Parabéns
pah-rah-BAYNS; in Rio it may sound closer to pah-rah-BAYNSH.
“Congratulations; happy birthday.”
Brazilians use parabéns to congratulate someone for an achievement or happy event. On its own, it often means “happy birthday,” and os parabéns can also mean the birthday song, as in cantar parabéns.
EverydayAll Brazilalso: parabens, parabénsss, parabensss
How Brazilians use it
“Parabéns pela promoção!”
“Congratulations on the promotion!”
After someone gets promoted
“Parabéns! Tudo de bom pra você.”
“Happy birthday! All the best to you.”
Birthday message or card
“Vamos cantar parabéns antes do bolo.”
“Let’s sing happy birthday before the cake.”
At a birthday party
“A equipe está de parabéns pelo trabalho.”
“The team deserves congratulations for the work.”
Praising a group’s effort
In a real book
“Receberam-me com parabéns.”“Toda a mesa deu parabéns a D. Felismina, que sorriu com desdém, mas interiormente esperançada.”Similar expressions
- Feliz aniversárioSpecifically “happy birthday,” not general congratulations.
- FelicidadesGood wishes, often for life events or birthdays.
- Boa sorte“Good luck,” said before something happens.
- LegalMeans “cool” or “nice,” not a direct congratulations.
Brazil vs Portugal
The core meanings are the same in Portugal: “congratulations,” “happy birthday,” and the birthday song. The main differences are pronunciation and local birthday-song habits.
Common mistakes
- In standard writing, use parabéns with the accent; parabens is common in quick chats but not the standard spelling.
- Don’t change parabéns for gender: you say parabéns to a man, a woman, or a group.
- For achievements, say parabéns por/pelo/pela…: Parabéns pelo trabalho, not a literal English-style parabéns para o trabalho.
Frequently asked questions
What does parabéns mean in Portuguese?
Parabéns means “congratulations.” In Brazil, it is also the normal short way to say “happy birthday.”
Does parabéns mean congratulations or happy birthday?
Both. Use it for achievements, as in Parabéns pela promoção! It can also stand alone on someone’s birthday: Parabéns!
How do you respond to parabéns?
Usually say [obrigado/obrigada](/expressions/obrigado). With friends or online, valeu! can also work.
Is it parabéns or parabens?
The standard spelling is parabéns, with an accent on é. You will still see parabens in casual messages when people skip accents.