It is well-known that the Japanese language is considered one of the hardest languages to learn. According to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), which trains U.S. diplomats and government officials in languages and cultures, Japanese is classified as a “Super-Hard” language. But there’s an important caveat: FSI’s rankings are based on how long it takes native English speakers to learn a language.

Around the world, Chinese speakers can often learn Japanese significantly faster, mostly due to the similarities between Chinese characters and Japanese kanji. This is no surprise, since Japanese kanji are largely based on traditional Chinese characters.

Yet, despite these surface-level similarities, Japanese and Chinese belong to entirely different language families. There are aspects of Japanese where a Chinese language background may not help. So, how easy is it for Chinese speakers to study Japanese? How much of a shortcut does prior knowledge of Chinese really provide? This article will explore Japanese from the perspective of a Chinese learner and discuss how long it typically takes for Chinese speakers to learn Japanese.

Why Chinese Speakers Learn Japanese Faster

1. Kanji knowledge

Kanji are logographic characters that originated in China and were introduced to Japan around the 5th century AD. At the time, Japan didn’t have its own writing system. By the Heian period, Japan had developed readings and interpretations for kanji that fit the Japanese language.

For native Chinese speakers or anyone who has studied Chinese, kanji knowledge is a huge advantage. This is because how long it takes to learn Japanese often depends heavily on your familiarity with kanji. They are used not only for reading and writing but also for building vocabulary, since each character represents an idea and can be combined with others to form words.

To give you a better picture, according to Coto Academy, a typical student might need around 787 hours to study for the JLPT N4 level. But for students who already know kanji, it could take only about 550 hours. This is because learners accustomed to Roman letters face a steep learning curve with Japan’s three writing systems.

Note that Japanese kanji are mostly based on traditional Chinese characters. If you’re only familiar with simplified Chinese characters, like those used in Mainland China or Singapore, some kanji may look different. It doesn’t make learning harder—it just requires a little adjustment.

Read More: Hardest Kanji to Learn

2. Shared Vocabulary (Sino-Japanese Words)

Not only do some Japanese kanji look like Chinese characters, but in some cases, they also sound similar. Take the word “kanji” itself: it uses the same characters as in Chinese, 漢字, and the pronunciation is somewhat similar: kanji in Japanese, hanzi in Chinese.

Why does this happen? Japan adopted many Chinese words over centuries, especially during periods of heavy cultural exchange. While the pronunciation often shifted in Japanese, the meaning and the characters generally stayed the same. This is why Chinese speakers can sometimes understand written Japanese vocabulary even before fully learning Japanese grammar.

That said, not all words work or sound the same. Japanese kanji readings are divided into two main systems: onyomi and kunyomi. Onyomi is the “Chinese-style” reading and is closer to the original Chinese pronunciation when the kanji was borrowed. Many Sino-Japanese words use onyomi, which is why Chinese learners often recognize them. On the other hand, kunyomi is the native Japanese reading, used when the kanji represents a purely Japanese word or concept. These readings usually do not resemble the Chinese pronunciation and can be confusing for beginners.

Take the kanji 水, which means “water,” as an example. In Chinese, it is pronounced shuǐ. In Japanese, the same character has two readings: sui when used as onyomi, and mizu when used as kunyomi. Often, when multiple kanji are combined to form compound words, the pronunciation tends to follow the onyomi reading. This is why some Japanese words sound more similar to their Chinese counterparts, making them easier for Chinese speakers to recognize.

3. Familiarity with Logographic Writing

We touched on this briefly earlier, but it’s worth exploring in more detail. If you grow up speaking English, you’ve likely spent your entire life reading and writing with an alphabetic system, where each symbol (letter) represents a sound rather than a whole word or idea. By combining letters, you form syllables, words, and sentences.

In contrast, a logographic system is one where each character represents a word, idea, or concept rather than a sound. You usually need to memorize each character individually. Chinese, for example, is a logographic language.

For learners from alphabetic-language backgrounds, a large portion of the initial study time when learning Japanese is often spent just getting familiar with the writing system. This is because Japanese uses a mixed writing system, combining logographic and syllabic elements across three scripts: kanji, hiragana, and katakana. Kanji are logographic characters, borrowed from Chinese, while hiragana and katakana are syllabaries where each character represents a syllable or sound. These are not alphabets but phonetic characters used for grammar, word endings, and foreign loanwords.

