pahalipay
The Bisaya word for "congratulations" is pahalipay.
pahalipay is used to express approbation. You can expand this phrase by adding the pronoun kanimo after the word to say "Congratulations to you!" (Pahalipay kanimo!).
Meaning: expressing approbation (intj)
Which one should you use?
While pahalipay is the standard term, speakers may use different forms depending on the setting or location. kongrats is an informal version of "congrats", and kongratulasyon is specifically used in the Boholano region.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual settings, many Bisaya speakers use the English loanword "Congrats!" instead of the formal pahalipay. Other informal options include the shortened kongrats or the phrase maayo'ng trabaho, which means "good job".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Boholano region, you can say kongratulasyon.
Did you know?
- The term pahalipay is sometimes used in the context of 'giving a gift' to celebrate an achievement, blending the act of congratulating with the act of gifting.
- In celebratory settings, a pahalipay may be accompanied by a 'handshake' or 'beso' (cheek-to-cheek kiss), depending on the closeness of the relationship and gender.
- The root of pahalipay is lipay, which means 'happiness' or 'joy'. Literally, the word is not just a greeting but an act of 'causing someone to be happy'.
Examples in context
- Pahalipay!Congratulations!This example shows how to use pahalipay on its own.Tatoeba #4629748 by Josefwintzent, translation #1437 by CK
- Maayo'ng trabaho! Ikaw gyud maoy pinakamaayo sa tanan.Good job! You really are the best among us all.
- Dako nga pahalipay kanimo.Big congratulations to you.
- Akong pahalipay sa imong kalampusan.My congratulations on your success.
Example conversation
Ricardo just passed a difficult professional exam.
- MariaPahalipay kanimo, Ricardo!Congratulations to you, Ricardo!
- RicardoSalamat kaayo, Maria.Thank you very much, Maria.
- MariaMaayo kaayo ka.You are very good.
- RicardoDako kaayo kini nga dungog.This is a very big honor.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
