Useful Russian phrases: How to congratulate someone on a holiday?

To express congratulations on a holiday or an important date, Russians use the phrase: “Поздравляю с …” (Literally “Congratulate on/with …”). 

The following words should be put in the Instrumental case, which we've learned before (check here if you've missed it!).

So, here's a couple of examples: 

• “Поздравляю с днём рождения!”
  “Happy birthday!” (“I congratulate you on your birthday!”)
• “Поздравляю с Новым Годом!”
  “Happy New Year!” (“I congratulate you with New Year's!”)

But, here's a trick! You can skip the word 'поздравляю' and say 'c …' right away!

For example:

• “C днём рождения!”
  “Happy birthday!” 
• “C Новым годом!”
  “Happy New year!”

What else can you congratulate a Russian person with? 

• “С Пасхой!” (“Happy Easter!”)
• “Со свадьбой/с годовщиной свадьбы” (“Happy wedding/happy wedding anniversary!”)
• “С Днем Победы” (“Happy Victory Day!”)
• “C Рождеством” (“Merry Christmas!”)
• “С новосельем” (“Happy housewarming!”)
• “С пополнением в семье” (Congratulate on your growing family!”)

If you want to train this topic deeper, check out our free online Russian language course!