maligayang bati
/maliˌɡajaŋ ˈbatiʔ/
The English phrase "best wishes" is translated into Tagalog as maligayang bati.
This phrase is used to express good intentions or to congratulate someone on a special occasion.
Which one should you use?
While maligayang bati is the standard way to say "best wishes," you can also use maligayang pagbati, which translates to "happy greetings."
How do you pronounce it?
/maliˌɡajaŋ ˈbatiʔ/
Did you know?
- The 'stirring' meaning of bati is a loanword from the Spanish batir, making the word a homonym with the greeting version derived from Sanskrit.
- The word bati can also be used in the context of reconciliation after a fight, essentially 'greeting' someone again to end a conflict.
- In the Philippines, maligayang bati is the standard lyric used in the Tagalog version of the 'Happy Birthday' song.
Examples in context
- Maligayang bati sa inyong pagtatapos ng pagsasanay.Congratulations and best wishes on your training completion.
- Mabuhay ka sa iyong bagong tungkulin!May you thrive in your new role!
- Good luck sa iyong pagsusulit!Good luck on your exam!
- Napakasuwerte ng kumpanya na may katulad mo. Mabuhay ka sa iyong mga patuloy na tagumpay!The company is so lucky to have someone like you. Cheers to your continued success!
- Maligayang bati sa inyong kaarawan!Best wishes on your birthday!
- Maligayang bati sa inyong kasal.Best wishes on your wedding.
- Maligayang bati sa tagumpay mo.Best wishes on your success.
Example conversation
Ricardo is congratulating Maria on her new job.
- RicardoMaligayang bati sa bago mong trabaho, Maria!Best wishes on your new job, Maria!
- MariaMaraming salamat, Ricardo!Thank you very much, Ricardo!
- RicardoSigurado akong magtatagumpay ka.I am sure you will succeed.
- MariaSalamat sa iyong suporta.Thank you for your support.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry maligayang bati, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bati, maligayang bati, CC BY-SA 4.0.
