In today’s lesson we’ll look at word which I often use at the very end of my word-of-the-day lessons: félicitations, meaning congratulations. Félicitations pour ta réussite! Congratulations on your success!

Félicitations – [felisitasjɔ̃]

Congratulations!

Félicitations – Congratulations

Word origin

The French feminine plural noun félicitations is a combination of the verb féliciter (to congratulate) and the suffix -ation. Féliciter comes from felicitare (to make happy) in Latin. The suffix -ation comes from -atio in Latin, meaning “action”. A related French feminine noun félicité translates to bliss or happiness.

Example sentences

In this first sentence, avoir (to have) in the passé composé means “got” or “received”. The baccalauréat or “bac” is a French exam which equates to a high school diploma.

Félicitations, tu as eu ton baccalauréat !

Congratulations! You passed your bac!

The French often use félicitations on birthdays.

Félicitations ! Quel âge as-tu maintenant ?

Congratulations! How old are you now?

In French, félicitations pour equates to “congratulations on”.

Félicitations pour ta retraite ! Quels sont tes projets ?

Congratulations on your retirement! What are you plans?

Word of the Day Lessons

Lessons by David Issokson

Related lessons

• Bon Anniversaire – Happy Birthday

References:

• Félicitations – WordReference
• Félicitation Wiktionary
• Felicitate – Etymonline

David Issokson

David Issokson is a lifelong language learner and speaks over seven languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private lessons. When not teaching or writing his French Word of the Day lessons, David enjoys his time skiing, hiking and mountain biking in Victor, Idaho.

See Full Bio

Sharing is caring!