When someone achieves something great, it’s time to celebrate! And knowing how to say congratulations in Italian not only shows your genuine support but also allows you to join in the festivities. In this guide, I’ll share essential Italian phrases to know for every occasion – whether it’s toasting a friend’s exciting new job or welcoming a precious newborn into the family. So, let’s get this party started!
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Table to Contents
Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide. Click on any title to jump to each section.
- 8 Ways to say ‘Congratulations’ in Italian
- 1. Congratulazioni!
- 2. Complimenti!
- 3. Bravo!
- 4. Auguri!
- 5. Felicitazioni!
- 6. Chapeau!
- 7. Sei una bomba!
- 8. Hai spaccato!
- How to say ‘Congratulations’ in Italian on Special Occasions
- How to respond to ‘Congratulations’ in Italian
8 Ways to say ‘Congratulations’ in Italian
Italian offers a variety of expressions to convey your good wishes, perfect for different situations. Here are some foundational phrases that work well in many contexts.
1. Congratulazioni!
Congratulazioni is the most common word for congratulating someone Italian on significant achievements or special moments in their life. This word derives from the Latin congratulor, meaning “to rejoice together,” thus highlighting that congratulating someone is not just about the words; it’s about sharing in their joy!
Here are some examples:
- Mi hanno detto che hai superato l’ultimo esame, congratulazioni! – I heard you passed your last exam, congratulations!
- Davvero Marco ti ha chiesto di sposarlo? Oddio, congratulazioni! – Did Marco really ask you to marry him? Oh my God, congratulations!
While congratulazioni typically sounds somewhat formal and is often found in writing, it can still be used in conversation. You can use it on its own, but if you want to specify the achievement you’re congratulating someone for, simply add the preposition per (for) followed by the event:
- Congratulazioni per la tua laurea! – Congratulations on your graduation!
- Congratulazioni per il nuovo incarico, non potevano scegliere un professionista migliore! – Congratulations on the new position; they couldn’t have chosen a better professional!
For more formal occasions, you can enhance your expression with expressions like:
- Congratulazioni vivissime (Warmest congratulations) as in Congratulazioni vivissime ai nostri colleghi che hanno chiuso un contratto da record! – Warmest congratulations to our colleagues who secured a record contract!
- Sentite congratulazioni (Heartfelt congratulations), as in Le faccio le mie più sentite congratulazioni per la nomina – Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your appointment.
2. Complimenti!
Complimenti is the plural form of the Italian word complimento, which means “compliment” in English. Of all the expressions listed in this guide, this is probably the closest in meaning to “congratulations.”
In Italian, complimenti is commonly used to congratulate someone on significant life events or achievements. It also conveys a sense of appreciation and admiration towards someone, whether it’s their skills, nature or appearance.
Here are some examples:
- Complimenti, parli davvero bene l’Italiano! – Congratulations, you speak Italian really well!
- Queste lasagne sono buonissime, complimenti! – This lasagna is delicious, well done!
- Complimenti per la pazienza, io li avrei mandati subito a quel paese! – Congratulations on your patience; I would have told them to get lost immediately!
In Italian, the word complimenti can also refer to all those unnecessary formalities which in English we describe as “ceremonies” or “pleasantries.” Here are some common expressions that illustrate this usage:
Non fare complimenti (Don’t stand on ceremony): Italians often use this phrase when they invite you to their home and want you to feel at ease. For example: Non fare complimenti, serviti! – Don’t be shy, help yourself!
Senza (tanti) complimenti (Without all those pleasantries): this one is used to encourage someone to skip the niceties and get straight to the point. For example: Dimmi come stanno le cose senza tanti complimenti – Tell me how things are without all those pleasantries.
3. Bravo!
Bravo is an adjective that describes someone as skilled, talented, or good in Italian. It’s often used as an exclamation to praise someone for a job well done, similar to the English “Congrats!”
Since it’s an adjective, according to Italian grammatical gender, we need to change its ending depending on who you are addressing:
- Bravo for a man
- Brava for a woman
- Bravi for a group of men or a mixed-gender group
- Brave for a group of women
Here are some examples:
- Che bel disegno, brava! – What a beautiful drawing, well done!