This mixed system is one of the main reasons Chinese learners often have an advantage: they can recognize many kanji immediately and focus more on grammar and pronunciation, while learners from alphabetic-language backgrounds must learn three separate writing systems from scratch.

Challenges for Chinese Learners When Learning Japanese

Now that we understand why Chinese speakers often get a head start in learning Japanese, we need to remember that this advantage doesn’t make them completely immune to the common challenges and growing pains of studying the language.

1. Grammar differences

Chinese grammar generally follows the subject-verb-object (SVO) order, which is straightforward and familiar to most learners. Japanese grammar, however, follows a subject-object-verb (SOV) order, which can feel unusual at first. 

For example, in Chinese, if you want to say “I want to eat rice,” you would say:

我想吃饭
Wǒ xiǎng chī fàn

This literally means “I want eat rice.”

In Japanese, the sentence structure is different, and the object comes before the verb:

私はご飯を食べたいです
Watashi wa gohan o tabetai desu.

Translating it literally according to its order will give you, “I rice eat want.”

Even with the advantage of kanji knowledge, Chinese learners still need structured guidance to master grammar, sentence patterns, and proper usage in context. This is where Coto Academy’s Japanese lessons can make a real difference. Our courses are designed to help students of all levels, from beginners to advanced learners, build a strong foundation in grammar, expand vocabulary, and develop practical communication skills.

Coto Academy’s approach emphasizes real-life conversation and immersive practice, so you’re not just memorizing kanji and grammar. Ready to be fluent in Japanese? Contact us for a free level check below!

2. Words that look similar but mean differently

Some kanji look identical or similar to Chinese characters, but the meaning in Japanese may have shifted over time. These are often called “false friends.” For example, the character 手紙 means “letter” in Japanese (tegami), but in Chinese, 手纸 literally refers to “toilet paper.” Relying on visual similarity alone can therefore be misleading.

How Much Faster Does It Take for Chinese Speakers to Learn Japanese

According to our data, Chinese learners progress through Japanese and the JLPT about 25–45% faster than other learners. For example, reaching JLPT N5 typically requires around 350 study hours for Chinese learners, compared to roughly 462 hours for others. This advantage becomes even more pronounced at higher levels. For JLPT N2, Chinese learners may need about 1,475 hours, while other learners often require around 2,200 hours. At JLPT N1, the gap widens further, with Chinese learners averaging 2,150 hours compared to 3,900 hours for others.

How Long Does It Take Chinese Speakers to Learn Japanese and Pass the JLPT

Yet despite these challenges, Chinese speakers generally learn Japanese faster than learners from alphabetic-language backgrounds, thanks to shared kanji knowledge, similar vocabulary, and familiarity with logographic writing.

It’s important to note that this comparison focuses on learning the language itself — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — not on mastering social cues or using the correct expressions in context. Those are skills that all foreign learners must develop to be truly fluent in Japanese. Here’s a breakdown of typical progress:

1. Beginner to JLPT N5 (Basic Level)

Estimated time: 3–6 months (350 hours)

For Chinese speakers, reaching the JLPT N5 level typically takes around 350 hours, which may translate to roughly 3–6 months of consistent study at 1–2 hours per day. Their prior knowledge of kanji and some shared vocabulary gives them a head start in reading and recognizing words compared to learners from alphabetic-language backgrounds.

2. Reaching JLPT N4

Estimated time:6 – 12 months (550 hours)

To reach JLPT N4, Chinese learners may need around 550 study hours. The JLPT N4 level is considered upper-beginner Japanese. At this stage, you only need to learn about 300 kanji characters, which is manageable for Chinese learners but still challenging for those from alphabetic-language backgrounds. 

300 kanji sounds like a lot in the first place, btu you still have a long way to go. To be considered “fluent,” you need to memorize the Joyo kanji, a set of 2,136 characters considered essential for everyday Japanese.

