French · Real conversations
How to respond to “Félicitations !” in French
Congratulations recognize an achievement or good event. A short thanks is enough, and a little detail can add warmth.
What you might hear
Félicitations !
Congratulations!
Choose a reply that fits
Merci !
Thank you!
A simple acknowledgment.
Merci, je suis vraiment heureux / heureuse.
Thanks, I'm really happy.
Share your happiness.
Je n'aurais pas réussi sans ton aide.
I couldn't have done it without your help.
Credit the person's help when it was part of the achievement.
C'est gentil de ta part.
That's kind of you.
Acknowledge the person's kindness.
Two short exchanges
A personal achievement
Félicitations !
Congratulations!
Merci !
Thank you!
A new job
Félicitations pour ton nouveau travail !
Congratulations on your new job!
Merci, je suis vraiment heureux / heureuse.
Thanks, I'm really happy.
Your turn
Thank someone who helped you achieve the result.
Reveal a sample reply
Je n'aurais pas réussi sans ton aide.
I couldn't have done it without your help.
This response guide in other languages
A note on speaking French
Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.
Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.
