on recognizing milestones and celebrating transitions, you will hear this phrase frequently if you spend any amount of time in Japan or consuming Japanese media. One of the most common places you will hear it is at educational institutions. During graduation ceremonies (sotsugyoushiki) in March and entrance ceremonies (nyuugakushiki) in April, the phrase is repeated endlessly by principals, teachers, parents, and students.

Educational Milestones: In schools, 'nyuugaku omedetou gozaimasu' (congratulations on entering school) and 'sotsugyou omedetou gozaimasu' (congratulations on graduating) are standard, formal greetings.

大学合格、本当におめでとうございます。

Another major setting is the workplace. Japanese corporate culture values harmony and collective success, so when an individual achieves something notable, such as a promotion, a successful project completion, or even a transfer to a desirable department, colleagues and superiors will offer their congratulations.

社長就任、心よりおめでとうございます。

You will also hear it extensively during the New Year holidays. If you turn on Japanese television on January 1st, almost every commercial, news anchor, and variety show host will begin their broadcast with 'Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu'. This greeting is so pervasive that it defines the auditory landscape of the first week of January in Japan.

Media and Broadcasting: Television and radio personalities use this phrase to address the audience directly, creating a sense of shared national celebration.

視聴者の皆様、明けましておめでとうございます。

Weddings are another primary venue for this phrase. Whether you are speaking to the bride and groom, their parents, or giving a speech at the reception, 'gokekkon omedetou gozaimasu' is the required phrase. It is often preceded by 'kono tabi wa' (on this occasion) to add an extra layer of formality.

この度はご結婚、誠におめでとうございます。

Finally, in everyday life, you will hear it at birthday parties, baby showers, and even in retail environments. For example, if you win a prize in a store lottery (fukubiki), the shop staff will ring a bell and loudly exclaim 'Omedetou gozaimasu!' to draw attention to your good fortune.

Retail and Prizes: In commercial settings, the phrase is used enthusiastically to celebrate a customer's luck, often accompanied by the ringing of a handbell.

一等賞です！おめでとうございます！

This widespread usage underscores the phrase's role as a fundamental building block of positive social interaction in Japan.

While 'おめでとうございます' is a relatively straightforward phrase, learners of Japanese often make several common mistakes regarding its nuance, formality, and appropriate context. The most frequent error is a mismatch in formality levels. Because 'omedetou' is the casual form and 'omedetou gozaimasu' is the polite form, learners sometimes use the casual form with superiors, teachers, or people they have just met. This can come across as overly familiar or even disrespectful. Conversely, using the full polite form with a close friend or a younger sibling might sound stiff, distant, or sarcastic.

Formality Mismatch: Always gauge your relationship with the listener. Use 'gozaimasu' for out-groups and superiors, and drop it for in-groups and close friends.

先生、お誕生日おめでとうございます。（Correct）

Another common mistake relates to the New Year greeting. Many foreigners learn 'Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu' and enthusiastically use it in December to mean 'Happy New Year' in advance, similar to how one might say 'Merry Christmas' weeks before the actual day. However, in Japanese, this phrase strictly means 'Congratulations on the new year having opened/dawned'. Therefore, it is logically impossible and culturally incorrect to say it before midnight on December 31st. Before the new year, the correct phrase is 'Yoi otoshi o (omukae kudasai)'.

Timing Errors: Using New Year greetings prematurely is a classic learner mistake. Wait until January 1st to use 'Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu'.

皆様、明けましておめでとうございます。（Only in January）

A third mistake involves tense. If an event happened in the past, such as someone getting married last month or passing an exam last week, learners often still use the present tense 'omedetou gozaimasu'. While native speakers will understand and appreciate the sentiment, the grammatically correct and more natural phrasing is the past tense 'omedetou gozaimashita'.

先日はご結婚おめでとうございました。

Furthermore, learners sometimes use this phrase for minor, everyday successes where a native speaker would use a different phrase. For example, if a colleague finishes a difficult daily task, saying 'omedetou gozaimasu' is overly dramatic. In such cases, 'Otsukaresama desu' (Thank you for your hard work) or 'Yokatta desu ne' (That's great/I'm glad) is much more appropriate.