3. Reaching JLPT N3

Estimated time: 12 – 24 months (800 – 900 hours)

To reach JLPT N3, you need knowledge of roughly 650 kanji. For Chinese learners, this can take about 800–900 hours, whereas learners without kanji experience may need around 1,300 hours. Here, the advantage of prior kanji knowledge becomes more pronounced, especially for reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition.

4. Advanced Fluency: JLPT N2 and N1

Estimated time: 18 months – 3 years (1,475 – 2,200 hours)

The gap between Chinese learners and others becomes most noticeable at advanced levels. JLPT N2 requires knowledge of around 1,000 kanji, while JLPT N1 demands mastery of over 2,000 kanji. Reaching N1 typically means achieving advanced proficiency: being able to read newspapers, understand TV shows, and use formal Japanese in both everyday and professional contexts — a level that can take several years for many learners.

For example, students with prior kanji knowledge may need around 1,475 hours to reach N2, while other learners often require about 2,200 hours, roughly 30% more. The gap widens further at N1, with Chinese learners averaging 2,150 hours compared to 3,900 hours for others — almost double the time!

Of course, kanji knowledge alone is not enough. Mastering grammar nuances, honorifics, and native expressions still requires extensive practice and immersion, even for Chinese speakers.

What’s Next? Start Learning Japanese at Coto Academy!

In short, Chinese speakers often have a bit of a head start when learning Japanese, thanks to their familiarity with kanji, shared vocabulary, and experience with a logographic writing system. That said, becoming truly fluent still takes work. Grammar, verb conjugations, particles, politeness levels, and cultural nuances all need to be mastered, and even with kanji knowledge, challenges like pronunciation differences, false friends, and using the right expressions in context can trip up any learner.

This is where Coto Academy’s intensive Japanese and JLPT lessons really help. Our courses are built to support learners at every level, from beginners to advanced, helping you strengthen grammar, grow your vocabulary, and practice using Japanese in real situations. With experienced teachers, immersive lessons, and a clear, step-by-step approach, Chinese learners can make the most of their kanji advantage while tackling the areas that need extra attention. 

Why join Coto Academy?

• Small classrooms with only up to 8 students for personalized support
• Professional native Japanese teachers, all trained to help you succeed
• Over 60 different Japanese classes across 18 levels, tailored to your needs
• A fully online Japanese language school so that you can learn anywhere, anytime!

Ready to start your learning journey?

FAQ

Saying “but” in Japanese is a basic conjunction used to introduce a contrast between two ideas. While the most common way to say “but” is demo (でも), there are several variations, each carrying a slightly different nuance. Some express disappointment, others are more neutral. Some appear in the middle of a sentence, while others come at the beginning.

However, because Japanese society is high-context and values the art of reading between the lines, learning about it is more than just memorizing a word. In real-life usage, words like “however,” “even though,” and “but” often function as a soft rejection or even an indirect way of making a request. You’ll hear it frequently in both spoken and written Japanese.

Curious to learn them all? Let’s explore the basic and nuanced ways to say “but” in Japanese.

1. Demo (でも)

Structure: [Sentence 1]. でも [Sentence 2]

でも is a versatile particle that allows speakers to create contrast, soften statements, or express subtle nuance. Traditionally, でも is used to connect two clauses, similar to the English word “but.” However, there are some key differences. 

Firstly, unlike English’s “but,” which often needs to be wedged between two independent clauses, でも can appear at the beginning of a sentence.

Example:
A：Bさん、今度のプレゼン、日本語でやってみたら？
A: B-san, kondo no purezen, nihongo de yatte mitara?
A: B-san, for the presentation, what about trying to do it in English?

B：でも、私、まだ日本語が下手だから．．．。
B: Demo, watashi, mada nihongo ga heta da kara…
B: But, right now, my Japanese is still poor.

Additionally, でも is more informal than “but,” which means it is widely used in everyday speech but is less appropriate in formal writing. Its usage is not limited to simple contrasts; it can also express concession or reservation depending on context. 

私は日本語が話せます。でも、日本語が書けません。
Watashi wa nihongo ga hanasemasu. Demo, nihongo ga kakemasen.
I can speak Japanese, but I cannot write Japanese.

