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?
Related lessons
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