「おめでとうございます」 means congratulations, but in Japanese, the form you use changes depending on the situation and relationship. Using the right version helps you sound natural and polite in real life. Let’s look at the most common situations and which expression fits best 👇

👫 With Friends / Close People

When talking to friends, family, or people you’re close to, Japanese becomes casual.

Common expressions

• おめでとう！
• おめでと〜！

Examples

• 誕生日たんじょうびおめでとう！
• Happy Birthday!
  
• 就職しゅうしょくおめでとう！
• Congratulations on getting a new job!

👉 Short, friendly, and natural. Using 「おめでとうございます」 here may sound too stiff.

🎓 More Formal (Teachers, Seniors, People You Respect)

Use this when you want to be polite but not business-like.

Standard expression

• おめでとうございます

Examples

• 卒業そつぎょうおめでとうございます。
• Congratulations on your graduation.
  
• ご結婚けっこんおめでとうございます。
• Congratulations on your wedding.

👉 This is the default safe option in most situations.

🏢 Business Situations

In business settings, congratulations sound more respectful and professional.

Common business expressions

• おめでとうございます
• お祝いわい申もうし上あげます
• (written / formal)

Examples

• 昇進しょうしんおめでとうございます。
• Congratulations on your promotion.
  
• このたびはご就任しゅうにん、お祝いわい申もうし上あげます。
• Please accept my congratulations on your appointment.

👉 Often used in:

• Business emails
• Company announcements
• Speeches

🎍 New Year

New Year has a special fixed phrase that doesn’t change.

Expression

• あけましておめでとうございます

Usage

• From January 1st
• When greeting someone for the first time that year

Example

• あけましておめでとうございます。
  本年ほんねんもよろしくお願ねがいいたします。
• Happy New Year. I look forward to working with you again this year.

👉 Do not shorten this in formal or business settings.

🎉 Other Specific Situations

Japanese often combines 「おめでとうございます」 with specific life events.

Common examples

• ご入学にゅうがくおめでとうございます。
• Congratulations on getting into school.
  
• ご出産しゅっさんおめでとうございます。
• Congratulations on the birth of your child.
  
• 合格ごうかくおめでとうございます。
• Congratulations on passing the exam.

👉 Adding ご makes the phrase more polite and natural.

🌸 Quick Guide

Final Tip for Learners ✨

If you’re unsure, choose politeness.「おめでとうございます」 works almost everywhere—and once relationships become closer, switching to casual Japanese will feel natural. Small phrase, big cultural difference 😊 Perfect to remember for real-life Japanese conversations!

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