Overuse for Minor Events: Reserve 'omedetou gozaimasu' for actual milestones, ceremonies, and significant achievements. Do not use it for completing routine chores.

無事にご出産、おめでとうございます。

Finally, forgetting to add the honorific 'o' or 'go' to the noun preceding the phrase (e.g., saying 'kekkon omedetou gozaimasu' instead of 'gokekkon omedetou gozaimasu' to a superior) can slightly diminish the politeness of the greeting. Paying attention to these subtle nuances will greatly improve the naturalness of your Japanese.

While 'おめでとうございます' is the standard and most versatile way to offer congratulations in Japanese, there are several similar words and phrases that convey related sentiments. Understanding these alternatives allows for more nuanced and contextually appropriate communication. One of the most common alternatives is 'お祝い申し上げます' (oiwai moushiagemasu). This is a highly formal, humble expression used primarily in written correspondence, such as formal greeting cards, business emails, or telegrams sent to weddings. It translates to 'I humbly offer my congratulations/celebration.'

お祝い申し上げます (Oiwai moushiagemasu): Use this in highly formal, written contexts or when speaking to someone of significantly higher status to show profound respect.

心よりお祝い申し上げます。

Another related phrase is 'よかったですね' (Yokatta desu ne), which translates to 'That's great,' 'I'm glad for you,' or 'Thank goodness.' While not a direct translation of 'congratulations,' it is frequently used in situations where someone has received good news, passed a minor test, or avoided a negative outcome. It expresses empathy and shared relief or happiness, making it perfect for everyday, minor successes where 'omedetou gozaimasu' might feel too grand or formal.

よかったですね (Yokatta desu ne): Ideal for expressing relief or happiness for someone's minor good fortune or successful completion of a stressful task.

テストに受かって、よかったですね。

In the workplace, 'お疲れ様です' (Otsukaresama desu) is often used in place of congratulations when a colleague finishes a difficult project or a long day of work. While it literally means 'You must be tired,' it functions as an acknowledgment of hard work and a minor celebration of completion.

大きなプロジェクト、お疲れ様でした。

For expressing praise rather than congratulations, '素晴らしいですね' (Subarashii desu ne), meaning 'That is wonderful/amazing,' or 'さすがですね' (Sasuga desu ne), meaning 'As expected of you (in a good way),' are excellent choices. These phrases compliment the person's skill or character rather than just acknowledging an event.

Praise vs. Congratulations: Use 'subarashii' to compliment the quality of an achievement, whereas 'omedetou' celebrates the occurrence of the milestone itself.

ご栄転おめでとうございます。さすがですね。

Lastly, '万歳' (Banzai), meaning 'Ten thousand years,' is a traditional exclamation of joy, victory, or long life, often accompanied by raising both arms. While not a direct substitute for conversational congratulations, it is used in group settings to celebrate a major collective victory or milestone, such as a company's anniversary or a political win. Understanding these nuances allows you to express your shared joy and respect in the most culturally accurate manner possible.

優勝おめでとうございます！万歳！

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

お誕生日おめでとうございます。

Happy birthday.

Basic noun + omedetou gozaimasu.

ご結婚おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on your marriage.

Prefix 'go' added to 'kekkon' for politeness.

明けましておめでとうございます。

Happy New Year.

Fixed phrase for the New Year.

卒業おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on your graduation.

Noun 'sotsugyou' (graduation) + phrase.

合格おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on passing.

Noun 'goukaku' (passing an exam) + phrase.

優勝おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on your victory.

Noun 'yuushou' (championship/victory) + phrase.

入学おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on entering school.

Noun 'nyuugaku' (school entrance) + phrase.

おめでとうございます！

Congratulations!

Used standalone as a general congratulatory remark.

ご出産おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on the birth of your child.

Prefix 'go' + 'shussan' (childbirth).

昇進おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on your promotion.

Noun 'shoushin' (promotion) + phrase.

就職おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on getting a job.

Noun 'shuushoku' (finding employment) + phrase.

昨日はおめでとうございました。

Congratulations on yesterday.

Past tense 'gozaimashita' used for past events.

本当に、おめでとうございます。

Truly, congratulations.

Adverb 'hontou ni' (truly/really) adds emphasis.

退院おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on leaving the hospital.

Noun 'taiin' (hospital discharge) + phrase.

成人おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on coming of age.

Noun 'seijin' (coming of age) + phrase.

新居完成おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on the completion of your new home.

Compound noun 'shinkyo kansei' + phrase.

この度はご結婚おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on your marriage at this time.

'Kono tabi wa' adds a formal introductory tone.

試験に合格して、おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on passing the exam.

Te-form of verb (goukaku shite) linking to the phrase.

心からおめでとうございますと言いたいです。

I want to say congratulations from the bottom of my heart.

Quotation particle 'to' + iitai (want to say).

金賞受賞、誠におめでとうございます。

Sincere congratulations on winning the gold prize.

'Makoto ni' (sincerely) increases formality.

長年の夢が叶って、おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on your long-held dream coming true.

Clause 'yume ga kanatte' (dream came true) + phrase.

無事にプロジェクトが終わって、おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on safely finishing the project.

Adverb 'buji ni' (safely/without issue) used with te-form.

ご栄転おめでとうございます。寂しくなりますね。

Congratulations on your promotion and transfer. We will miss you.

Combining congratulations with a personal sentiment.

遅れましたが、お誕生日おめでとうございます。

It's late, but happy birthday.

'Okuremashita ga' (I'm late, but) as a preface.

創立50周年、心よりおめでとうございます。

Heartfelt congratulations on your 50th anniversary of founding.

'Kokoro yori' (from the bottom of my heart) is highly formal.

社長ご就任、誠におめでとうございます。

Sincere congratulations on your inauguration as company president.

'Go-shuunin' (inauguration) used for high-level positions.

ご子息の難関大学合格、おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on your son passing the difficult university entrance exam.

Using formal terms for family members ('goshisoku' for son).

皆様のご健勝とご多幸をお祈りしつつ、新年のおめでとうございますを申し上げます。

Praying for everyone's health and happiness, I offer my New Year's congratulations.

Complex sentence structure typical of formal writing.

念願の独立、本当におめでとうございます。今後のご活躍を期待しております。

Congratulations on your long-desired independence. I look forward to your future success.

Pairing congratulations with well-wishes for the future.

ご結婚おめでとうございます。末永くお幸せに。

Congratulations on your marriage. May you be happy forever.

'Suenagaku oshiawase ni' is a fixed phrase for weddings.

素晴らしい賞を受賞されたとのこと、おめでとうございます。

I heard you received a wonderful award; congratulations.

'To no koto' (I heard that) used to reference news.

新店舗のオープン、おめでとうございます。商売繁盛をお祈り申し上げます。

Congratulations on opening the new store. I pray for your prosperous business.

Industry-specific well-wishes ('shoubai hanjou').

この度の栄えある受章、心よりおめでとうございます。

Heartfelt congratulations on receiving this prestigious honor.

'Sakaearu' (prestigious/glorious) elevates the tone significantly.

御社が東証一部に上場されましたこと、謹んでおめでとうございますと申し上げます。

I humbly offer my congratulations on your esteemed company being listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

'Tsutsushinde' (humbly) and 'moushiagemasu' (offer) demonstrate advanced keigo.

長きにわたるご研究が実を結びましたこと、本当におめでとうございます。

Congratulations on your long years of research bearing fruit.

Poetic phrasing 'mi o musubu' (to bear fruit).

ご令嬢の華燭の典を迎えられましたこと、おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on welcoming the wedding ceremony of your daughter.

Highly formal vocabulary: 'goreijou' (daughter), 'kashoku no ten' (wedding).

新社屋落成の運びとなりましたこと、おめでとうございます。

Congratulations on reaching the completion of your new office building.

'Hakobi to narimashita' (has come to the point of) is formal business Japanese.

画期的な新製品の開発成功、おめでとうございます。業界の発展に大きく寄与されることと存じます。

Congratulations on the successful development of your epoch-making new product. I believe it will greatly contribute to the industry's development.

Combining congratulations with high-level professional praise.

還暦をお迎えになられましたこと、おめでとうございます。益々のご活躍をお祈りいたします。

Congratulations on reaching your 60th birthday. I pray for your continued success.

'Kanreki' (60th birthday) is a major cultural milestone requiring formal address.

厳しい難局を乗り越えられての黒字化、誠におめでとうございます。

Sincere congratulations on returning to profitability after overcoming severe difficulties.

Complex contextual framing before the congratulatory phrase.

この度の叙勲の栄に浴されましたこと、誠におめでたく、心よりお祝い申し上げます。

It is truly auspicious that you have been honored with this decoration, and I offer my heartfelt congratulations.

'Ei ni yokusaremashita' (basked in the honor) is pinnacle-level formal Japanese.

貴殿の長年にわたるご功績が評価されましたこと、私共にとりましても喜ばしく、おめでとうございます。

That your many years of achievements have been recognized is a joy for us as well; congratulations.

Expressing shared joy ('watakushidomo ni torimashite mo yorokobashiku').

御一族の皆様におかれましては、さぞかしお喜びのことと拝察いたし、おめでとうございます。

I surmise that everyone in your esteemed family must be overjoyed, and I offer my congratulations.

'Haisatsu itashi' (I humbly guess/surmise) shows deep empathy and respect.

春陽の候、貴社におかれましては益々ご清栄のこととお慶び申し上げますとともに、新事業の立ち上げ、おめでとうございます。

In this season of spring sunlight, I rejoice in your company's increasing prosperity, and congratulate you on the launch of your new business.

Flawless integration of seasonal greetings (jiko no aisatsu) with congratulations.

未曾有の危機を打破され、見事なV字回復を成し遂げられましたこと、ただただ感服いたすとともに、おめでとうございます。

I am simply in awe of your achieving a splendid V-shaped recovery by breaking through an unprecedented crisis, and I offer my congratulations.

Advanced vocabulary ('mizou', 'daha', 'kanpuku') paired with the phrase.

ご著書の上梓、おめでとうございます。後進の道を照らす大作となられますこと、確信しております。

Congratulations on the publication of your book. I am confident it will become a masterpiece that illuminates the path for future generations.

'Joushi' (publication) and poetic praise ('koushin no michi o terasu').

百寿のお祝いを迎えられましたこと、誠におめでたく、あやかりたいと存じます。おめでとうございます。

It is truly auspicious that you have reached your 100th birthday celebration; I humbly wish to share in your good fortune. Congratulations.

'Hyakuju' (100th birthday) and 'ayakari tai' (wish to share the luck).

多難な道のりであったと推察いたしますが、初志貫徹されましたこと、心よりおめでとうございます。

I presume it was a path filled with difficulties, but heartfelt congratulations on carrying out your original intention to the end.

Four-character idiom (yojijukugo) 'shoshikantetsu' used effectively.

Common Collocations

お誕生日おめでとうございます

ご結婚おめでとうございます

明けましておめでとうございます

ご卒業おめでとうございます

ご入学おめでとうございます

ご就職おめでとうございます

ご昇進おめでとうございます

ご出産おめでとうございます

合格おめでとうございます

優勝おめでとうございます

Common Phrases

心よりおめでとうございます

誠におめでとうございます

本当におめでとうございます

遅れましたが、おめでとうございます

この度はおめでとうございます

改めておめでとうございます

おめでとうございますと言わせてください

新年明けましておめでとうございます

おめでとうございます、末永くお幸せに

おめでとうございます、今後のご活躍をお祈りします

Often Confused With

おめでとうございます vs ありがとう (Arigatou - Thank you)

おめでとうございます vs お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu - Good work)

おめでとうございます vs お大事に (Odaiji ni - Get well soon)

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

おめでとうございます vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

gifts

Often said while handing over a congratulatory gift (oiwai) or a monetary gift in a special envelope (shugibukuro).

timing

Use immediately upon hearing the good news or at the specific event.

body language

Always accompany with a smile and a bow (degree of bow depends on the recipient's status).