でも can do more than simply contrast two ideas. It can also convey concession or a sense of reservation, which adds subtlety to your statements. For example:

今日は忙しいです。でも、あなたのために時間を作ります。
Kyou wa isogashii desu. Demo, anata no tame ni jikan o tsukurimasu
I am busy today, but I will make time for you

The first clause states a limitation (being busy), while the second clause shows a concession or exception. Here, でも softens the refusal and introduces a willingness to compromise, making the statement polite and considerate rather than blunt.

Before you continue reading, make sure you at least know how to read hiragana. Check out our blog on the hiragana chart to download a free PDF.

2. Kedo (けど)

Structure: [Clause 1] + けど + [Clause 2]

けど (kedo) is another very common way to say “but” in Japanese, and it’s closely related to でも (demo). Like でも, it connects two contrasting ideas. However, けど is generally more casual and softer than でも.

One key difference is that けど can appear at the end of a sentence, often to imply something indirectly or to make a request politely. In English, this is like trailing off with “but…”

Why so? In Japanese culture, being indirect is often considered polite, especially when making requests or expressing disagreement. When placed at the end of a sentence, it softens the statement or request, making it less direct and leaving room for the listener to respond. 

If you are curious to learn more, we have a separate article about why けど and が are used for more than just saying “but”. 

3. Keredomo (けれども)

Structure: [Clause 1] + けど + [Clause 2]

When it comes to meaning and usage, there’s not much difference between けど and けれども. The main thing is that けれども is the full, more formal version. You can use it if you want your sentence or conversation to sound a bit more polished.

Just like けど, けれども usually means “but,” but because it’s more formal, it can feel closer to “although” or “provided that.” Basically, it highlights that while you’re thinking about (A), (B) is important or needs to be considered.

Also, like けど and other “but” words in Japanese, the part after けれども is often left out if it’s obvious or if the speaker doesn’t really want to say it.

映画を見に行きたいけれども、今日はちょっと疲れている。
Eiga o mi ni ikitai keredomo, kyou wa chotto tsukarete iru.
I want to go see a movie, but I’m a bit tired today.

4. Ga (が)

Structure: [Clause 1] + けど + [Clause 2]

The versatile が particle can also function as a conjunction used to contrast two ideas, similar to “but” in English. が is more formal and neutral than けど, and it often appears within a single sentence.

Interestingly, が can carry nuances similar to けど, hinting at a soft rejection, an indirect request, or bringing up a topic gently. This is particularly useful in Japanese society, which values indirect communication. Using けど or が at the end of a sentence gives listeners a subtle hint about what the speaker intends without stating it explicitly. Paying attention to these social cues helps you understand the speaker’s true meaning.

 テーブルが汚いんですが。
Teiburu ga kitanain desu ga.
The table is dirty (could you please wipe it)?

Here, the speaker is indirectly suggesting that the table should be cleaned. By adding が, the statement becomes less aggressive, softening the complaint to something like: “The table is dirty, but…” This subtlety makes the communication polite and considerate while still conveying the intended message.

5. Shikashi (しかし)

Structure: しかし + [Sentence]

Ever hear someone say “however” in everyday English conversation? Probably you have, but rarely. The reason might be that it sounds stiff and formal. Similarly, しかし (shikashi) carries the same tone in Japanese. While it can indicate the same meaning as “but,” it is typically more formal. しかし is most often found in writing, essays, news articles, reports, or formal speeches rather than in casual conversation. It emphasizes contrast between two ideas in a clear, logical, and often strong way, making it useful when you want to connect two contrasting points in a precise manner.

Like “however” in English, しかし (shikashi) is typically used at the beginning of a sentence, introducing a statement that contrasts with the previous idea.

この計画は面白いです。しかし、実現は難しいです。
Kono keikaku wa omoshiroi desu. Shikashi, jitsugen wa muzukashii desu.
This plan is interesting. However, implementing it is difficult.

6. Sore Demo (それでも)

Structure: それでも + [Sentence]

それでも translates roughly as “even so” or “nevertheless” in English. Unlike しかし (shikashi), which carries a sense that the contrasting idea is absolute, それでも acknowledges the first statement while introducing a new point, leaving more flexibility in the conversation. それでも often shifts the conversation toward a more positive or constructive perspective, acknowledging the first point but introducing a solution, alternative, or hopeful aspect. In contrast, しかし usually emphasizes a negative or limiting contrast

今日は雨が降っています。しかし、試合は中止になりません.
Kyou wa ame ga futteimasu. Shikashi, shiai wa chuushi ni narimasen.
It’s raining today. However, the game will not be canceled.

