tagay
/ˈtaɡaj/
The Tagalog word for "cheers" (as a toast when drinking) is tagay.
The word tagay is used as an exclamation or a command to signal a toast or to invite others to take a drink. You may also hear the English phrase "Bottoms up!" used among friends in the Philippines.
Meaning: toast when drinking (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, tagay means "to pour (a drink)".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtaɡaj/
When do people say it?
When making a toast, you might say Mabuhay ang mga nagwagi! to mean "Cheers to the winners!"
Did you know?
- In many Filipino drinking sessions, the phrase tagay refers to a specific ritual of passing a single glass around the circle, rather than everyone having their own drink.
- In a tagayan session, the tagaymaster ensures that everyone drinks in a specific order and no one is skipped.
- In rural areas, a tagay session might be accompanied by pulutan, which are small plates of food specifically meant to be eaten between drinks.
Examples in context
- Tagay tayo!Let's drink/toast!
- Isang tagay para sa iyong kaarawan.A toast for your birthday.
- Tagay para sa ating pagkakaibigan!A toast to our friendship!
Example conversation
Maria and Ricardo are celebrating a promotion at a local bar.
- MariaTagay para sa bagong trabaho mo, Ricardo!A toast to your new job, Ricardo!
- RicardoSalamat, Maria! Tagay para sa iyo rin.Thanks, Maria! A toast to you too.
- MariaSige, tagay na tayo!Alright, let's drink!
- RicardoTagay!Cheers!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cheers” translations and entries tagay, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
