Casual — to friend
Workplace · Socializing
昇進、本当におめでとう!これまでの努力が実ったね。 — Congratulations on your promotion! Your hard work has paid off. (Workplace · Socializing, Casual — to friend, JLPT N3)
You
昇進、本当におめでとう!これまでの努力が実ったね。
しょうしん、ほんとうにおめでとう!これまでのどりょくがみのったね。
Congratulations on your promotion! Your hard work has paid off.
Romaji: Shoushin, hontou ni omedetou! Korema de no doryoku ga minotta ne. / Reply Romaji: Arigatou, mina-san no okage desu.
Reply
ありがとう、皆さんのおかげです。
ありがとう、みなさんのおかげです。
Thank you, it's thanks to everyone.
Gesture & etiquette
Warm smile, genuine eye contact. If close enough, a brief handshake or pat on the shoulder. Casual peer-to-peer warmth. Add a small gift or drinks invitation if the relationship is close.
Casual congratulations between peers. '努力が実った' (your effort bore fruit) is warm and specific — better than generic 'よかったね'. The Japanese cultural response humbly attributes success to others ('皆さんのおかげ' thanks to everyone). Send brief congrats messages on the day of announcement. For superiors, switch to 'ご昇進、誠におめでとうございます'.