tagay
/ˈtaɡaj/
tagay is the Filipino way to say cheers.
The word tagay is used as a toast when drinking alcohol, similar to the English expression 'cheers'.
Meaning: toast when drinking (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word tagay literally refers to the act of pouring a drink.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtaɡaj/
When do people say it?
In Filipino drinking culture, tagay often refers to a communal drinking style where a single glass is passed around the group.
Did you know?
- Passing a single glass for tagay is not just about convenience but is a symbol of pakikisama, the Filipino cultural value of maintaining social harmony and togetherness.
- While English speakers say 'cheers' to celebrate, in a Filipino setting, saying tagay is often a command to take a drink.
- The act of drinking from the shared glass is often accompanied by the phrase shot puno, which tells the drinker to fill the glass to the brim.
Examples in context
- Tagay para sa iyong kaarawan!Cheers to your birthday!
- Isa pang tagay para sa ating pagkakaibigan.One more toast to our friendship.
Example conversation
Juan and Christina are having drinks at a local bar.
- JuanTagay para sa iyong tagumpay, Christina!Cheers to your success, Christina!
- ChristinaSalamat, Juan! Tagay din para sa iyo.Thanks, Juan! Cheers to you too.
- JuanPara sa mas marami pang saya!To more happiness!
- ChristinaSige, tagay na!Alright, let's drink!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cheers” translations and entries tagay, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
