How to Say ‘Congratulations!’ in Japanese
おめでとうございます。
o medetou gozai masu
[o meh-deh-toh goh-zah-ee mahss]
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is the standard response to weddings, births and other happy news, and it's fully polite. You'd say it to the parents too, not only to the couple.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[o]
polite prefix
Prefix added for politeness.
お名前は？
What is your name?
めでとう
medetou
[meh-deh-toh]
congratulations
A celebratory word meaning congratulations; often used in birthday messages.
お誕生日おめでとう。
Happy birthday.
ござい
gozai
[goh-zah-ee]
to be; to exist (polite part of expression)
A polite verb stem used in set phrases like greetings to sound respectful.
あいさつでは、ございをていねいに言います。
In greetings, you say gozai politely.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite ending
A polite ending attached to verbs in formal speech.
まだありますか。
Are there still some available?
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager