Did you know that Italian has at least two ways of saying 'congratulations'?
Greeting
There greeting, which is what you would say to someone on their birthday, wedding, or the birth of their child.
It comes from the verb wish ('wish', 'vote') and is essentially like offering someone your 'best wishes': you're not just celebrating the occasion, but wishing them the best for what comes next.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Compliments
Complimenti, on the other hand, is when you want to congratulate someone on a job well done. It literally means 'compliments' – in the same sense that a satisfied customer might send their “compliments to the chef”.
Compliment for laurea!
Congratulations on your graduation!
But it also reflects a more general appreciation of something. You Italian speakers use “congratulations” at times when we would rarely say 'congratulations' in Portuguese (just like they say “bravo” for things that wouldn't receive a 'well done!').
It's hard to translate exactly what it means in this context, but essentially it's just a way of telling someone that you like what they do, have, or are.
Complimenti, parli molto bene l'italiano.
Good job, you speak Italian very well.
Complimenti, che beautiful casa!
What a beautiful house you have!
Although giving your “compliment” When someone is almost always positive (unless you're being sarcastic), the word can also refer to unnecessary formalities — like 'fluff' or 'small talk'.
When you want to skip the pleasantries and get straight to the point, you tell someone not to worry about “congratulations".
We skipped the part I complimented, it's not time to lose.
Let's leave the formalities aside, there is no time to waste.
Senza complimenti, I said it chiarly when I thought about it.
Without beating around the bush, I told him clearly what I thought of him.
Leave aside the “congratulations” might make you sound a little harsh…
I never complimented him on my machina and if he didn't go there.
Without even asking permission, she took my car and left.
…but if someone else invites you to do it, it means they want you to feel comfortable.
Non fare complimenti, serviti!
Don't be shy, help yourself!
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