Notice in the example above, the focus is on the negative situation (rain) and contrasts it firmly with the outcome.

今日は雨が降っています。それでも、試合は楽しめます。
Kyou wa ame ga futteimasu. Sore demo, shiai wa tanoshimemasu.
It’s raining today. Even so, we can still enjoy the game.

Here, the rain is acknowledged, but the focus moves to a positive possibility.

In other words, it softens the contrast rather than completely rejecting the previous idea. This makes それでも a more diplomatic way to express “but” in Japanese, especially when discussing differing opinions with friends, coworkers, or in situations where you want to be considerate of the other person’s perspective.

7. Noni (のに)

のに is a conjunction that expresses disappointment or frustration, and can be translated as “even though,” “although,” or “in spite of.” It is used to combine two sentences in a way that highlights an unexpected or undesirable outcome.

The structure is simple: (Sentence A) のに + (Sentence B)

Think of it as: “Despite the fact that (Sentence A), (Sentence B).”

What makes のに different from other “but” words like けど or が is that it doesn’t just contrast two ideas—it highlights a result that went against what you expected, often with an emotional punch.

たくさん勉強したのに、試験に落ちてしまった。
Takusan benkyou shita noni, shiken ni ochite shimatta.
Even though I studied a lot, I failed the exam.

See the pattern? のに lets you show that something didn’t go as expected, and it’s a great way to express mild frustration.

Here’s another tip to make your Japanese sound more natural: while のに is usually followed by a second statement to complete the contrast, in casual conversation, you can use it on its own to imply disappointment. This way, you can express frustration or surprise without needing to finish the sentence. 

たくさん勉強したのに….
Takusen benkyou shita no ni…
Even though I studied a lot…

8. Tokoro Ga (ところが)

Structure: [Sentence 1]. ところが [Sentence 2]

Another way to express an unexpected result in Japanese is ところが. It comes from the noun ところ (tokoro), which literally means “place,” combined with the particle が. You use it when something happens that’s completely different from what you expected.

You’ll usually see ところが at the beginning of a new sentence. If you’ve learned ところで, which means “by the way,” the structure looks the same, but the meaning is totally different. ところが is all about pointing out something that contrasts with what came before.

One thing to keep in mind: ところが is mostly used for things outside the speaker’s control. Unlike のに, it doesn’t always carry a negative feeling. For example, if you try to do something and think it might fail, you can also use ところが when it unexpectedly works out!

昨日は雨が降ると思っていた。ところが、朝から晴れていた。
Kinou wa ame ga furu to omotte ita. Tokoro ga, asa kara hanarete ita.
I thought it would rain yesterday. However, it was sunny from the morning.

9. To Ittemo (とは言っても)

Structure: [A] と言っても [B]

The phrase と言っても is a handy way to say “even if I say (A)” or “though you could say (A).” It comes from と言う (“to say”) + ても (“even if”), so literally it’s like saying “even if I say…” You use it when you want to introduce an idea but immediately clarify or add nuance to it. It works after almost any word or tense. Just a note: for な-adjectives and nouns, you might sometimes hear だ before と言っても, though often it’s left out. Also, if there’s no clear speaker, と言っても can mean something like “some might say (A)” or “it’s said that (A).” Basically, it’s perfect for softening your statement or adding a little extra nuance.

高いと言っても、そんなに高くないよ。
Takai to ittemo, sonna ni takakunai yo.
Even if I say it’s expensive, it’s really not that bad.

10. Tada (ただ)

Structure: [Statement 1]. ただ, [Statement 2]

ただ literally means “only” or “just,” but when used in conversation or writing, it often works like “however” or “but” to add a small limitation or exception to what you just said. It’s less formal than しかし but more neutral than けれど.

You can use ただ when you want to point out a caveat without making it sound too strong or confrontational.