- Siete riusciti a tranquillizzare quel ragazzo, bravi! – You managed to calm that guy down, great job!
To emphasize how impressed you are, you can use the superlative form – bravissimo. For instance:
- Bravissimo, hai fatto un ottimo lavoro con quel cliente! – Congrats, you did an amazing job with that client!
- Bravissime ragazze, ottima esibizione! – Congrats girls, excellent performance!
Attenzione: Bravo can also be used sarcastically to playfully tease someone who has made a mistake. It’s a bit like saying, “Well done, genius!” in English. Depending on the tone, it can come across as lighthearted or slightly more pointed, but generally, it’s not intended to be mean-spirited. Here are a couple of examples:
- Hai dimenticato la farina? Brava! E adesso come facciamo la torta? – You forgot the flour? Well done! And now how are we going to make the cake?
- Hai perso le chiavi ? Ma bravo! E adesso come entriamo in casa? – You lost the keys? Great! How are we entering the house now?
4. Auguri!
In Italian, Auguri is a warm and friendly way for congratulating someone and wishing them well on special occasions. Whether it’s a birthday, a name day, or a big holiday like Christmas or Easter, you’ll hear this everywhere in Italy.
Here’s a quick tip: as per Italian custom, it’s considered bad luck to wish someone Auguri before their actual birthday, so be sure to wait until the special day arrives!
Here are some examples:
- Auguri, buona festa della mamma! – Best wishes, happy Mother’s Day!
- Auguri amore mio… ti amo come il primo giorno! – Best wishes my love… I love you like on the first day!
To make your wishes warmer or more personal, here are some common variations of Auguri you can use:
- Auguroni – Big best wishes
- Augurissimi – Best of the best wishes
- Tanti auguri – Many best wishes
- Tanti cari auguri – Many dear best wishes
- Tantissimi auguri – Many, many best wishes
Some examples:
- Augurissimi per il tuo compleanno! – Best wishes for your birthday!
- Tantissimi auguri per la tua nuova avventura! – Best wishes for your new adventure!
Attenzione: In some situations, especially among friends or in informal settings, Auguri can be used sarcastically. For instance, imagine your friends tell you they’re planning to do something pretty challenging or wildly unrealistic, like running a marathon after never jogging a day in their life. You might respond with a playful Auguri! meaning “Yeah, sure, you’re going to do that? Good luck!”
5. Felicitazioni!
Felicitazioni is a very formal way to say “congratulations” in Italian. While you won’t hear it in casual conversations, it’s frequently used in writing to convey respect and warmth for both personal and professional milestones. It’s similar to the English word “Felicitations”, which is typically reserved for formal correspondence or special announcements.
You can enhance the sentiment of felicitazioni by adding words like vivissime (heartfelt), sincere (sincere), or sentite (deeply felt), which add emotional depth.
Here are some examples:
- Le nostre vivissime felicitazioni per il lieto evento! – Our heartfelt congratulations on the happy event!
- Felicitazioni per la nuova mostra! I suoi lavori sono straordinari – Congratulations on the new exhibition! Your works are extraordinary!
6. Chapeau!
Chapeau is a French word that has found its way into everyday Italian conversation to express congratulations or admiration for someone’s achievements.
In French, chapeau means “hat” and is a nod to the old days when people would tip their hats as a gesture of respect or greeting. Today, when Italians exclaim Chapeau!, it’s like they’re tipping an imaginary hat, and saying “Wow, well done!”
A similar expression in Italian is “Tanto di cappello,” which translates to “hats off.” Both are commonly used.
Here are some examples:
- Chapeau Carlo, davvero un bel lavoro! – Wow, Carlo, truly an amazing job!
- Stefano si è laureato in soli due anni, tanto di cappello! – Stefano graduated in just two years, hats off!
7. Sei una bomba!
In Italian, the word bomba literally means “bomb,” but don’t worry, we’re not talking about explosives here! Instead, when you refer to someone or something as una bomba, you’re saying they are incredibly talented or of exceptional quality:
- Sei stata una bomba su quel palco! – You were a bomb on that stage!
- Quel batterista è una bomba! – That drummer is a bomb!
- La festa di Chiara è stata una bomba! – Chiara’s party was a blast!
