Many occasions call for congratulations. We congratulate others on getting a new job or promotion, opening a new business, winning an award, getting engaged or married, giving birth to a baby, etc. A letter of congratulations usually falls into three parts. First, you state directly and briefly the reason for congratulations. Second, you praise your reader and make positive comments on his (her) achievement to make him (her) feel certain that he (she) deserves it. Third, end your letter by expressing good wishes for the future. You should send the letter as soon as possible after the fortunate event takes place.

When receiving a congratulation letter, it is polite to give a reply with thanks. And both letters are usually brief and prompt.

工作生活中周围的客户、同事和朋友时常会遇到一些喜事，如某人升职、获得新的任命、受到奖励、开业、考试成功、毕业、结婚或生日等等。在这些场合，我们都可以写祝贺信，以增进彼此间的好感。祝贺信根据写作对象不同有正式和非正式之分。因此，贺信可以简短而正式，也可以轻松而随意，这主要取决于具体的场合及与收信人的关系。