このレストランは美味しい。ただ、少し高い。
Kono resutoran wa oishii. Tada, sukoshi takai.
This restaurant is tasty. But it’s a bit expensive.

How Japanese People Use “But”

This is where Japanese “but” gets interesting. We have briefly mentioned this in the grammar けど and が. Unlike English, where “but” mainly signals contrast, in Japanese, there are several grammatical roles it can play, depending on the word you use.

1. The obvious contrast

The most familiar and very obvious use of “but” is to show direct opposition between two ideas. Words like でも, けど, が, and しかし fit this category. Here, it is simple: the first clause is true, and the second clause introduces an opposing situation.

2. Softening statement

As a country known for its high-context communication, where meaning relies heavily on nonverbal cues, relationships, and shared cultural knowledge rather than explicitly stated words, some “buts” (especially が and けれど) don’t signal strong contradiction. Instead, they function as softeners, similar to saying “I would say… but…” in English.

そう思うが、どうかな。
Sou omou ga, dou ka na.
I think so, but I’m not sure.

Here, the second clause doesn’t fully contradict the first. It just makes the statement less blunt.

3. Rejecting something

Japanese culture favors indirect rejection, so “but” isn’t always used to directly argue. Instead, it can politely decline or contradict without sounding harsh. Some Japanese “buts” are used specifically to reject, object, or disagree. This is very common in conversation when you want to refuse a suggestion or gently contradict someone.

Often, the speaker may leave the sentence incomplete, ending it with が or けど without finishing the thought. The listener is expected to “read between the lines” and understand the implied refusal.

If someone asks you out on a date, you could say:

用事があるんですが
Youji ga arundesu ga….
I have plans, but…

Here, you don’t need to finish the sentence. The other person will usually understand that you’re politely declining.

Conclusion: But Wait! Learn Japanese with Coto Academy!

Now that we have learned “but” is a versatile tool that can soften statements, add nuance, show concession, express surprise, or even politely reject an idea, the next thing we need to do is apply it in real life. 

Ready to take your Japanese to the next level? Coto Academy offers fun, practical lessons to help you read between the lines and use expressions like a native speaker. Start learning today, and never be caught off guard by a subtle “but” again!

Why join Coto Academy?

• Over  60+ different Japanese classes over 18 levels
• Small classroom of only up to 8 students for personalized support
• Professional, native Japanese teachers
• Japanese classes in Tokyo and Yokohama, and an online Japanese language school!

Ready to get started? Fill out the form below to contact us!

FAQ

Read More:

• Guide to Japanese Particle
• Basic Japanese Words to Know

Congratulations! Whether it’s something you’ve achieved or a win for someone you care about, celebrating life’s big and small moments is a universal experience. Acknowledging these moments verbally is just as important. The most common way to say “congratulations” in Japanese is おめでとう (omedetou). But just like in English, there are many other ways to say “well done,” give kudos for someone’s hard work, and share in their good news.

In this guide, we’ll go over the different ways to say congratulations in Japanese, when you can use them, and introduce other similar expressions that can also be used to commemorate someone’s success or good news.

Meaning of “Omedetou” (おめでとう) in Japanese

As we mentioned, the most common and basic way to say “congratulations” in Japanese is by saying, “おめでとうございます (omedetou gozaimasu).” You may have learned おめでとう (omedetou) before, but what does it actually mean?

The phrase is almost always written in hiragana in modern Japanese and is rarely seen in kanji. However, looking at its original kanji form may help reveal its deeper meaning and how it came to represent the feeling of joy and praise we use today.

Historically, omedetou was written as either お目出度う or お芽出度う. Here is a breakdown of each character: 

• お (o): an honorific prefix showing respect or politeness
• 目/芽 (me): means eye or bud, symbolizing something visible or something about to grow
• 出 (de): means to come out, emerge, or appear
• 度 (tou): means degree, extent, or occasion

Together, the expression can be interpreted as “it’s a joyous occasion to see something sprouting or coming to life.”

You can probably tell how its rather poetic origin connects with its current usage of celebrating success or growth, such as someone achieving a goal, reaching a milestone, or beginning a new chapter. Over time, this meaning evolved into the modern sense of “congratulations,” which expresses genuine happiness for someone else’s accomplishment.

