How to say “Congratulations” in Italian
Congratulazioni
Congratulazioni is the direct translation of “congratulations” in Italian and can be used on many occasions. It’s quite versatile and works for most celebratory moments.
Whether you’re congratulating someone on a new job, an exam result, or any other personal or professional achievement, congratulazioni is always a safe and appropriate choice.
Congratulazioni per il tuo nuovo lavoro!
Congratulations on your new job!
Congratulazioni per aver superato l’esame!
Congratulations on passing the exam!
Congratulazioni per il tuo matrimonio!
Congratulations on your wedding!
There are two aspects that I want you to notice: the first is that congratulazioni is always used in the plural form. The second is that it is always followed by the preposition per and either a noun or a past infinitive verb.
Complimenti
Another commonly used expression is complimenti. It literally translates to “compliments”, but it is often used to express admiration or praise, much like the way we use “congratulations” in English.
This phrase is a bit more casual than congratulazioni and often has a warmer, more personal tone. You might use it when complimenting someone’s work, skills, or even appearance after an accomplishment.
In this sense, it is way closer to saying bravo to someone to express your appreciation for something they have done.
Complimenti, hai fatto un ottimo lavoro!
Congratulations, you did a great job!
Complimenti per la tua presentazione, era eccellente!
Congratulations on your presentation, it was excellent!
Complimenti per la promozione!
Congratulations on the promotion!
Just like congratulazioni, complimenti is always plural, followed by the preposition per and either a noun or a past infinitive verb.
Bravo/Brava
As I mentioned before, you can also use the adjective bravo to express congratulations in real time, right after someone has accomplished something impressive.
It literally means “good” in Italian and conveys that someone has done something praiseworthy, and it’s common in informal settings.
Of course, since it is an adjective, remember it changes in gender and number depending on the person it refers to.
Bravo! Hai vinto la partita!
Well done! You won the match!
Brava! Hai cucinato un piatto delizioso!
Well done! You cooked a delicious dish!
Bravi a tutti!
Well done, everyone!
Evviva!
If you want to express congratulations with a bit of enthusiasm and joy, you can say evviva. It’s similar to shouting “hooray!” in English and adds a festive feel to your congratulations.
Evviva, hai finito il progetto!
Hooray, you finished the project!
Evviva, siete arrivati primi nella gara!
Hooray, you came first in the race!
Auguri
I always say that auguri is the most neutral way to congratulate someone in Italian. It is a versatile word that literally means “best wishes”, and can be used in a variety of contexts, like birthdays, weddings, or holidays.
Auguri per la tua laurea!
Best wishes for your graduation!
Auguri per la nuova casa!
Best wishes for your new home!
Auguri a te e alla tua famiglia!
Best wishes to you and your family!
It is also always plural and followed by the preposition per. However, it can be followed by nouns only.
Felicitazioni
For more formal occasions, you may encounter felicitazioni. I personally do not like this expression, because it is very formal and sophisticated, often used in writing or more official contexts.
Felicitazioni per il tuo successo professionale!
Congratulations on your professional success!
Felicitazioni vivissime per il vostro matrimonio!
Heartfelt congratulations on your wedding!
This term adds a layer of elegance and formality, making it ideal for special and official occasions.
Ready to Congratulate
In Italian, you have plenty of options to express congratulations depending on the context, the level of formality, and your relationship with the person you’re addressing.
Whether you use congratulazioni, complimenti, or bravo, your sentiment will be understood and appreciated. So next time you’re celebrating someone’s success, remember to choose the perfect Italian phrase to convey your heartfelt congratulations!