Common Mistakes

Using 'omedetou' (without gozaimasu) to a boss or teacher.
Saying 'Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu' in December.
Using it to congratulate someone on finishing a mundane daily task.
Forgetting to say 'Arigatou gozaimasu' in response.
Writing it in kanji (お目出度う御座います) in a casual text message.

Tips

Don't forget the prefix

Always try to add 'o' or 'go' to the noun you are celebrating to sound natural and polite (e.g., go-sotsugyou, o-tanjoubi).

New Year Rule

Never use 'Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu' before midnight on December 31st. It is strictly a post-New Year greeting.

Tone matters

Say it with a bright, happy tone. A flat or monotone delivery can sound sarcastic or insincere.

Hiragana is best

When writing a card, use hiragana (おめでとうございます). It looks softer and more approachable than the rare kanji.

Bow while speaking

In formal or business situations, accompany the phrase with a respectful bow (ojigi).

Learn the events

Memorize the words for major life events (kekkon, sotsugyou, shoushin) so you can easily plug them into the phrase.

Listen for the drop

If a native speaker drops 'gozaimasu' when talking to you, it means they consider you a close friend or an equal.

Not for daily chores

Reserve this phrase for actual milestones. Don't use it when someone just finishes their shift at work.

Saying Thank You

Always reply with a polite 'Arigatou gozaimasu' when someone congratulates you.

Add 'Kokoro yori'

To sound extremely polite and sincere in formal situations, add 'Kokoro yori' (from the bottom of my heart) before the phrase.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine saying 'Oh, me day too!' when someone has a birthday, sharing the joy. 'Oh-me-de-tou'. Add 'gozaimasu' to make it polite.

Word Origin

Derived from the classical Japanese adjective 'medetashi' (愛でたし), meaning 'worthy of admiration' or 'beloved'.

Cultural Context

Never use this phrase at funerals or in situations of mourning. The opposite is 'O-kuyami moushiagemasu'.

Never say 'Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu' before January 1st. It strictly means the new year has already opened.

Always use the prefix 'go-' (gokekkon) and avoid words that sound like 'cutting' or 'breaking' (kiretsu, wakareru) when giving congratulations.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"お誕生日おめでとうございます！素敵な一年になりますように。"

"ご結婚おめでとうございます。新婚生活はどうですか？"

"明けましておめでとうございます。今年もよろしくお願いします。"

"昇進おめでとうございます！今度お祝いしましょう。"

"合格おめでとうございます！よく頑張りましたね。"

Journal Prompts

Write a congratulatory message to a friend who just got a new job.

Describe a time someone said 'omedetou gozaimasu' to you and how it made you feel.

Draft a Japanese New Year's card (nengajou) using the phrase.

List five different life events and write the appropriate 'omedetou gozaimasu' phrase for each.

Explain the difference between 'omedetou' and 'omedetou gozaimasu' in your own words.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but only to close friends, family members, or people younger/lower in status than you. Using it with a boss or a stranger is considered rude.

Generally, 'o' is used with words of Japanese origin (wago), like 'o-tanjoubi' (birthday). 'Go' is used with words of Chinese origin (kango), like 'go-kekkon' (marriage).

No. It literally means the new year has opened. Saying it before January 1st is incorrect. Use 'Yoi otoshi o' instead.

It is better to say 'Taiin omedetou gozaimasu' (Congrats on leaving the hospital) or 'Yokatta desu ne' (I'm glad). Just 'omedetou' can sound strange in a medical context.

Yes, it is お目出度う御座います. However, it is almost never used in modern Japanese. Stick to hiragana.

The standard reply is 'Arigatou gozaimasu' (Thank you very much).

No, it sounds overly dramatic. For minor tasks, use 'Otsukaresama' (Good job/You worked hard) or 'Yokatta ne' (That's great).

You can say 'Okuremashita ga, [event] omedetou gozaimasu' which means 'It's late, but congratulations on [event].'

The New Year is the most important holiday in Japan, and collectively greeting the nation with this phrase is a major cultural tradition to invite good luck.

Yes. If the event is completely finished and in the past, you can say 'omedetou gozaimashita', though present tense is often still acceptable.