This informal expression is perfect for hyping someone up! Just be cautious about how you use it, as it can also compliment someone’s appearance, conveying the meaning “Wow, you look stunning!” So, be sure to check who you’re talking to before you drop this phrase!
8. Hai spaccato!
The phrase Hai spaccato! literally translates to “You smashed it!” in English and comes from the verb spaccare (to smash). In youth slang, it is used to express admiration for someone’s impressive achievement or epic performance.
Here are some examples:
- Hai spaccato all’orale! – You nailed the oral exam!
- Abbiamo spaccato stasera, siamo pronti per Broadway! – We totally crushed it tonight; we’re ready for Broadway!
For an even stronger expression, you can use Hai spaccato di brutto!, which is similar to saying “You seriously nailed it!” in English:
- Avete spaccato di brutto con questa presentazione! – You guys absolutely crushed it with this presentation!
How to say ‘Congratulations’ in Italian on Special Occasions
There are so many life events worth celebrating, and Italian offers numerous ways to express our joy and congratulations beyond the phrases we’ve already explored. Here’s a handy list of common Italian expressions to help you convey your warm wishes during these special moments.
Birthdays
- Buon compleanno! (Happy birthday!): This is the direct translation of “happy birthday” in Italian and is widely used in any situation – formal or informal
- Cento di questi giorni! (lit. A hundred such days!): This cheerful phrase wishes someone a happy future with many more birthdays to celebrate, similar to saying “And many more!” in English.
Weddings and anniversaries
- Viva gli sposi or Evviva gli sposi (Long live the bride and groom): These classic expressions are always shouted by guests at Italian weddings, conveying best wishes for a long and happy marriage.
- Buon anniversario or Felice anniversario (Happy anniversary): Both phrases can be used to congratulate couples celebrating their anniversary, whether it’s a formal or informal context.
- Tanti auguri per una vita felice insieme! (Many wishes for a happy life together): This is a lovely phrase for expressing your warm congratulations at weddings or engagements.
Newborns
- Tanti auguri ai neogenitori! (All the best to the new parents!): The perfect phrase to share your warm wishes with proud new parents.
- Le più vive e cordiali felicitazioni per il lieto evento! (Heartfelt congratulations on the happy event): This formal and elegant expression is perfect for sophisticated cards.
- Felicitazioni vivissime a mamma e papà per la nascita di… (Heartfelt congratulations to mum and dad on the birth of…): This one is great when you know the baby’s name and want to send a personal message to the parents, conveying your excitement for the new arrival.
Work and studies
- Ad maiora (To greater things): This Latin phrase is often used in Italian to wish someone continued success, especially after reaching significant milestones like graduation or a promotion.
- Congratulazioni per il traguardo! (Congratulations for the achievement!): Whether celebrating a graduation, a new job, or any important milestone, this phrase perfectly captures the spirit of accomplishment.
- Congratulazioni per la tua laurea e auguri per un radioso futuro (Congratulations on your graduation and best wishes for a bright future!): With this phrase, you not only congratulate someone on their achievement but also extend your best wishes for the exciting journey that lies ahead.
How to respond to ‘Congratulations’ in Italian
Imagine you’ve just aced your Italian test, and as you walk out of the classroom, your teacher approaches you with a big smile, saying, Congratulazioni! How can you respond?
Here are some common ways to express your appreciation:
- Grazie (Thank you!): The most basic way to say thanks. However, depending on your tone, it may sometimes sound a bit flat or lacking in warmth.
- Grazie mille (Thank you so much!): This is perfect for when you want to infuse a bit more enthusiasm into your response.
- Grazie di cuore (Thank you from my heart!): This phrase expresses sincere and heartfelt gratitude, perfect for special moments.
- Grazie, è molto gentile da parte tua (Thank you, that’s very kind of you!): A polite and elegant way to acknowledge the thoughtfulness of the person congratulating you.
- È gentile / Sei gentile, grazie! (You’re kind, thank you!): This response not only shows your appreciation but also compliments the person offering their congratulations.
- Ma grazie! (Oh, thank you!): This one has a touch of surprise and enthusiasm, perfect for when you’re caught off guard by someone’s compliment.
For more phrases to express your gratitude, check out my guide to all the ways to say “thank you” in Italian!
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