How to say congratulations in French.
The phrases French speakers actually use — not a dictionary line — with what each means and who it is for, plus full messages by a native speaker you can send as a card in French in a minute.
“Félicitations !” means “Congratulations!” and is what French speakers say. “Toutes mes félicitations !” (“All my congratulations!”) is the warmer version. Universal.
The French phrases, and when each one fits
French uses 'tu' with family and friends and 'vous' with colleagues you are not close to, clients and anyone older you do not know well. Many workplaces are 'tu' between peers and 'vous' upwards — when in doubt, 'vous' is never rude.
- Félicitations ! — “Congratulations!”. Universal.
- Toutes mes félicitations ! — “All my congratulations!”. A notch warmer or more formal.
- Bravo ! — “Bravo!”. For an achievement — exam, finish line, performance.
- Tu l'as bien mérité. — “You've earned it.”. A promotion, a result.
- Félicitations pour la naissance ! — “Congratulations on the birth!”. A new baby.
- Je suis tellement fier / fière de toi. — “I'm so proud of you.”. Family — 'fier' if you are a man, 'fière' if you are a woman.
Congratulations messages in French, written for the person
Full messages by a native speaker — pick the person and send one as a card, in their language.
Three French messages to start from
Félicitations, frérot ! Je savais que tu y arriverais — même quand tu faisais semblant de ne pas y croire.
Félicitations ! Tout le monde a vu le résultat ; moi, j'ai vu les heures derrière. Chapeau, vraiment.
Félicitations, ma chérie. Tu t'es battue pour ça, et tu l'as eu. Personne ne le mérite plus que toi.
Questions people ask
Can I mix English and French in one card?
Yes — and natives find it charming. Open with the French phrase, write your real message in English, and sign off in French (Je t'embrasse, or Bisous,). The effort is the point.
How do I sign off a French card?
Je t'embrasse, · Bisous, · Avec toute mon affection, · Amicalement, · Bien à vous, — from warmest to most neutral. Family and close friends get the first two; colleagues the last.
Will the card itself be in French?
Yes. Our Français builder is a full translation, with example messages written by native speakers, and your recipient opens the card in French.
Congratulations wishes in other languages
Send it in French — free.
A real card, in their language, in about a minute. No account, no watermark.