pagbati
/paɡˈbatiʔ/
Congratulations in Tagalog is pagbati.
The term pagbati is used to express approbation. In celebratory contexts, you will often see the common phrase Maligayang pagbati!, which translates to 'Happy greetings!' or 'Congratulations!'
Meaning: expressing approbation (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
pagbati is a noun meaning 'greeting' or 'congratulation'. It is derived from the root bati, meaning 'to greet' or 'to salute', with the prefix pag- turning it into a noun meaning 'the act of greeting'.
Which one should you use?
While pagbati is the noun form, the verbal form binabati kita is often used to actively express congratulations to someone. For more formal situations, you might use the phrase Isang pambihirang tagumpay! to mean 'A remarkable success!' or the more personal formal phrase Ikinalulugod kong batiin ka! to express your personal pleasure in congratulating them. In very informal settings, you can use Grabe! Ang galing mo! which means 'Wow! You're amazing!'
How do you pronounce it?
/paɡˈbatiʔ/
Did you know?
- The root word bati can also mean to 'beat' or to 'whisk' something, such as beating eggs in a kitchen context.
- If you are congratulating someone on a wedding, the concept of pagbati is often accompanied by the traditional gesture of 'mano', where one touches an elder's hand to their forehead.
- The root bati can also mean 'to reconcile' or 'make up' after an argument, showing that a greeting is often a bridge to peace.
Examples in context
- Masayang pagbati!Congratulations!This sentence is useful for seeing how to use pagbati in a celebratory greeting.Tatoeba #8954681 by fishda, translation #1437 by CK
- Tanggapin mo ang aking pagbati.Please accept my congratulations.
- Isang mainit na pagbati para sa iyo.A warm congratulations to you.
Example conversation
Jasmine tells Jose that he passed his exam.
- JasmineJose, nakapasa ka sa board exam!Jose, you passed the board exam!
- JoseSalamat, Jasmine! Sobrang saya ko.Thanks, Jasmine! I am so happy.
- JasminePagbati sa iyo, Jose!Congratulations to you, Jose!
- JoseMaraming salamat sa pagbati.Thank you very much for the congratulations.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pagbati, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pagbati, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