How to Use Omedetou in Japanese

Intuitively, you could use omedetou in the same way you would use “congratulations” in English. You can use it whenever you want to praise someone for their recent achievements or positive events, for instance: getting married, giving birth, starting a business, or getting a medical license. 

However, omedetou is arguably more flexible than “congratulations” since you can also use it for celebratory occasions such as birthdays or New Year’s. It turns out that there are a variety of uses for omedetou, and its usage might slightly change depending on the situation. 

Keep in mind that おめでとう (omedetou) is the more casual form. To make it more formal, you add ございます (gozaimasu) after it. This follows the same principle as saying thank you in Japanese: ありがとう (arigatou) is casual, while ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) is more polite.

10 Ways to Say Congratulations in Japanese

So, what are all the possible ways you can say congratulations in Japanese? Are there alternatives that are better for certain situations?

1. おめでとう: Omedetou

Omedetou, as mentioned, means “congratulations” or “congrats!” It is common in a more casual context, like with friends and family. The expression is widely applicable to a variety of situations, from celebrating a friend’s success to wishing a happy birthday or holiday. For example, when your friend passes the highly challenging JLPT N2 exam, you can congratulate them by saying: 

日本語能力試験N2合格おめでとう！

Nihongo nouryoku shiken N2 goukaku omedetou!

Congrats on passing the JLPT N2!

You can attach almost any milestone or accomplishment to it, like 結婚おめでとう (kekkon omedetou) for marriage, 合格おめでとう (goukaku omedetou) for passing an exam, or 卒業おめでとう (sotsugyou omedetou) for graduation.

2. おめでとうございます Omedetou Gozaimasu

By adding ございます(gozaimasu) to おめでとう(omedetou), you are making the phrase more formal. Omedetou gozaimasu is commonly used in a work or formal setting where you’re speaking to your boss, colleagues, or clients. For example, if your colleague recently got married, you could congratulate them with this expression. 

ご結婚おめでとうございます。
Gokekkon omedetougozaimasu
Congratulations on your wedding

Read More: Guide to Japanese Weddings and How to Congratulate Newlyweds

3. めでたしめでたし:  Medetashi Medetashi

This is a rather traditional expression that’s not used too often today, but can be a fun and sincere way to express your happiness for someone or to congratulate them. The phrase means something like “all is well that ends well” or “happily ever after”. It has a rather poetic tone to it, like something from a folktale. 

Medetashi medetashi has a lyrical ring and jubilant tone, so if you do say it, people will appreciate your joyous nature and knowledge of traditional Japanese expressions. While it’s no longer used very often, you can use this phrase to sincerely congratulate someone on just about any occasion. It can also be used humorously to express congratulations for a pleasant end to something

試験も終わって試験も終わったし、結果も良かったし。めでたしめでたし！
Shiken mo owatte shi、kekka mo yokatta shi. Medetashi medetashi!
The exams are over and the results were good. All is well that ends well!

4. 良かった: Yokatta

“Yokatta” stems from the root adjective 良い (yoi or ii), which means “good” or “well.” 良かった (yokatta) is a familiar expression often used casually to show that you’re glad something went well. Its literal translation is “was good,” but in conversation it often conveys a warmer meaning such as “that’s good to hear” or “I’m happy to hear that.” It’s a friendly, heartfelt expression that’s great to use with close friends.

仕事が決まったんだって？よかったね！
Shigoto ga kimattan datte? Yokatta ne!
You got the job? That’s awesome!

Did you know you can say yokatta for “you’re welcome in Japanese”. Read our blog for 11 ways to say you’re welcome in Japanese. 

5. やったね: Yatta ne

Yatta ne is the warm and spontaneous “you did it!” or “well done”, that you blurt out when you’re proud of someone. Compared to omodetou, which is polite and celebratory, “yatta ne” is more casual, warm, and meant to highlight someone’s accomplishments. So, you would say it after someone achieved something like graduation rather than at weddings or birthdays.

The word やった (yatta) is the past tense of the verb やる (yaru), meaning “to do” or “to accomplish.” When said with excitement, it expresses joy, relief, or triumph, similar to shouting “Yes!” or “Woohoo!” in English. Adding ね (ne) at the end softens it slightly, making it sound friendly and affirming, like “You did it!” or “That’s great, huh!”

