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!

Anong gusto mong regalo sa kaarawan mo?
What gift would you like on your birthday?

Kailan ang kaarawan mo?
When is your birthday?

Ano ang gagawin mo sa kaarawan mo?
What are you doing on your birthday?

Maligayang Kaarawan sa Iyo!
Happy Birthday to You!

May handaan ba?
Will there be a party?

May handaan ba sa kaarawan mo?
Will there be a party on your birthday?

Similarly, in Italian, Buon compleanno is a literal translation of “Happy birthday” whereas Tanti auguri” means “Many wishes.” The latter is the more idiomatic expression.

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