HAPPY BIRTHDAY

The Tagalog word for ‘birthday’ is kaarawan.

The traditional way of greeting a Filipino a happy birthday is to say:

Maligayang Bati

Maligayang Bati
Maligayang Bati

This means “Happy Wishes” or “Joyful Greetings” but it’s understood to be referring to one’s birthday.

With the influence of English, most Filipinos translate the phrase “Happy Birthday” literally and these days say…

Maligayang Kaarawan!
Happy Birthday!

Maligayang Bati sa Iyong Kaarawan!
Happy Wishes on Your Birthday!

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Spanish Numbers in Tagalog

Tagalog numbers can be a mouthful, even for Filipinos. Compare the following two for the word twenty-two (22):

dalawampu’t dalawa (7 syllables)
bente-dos (3 syllables)

There are many situations where Filipinos prefer to use Spanish-derived numbers. The most common are when saying one’s age and telling time. Continue reading “Spanish Numbers in Tagalog”

Top 10 Basic Tagalog Phrases to Know

Make an effort to learn at least a few basic phrases in Tagalog!

Magandang araw! = Beautiful day!
This is how Filipinos would say hello. It’s the equivalent of “Good morning!” though you can use it in the early afternoon too.

Mahal kita. = I love you.
This is the most common way of saying ‘I Love You.’ This phrase can be used with anyone, from your wife to your grandfather.

Sarap nito. = This is delicious. / This feels good.
The Tagalog word for ‘delicious‘ is also used for something that feels good.

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Filipino Phrases & Sentences for Thanksgiving!

Maligayang Araw ng Pasasalamat
Happy Thanksgiving Day

Kakain ka ba ng pabo?
Will you be eating turkey?

Aba, siyempre!
Of course!

Saan ka mag-te-thanksgiving?
Where will you be spending Thanksgiving?

Sa bahay. Kasama ng pamilya.
At home. With the family.

Hindi ka sasakay ng eroplano?
You’re not taking a plane?

Magda-drayb lang ako.
I’ll just be driving.

Sabik akong makita ang pamilya.
I’m eager to see the family.

Kakain ako ng marami.
I will eat a lot.

Magpapakabusog ako.
I will stuff myself.

Kumain tayo ng “pumpkin pie.”
Let’s eat pumpkin pie!

Continue reading “Filipino Phrases & Sentences for Thanksgiving!”

Meron ka bang… ? = Do you have…?

Meron ka bang…
Do you happen to have…

Meron ka bang lapis?
Do you have a pencil?

Meron ka bang bolpen?
Do you have a pen?

Meron ka bang papel?
Do you have paper?

Meron ka bang pera?
Do you have money?

Meron ka bang asawa?
Do you have a spouse?
(=You married?)

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