テストに合格したの？やったね！
Tesuto ni goukaku shita no? Yatta ne!
You passed the test? That’s awesome!

6. お祝い申し上げます: Oiwa Moushi Agemasu

This is a very formal way of saying congratulations since it uses keigo, or the formal Japanese language. This expression is often reserved for writing in formal letters or emails to someone you want to congratulate. The character 祝 (shuku) or お祝い (oiwai) means celebration or congratulations, and 申し上げます (moushi agemasu) is the keigo conjugation for “to give” or “to offer”.

So, the phrase means “I offer my congratulations”. This expression is common in business writing or formal emails when you want to congratulate a client or even a colleague. 

ご入学にあたり、お祝いの言葉を申し上げます
Gonyuugaku ni atari, oiwai no kotoba o moushiagemasu.
To your enrollment celebration, I offer my congratulations.

7. お幸せに: Oshiawase Ni

The expression closely translates to “wishing you happiness”, more literally “to your happiness”, with the term 幸せ (shiawase) meaning “happiness” and に (ni) meaning “to”. You often say it for weddings or engagements to wish the bride/groom a life of happiness. 

いつまでもお幸せに！
Itsu made mo oshiawase ni!
Wishing you happiness forever!

8. 素晴らしい Subarashii

素晴らしい (subarashii) means “wonderful” or “amazing” and can be used as a congratulatory remark to someone’s incredible achievements. You can use subrashii to express your genuine admiration, delight, or praise for someone who just accomplished something grand or difficult. You can say “subarashii” alone as a heartfelt “congratulations” in response to someone’s success or good news.

すばらしいニュースですね！
Subarashii nyuusu desu ne!
That’s wonderful news!

9. すごい: Sugoi

Sugoi is one of the most versatile words in Japanese, as you can use it to express surprise, excitement, delight, disgust, and, of course, admiration for someone’s achievements. It’s somewhat similar to saying “wow” which can also be used in a wide variety of contexts. So in the context of using “sugoi” to praise someone, it would be similar to saying “that’s amazing” or “that’s awesome”. The expression is warm and casual, giving a feeling of closeness. 

昇進おめでとう！ すごいじゃん！
Shoushin omedetou! Sugoi jan!
“Congrats on the promotion! That’s awesome!”

10. お疲れ様でした: Otsukaresama Deshita

Otsukare sama desu or otsukaresama deshita (past tense) is a staple phrase in the Japanese workplace. Generally, it is used to express your appreciation for your colleague’s hard work and as a way of maintaining good Japanese business manners. However, otsukare sama is actually quite flexible and can even be used to congratulate someone. 

For instance, if you want to congratulate a colleague for their success on a project, you can say otsukaresamadeshita to express your admiration of their hard work. 

発表お疲れ様でした！
Happyou otsukaresama deshita!
Great job on your presentation!

Different Situations for Using Omedetou

There are many ways to say “congratulations” in Japanese, but the phrase omedetou is quite flexible and can be used in a variety of situations. Below are a few common occasions when you can say “omedetou!”

Omedetou for Getting to the End! What to Keep in Mind

おめでとう (omedetou) is one of the most versatile and useful expressions for saying “congratulations” or simply expressing joy for good news in Japanese. However, it’s not the only way to celebrate someone’s success or milestone. Japanese has a rich variety of expressions you can use depending on your relationship with the person and the level of formality you want to convey.

To truly understand when and how to use omedetou and other natural Japanese phrases in real-life conversations, we recommend taking lessons with experienced Japanese teachers who can help you sound confident and natural in everyday situations.

Why not join fun, conversation-focused lessons at Coto Academy? As Tokyo and Yokohama’s No. 1 Japanese language school, Coto Academy specializes in helping students speak Japanese confidently from day one.

Why join Coto Academy?

• Small classrooms with only up to 8 students for personalized support
• Professional native Japanese teachers, all trained to help you succeed
• Over 60 different Japanese classes across 18 levels, tailored to your needs
• A fully online Japanese language school, so you can learn anywhere, anytime!

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