Portuguese · Greetings & Essentials

"Congratulations!" in Portuguese: parabéns

parabéns

Say it: pah-rah-BENSinterjection/pa.ɾa.ˈbɛns/

Congratulations in Portuguese is parabéns. Use it for birthdays, jobs, wins, and baby news.

New job

Parabéns pela promoção! Você merecia.
Congratulations on the promotion! You deserved it.
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How to pronounce parabéns

Say it

pah-rah-BENS

/pa.ɾa.ˈbɛns/

pah-rah-BENS

"Congratulations!" in Portuguese: quick reference

PortugueseEnglish
parabénscongratulations

Default cheer.

meus parabénsmy congratulations

Warmer emphasis.

parabéns pelo empregocongrats on the job

Specific win.

parabéns!congrats!

Short message.

How to use parabéns in real life

  1. 1New job

    Parabéns pela promoção! Você merecia.

    Congratulations on the promotion! You deserved it.

    Work win.

  2. 2Graduation

    Mandamos parabéns no grupo da família.

    We sent congratulations in the family group chat.

    Message.

  3. 3Sports

    Parabéns pelo gol no final do jogo.

    Congratulations on the goal at the end of the game.

    Match praise.

Mistakes English speakers make with parabéns

Incorrect: Felicitaciones!

Correct: Parabéns!

That’s Spanish; Portuguese uses parabéns.

Incorrect: Parabém pela vitória.

Correct: Parabéns pela vitória.

Keep the nasal -éns ending.

Good to know

Parabéns covers congratulations and often happy birthday wishes in Portugal; in Brazil birthday greetings usually lead with feliz aniversário, then parabéns. Tone stays warm and short.

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Reacting to a friend’s news

  1. ChatPal

    Consegui a vaga! Posso ouvir um parabéns?

    I got the job! Can I get a congratulations?

  2. You

    Parabéns! Estou muito feliz por você.

    Congratulations! I’m so happy for you.

  3. ChatPal

    Obrigada. Seus parabéns chegaram na hora.

    Thanks. Your congratulations came right on time.

  4. You

    Vamos comemorar no fim de semana.

    Let’s celebrate this weekend.

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"Congratulations!" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Congratulations!" in Portuguese

Happy birthday vs congrats?

Brazil: feliz aniversário; parabéns still fits as praise.

My congratulations?

Meus parabéns.

Congrats on…?

Parabéns por / pelo / pela…

Pronunciation?

pah-rah-BENS.

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