Felicidades!
Littéralement: Happinesses
Use `Felicidades` to wish someone long-term joy during life's biggest and happiest milestones.
En 15 secondes
- The universal Portuguese way to say 'Congratulations' or 'Best wishes'.
- Used for birthdays, weddings, and major life milestones.
- A plural noun meaning 'Happinesses' that works in any social setting.
Signification
This is the go-to way to say 'Congratulations' or 'Best wishes' for any happy event. It literally translates to 'Happinesses,' as if you are throwing a handful of joy at someone.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Congratulating a newly married couple
Felicidades ao casal!
Best wishes to the couple!
Writing a birthday card
Muitas felicidades no seu dia!
Many happy returns on your day!
Ending a formal email to a client who is retiring
Desejo-lhe muitas felicidades nesta nova etapa.
I wish you much happiness in this new stage.
Contexte culturel
The phrase stems from the deep-rooted Latin value of 'felicitas,' which implies luck and prosperity. In Lusophone cultures, birthdays and weddings are massive social pillars where 'Felicidades' acts as a social glue. It transitioned from a formal blessing to a universal expression of goodwill used by everyone today.
The Birthday Combo
In Brazil, people often say 'Parabéns, muitas felicidades!' together. It is the ultimate birthday power-move.
Grammar Trap
Remember it is always plural. Saying 'Felicidade' (singular) sounds like you are discussing the philosophical concept of joy, not wishing someone well.
En 15 secondes
- The universal Portuguese way to say 'Congratulations' or 'Best wishes'.
- Used for birthdays, weddings, and major life milestones.
- A plural noun meaning 'Happinesses' that works in any social setting.
What It Means
Felicidades is a warm, plural noun used as an exclamation. It is the verbal equivalent of a high-five or a warm hug. When you say it, you are wishing someone a life filled with many happy moments. It is less about a specific achievement and more about general well-being.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone shout or tuck it into a longer sentence. It works perfectly in cards, text messages, or shouted across a room. Just say it with a smile and a bit of energy. It is one of the easiest words to pronounce in Portuguese. It sounds exactly like it looks.
When To Use It
Use it for birthdays when you want to sound more heartfelt than just saying Parabéns. It is the gold standard for weddings and anniversaries. If a friend gets a promotion, Felicidades is your best friend. Use it when someone moves into a new house. It is also great for New Year's Eve celebrations. Basically, if there is cake or champagne involved, say this.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for small, everyday tasks. If someone passes you the salt, do not say Felicidades. That would be very weird. Avoid it in somber or sad situations. It is strictly for 'up' moments. Do not use it if someone just finished a marathon; use Parabéns instead. Felicidades is about the future, not just the finish line.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers are generally very expressive and warm people. This phrase reflects that desire to share collective joy. In Brazil and Portugal, celebrations are often loud and community-focused. Wishing 'multiple happinesses' fits the vibe of a big family gathering. It is about wishing someone a long-term state of being, not just a momentary win.
Common Variations
You will often hear Muitas felicidades to add extra emphasis. In birthday songs, it is a core part of the lyrics. Some people might say Toda a felicidade do mundo for extra drama. That means 'all the happiness in the world.' Use that one for your best friend's wedding to be a hero.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is incredibly versatile and sits right in the middle of the formality scale. It is safe for your boss, your grandma, or your best friend.
The Birthday Combo
In Brazil, people often say 'Parabéns, muitas felicidades!' together. It is the ultimate birthday power-move.
Grammar Trap
Remember it is always plural. Saying 'Felicidade' (singular) sounds like you are discussing the philosophical concept of joy, not wishing someone well.
The 'Happy Birthday' Song
The Portuguese version of 'Happy Birthday' includes the line 'Muitas felicidades, muitos anos de vida!' It is sung with much more clapping than the English version.
Exemples
6Felicidades ao casal!
Best wishes to the couple!
A standard, elegant way to toast at a wedding.
Muitas felicidades no seu dia!
Many happy returns on your day!
Adding 'muitas' makes it feel more personal and warm.
Desejo-lhe muitas felicidades nesta nova etapa.
I wish you much happiness in this new stage.
Very professional yet kind for a career milestone.
Vi a notícia! Felicidades, cara!
I saw the news! Congrats, man!
Short, punchy, and perfect for WhatsApp.
Felicidades com o novo brinquedo!
Good luck with the new toy!
Can be used playfully to tease someone's new purchase.
Bom ano novo e muitas felicidades!
Happy New Year and much happiness!
A standard holiday greeting in December.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the wedding toast.
Que vocês sejam muito felizes. ___ ao casal!
Felicidades is the standard wish for a couple getting married.
How would you wish a friend 'Many happinesses'?
___ felicidades, meu amigo!
Felicidades is a feminine plural noun, so it requires the feminine plural 'Muitas'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale of Felicidades
Shouted at a party to a close friend.
Felicidades, doido!
Standard use for cards and greetings.
Muitas felicidades!
Used in professional speeches or letters.
Desejamos votos de felicidades.
When to say Felicidades
Weddings
To the bride and groom
Birthdays
Inside a card
New Job
On LinkedIn or Slack
New Home
At a housewarming
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot exactly. Parabéns is 'Congratulations' for an achievement, while Felicidades is 'Best wishes' for someone's future happiness.
Yes! It is very common to say Felicidades to a new graduate as they start their career.
It is used equally in both! It is a universal Portuguese expression that works across all Lusophone countries.
You usually say Parabéns e muitas felicidades! to cover both the achievement of surviving a year and the wish for the next one.
Not at all. It is very common among friends, especially in written messages like WhatsApp or Instagram comments.
No, definitely not. It is strictly for happy occasions. Use Meus pêsames for condolences.
There isn't really a shorter version, but people often just say Felicidades! quickly without any extra words.
No, it is a timeless classic. People of all ages use it, from toddlers to grandparents.
Yes, it is a nice way to acknowledge their new purchase and wish them joy with it.
It is always Muitas (plural) because felicidades is plural. Muita felicidade sounds like you are measuring a pile of joy.
Expressions liées
Parabéns (Congratulations)
Tudo de bom (All the best)
Sucesso (Success/Good luck)
Saúde (Health/Cheers)
Boa sorte (Good luck)
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