French · Greetings & Essentials
"Congratulations!" in French: félicitations
félicitations
Congratulations in French is félicitations. You say félicitations ! for a job, exam, or baby. Bravo is shorter and common too.
After an exam
Félicitations, tu as réussi !Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce félicitations
Say it
fay-lee-see-ta-SYOHN
/fe.li.si.ta.sjɔ̃/
Félicitations: fay-lee-see-ta-SYOHN. Stress near the end; -tions is like SYOHN.
"Congratulations!" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| félicitations | congratulations Standard wish. | Standard wish. |
| félicitations ! | congratulations! As a stand-alone line. | As a stand-alone line. |
| bravo | well done / bravo Shorter praise. | Shorter praise. |
| toutes mes félicitations | my warmest congratulations More formal or heartfelt. | More formal or heartfelt. |
How to use félicitations in real life
- 1After an exam
Félicitations, tu as réussi !
Congratulations, you passed!
Common after results.
- 2New job
Félicitations pour ton nouveau poste.
Congratulations on your new job.
Pour + the reason.
- 3Wedding news
Félicitations à vous deux !
Congratulations to you both!
À vous deux for a couple (vous polite/plural).
Mistakes English speakers make with félicitations
Incorrect: Congratulation !
Correct: Félicitations !
Use the French word; English congratulations is not the everyday choice.
Incorrect: Félicitation !
Correct: Félicitations !
Almost always plural: félicitations.
Good to know
A simple félicitations ! plus a smile is enough. For bigger news, people add a detail: félicitations pour le bébé, pour le diplôme. Merci or merci beaucoup is the normal reply.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Celebrating a friend's promotion
ChatPal
Félicitations pour ta promotion !
Congratulations on your promotion!
You
Merci pour tes félicitations ! Ça me fait plaisir.
Thanks for your congratulations! That means a lot.
ChatPal
On fête ça ce week-end ?
Shall we celebrate this weekend?
You
Oui, samedi soir chez moi.
Yes, Saturday night at my place.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Congratulations!" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Congratulations!" in French
Singular or plural?
Usually plural: félicitations.
Can I say bravo instead?
Yes, especially for a performance or quick praise.
How do I answer?
Merci ! or merci beaucoup !
How do you pronounce félicitations?
Fay-lee-see-ta-SYOHN.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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