1.
congratulatory address; celebratory speech
A formal speech given at a celebratory occasion such as a wedding, graduation, or opening ceremony to offer congratulations and good wishes.
校長が祝辞を述べた。
The principal gave a congratulatory address.
結婚式で友人に祝辞を頼まれた。
I was asked by a friend to give a congratulatory speech at the wedding.
来賓の祝辞が長く続き、会場の空気が少し重くなった。
The guest of honor's congratulatory speech went on for a long time, and the atmosphere in the venue became a bit heavy.
USAGE: 祝辞 is a formal term used at ceremonial occasions. It refers specifically to the speech itself, not the act of congratulating.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 祝辞を述べる (to deliver a congratulatory address)
- 祝辞を頼む / 祝辞を依頼する (to ask someone to give a speech)
- 来賓の祝辞 (congratulatory address by a guest of honor)
SIMILAR WORDS: Compare with 挨拶 (greeting/speech), which is broader and can be used for any kind of address. 祝辞 is specifically celebratory. The opposite is 弔辞 (eulogy/funeral address).