Naimbag a panagkasangay
The English phrase 'happy birthday' is expressed in Ilocano as Naimbag a panagkasangay.
Use this phrase to offer good wishes to someone celebrating their birthday.
Meaning: good wishes for a birthday (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Naimbag, meaning 'good' and panagkasangay, which refers to 'birth' or 'birthday'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle a serves as a linker between the adjective Naimbag and the noun panagkasangay.
Did you know?
- In some Ilocano communities, birthday wishes are accompanied by the giving of 'long-life' noodles, a custom influenced by Chinese traders in the Philippines.
- Depending on the region, Ilocano speakers might add Kabsat meaning 'sibling' after the phrase to show affection, even to people who are not biologically related.
- Ilocano is one of the few languages in the Philippines with a distinct script history, though Naimbag a panagkasangay is now written using the Latin alphabet.
Examples in context
- Naimbag a panagkasangay kenka!Happy birthday to you!
- Naimbag a panagkasangay, gayyem!Happy birthday, friend!
Example conversation
Manuel visits Cristina at her house to celebrate her birthday.
- ManuelNaimbag a panagkasangay, Cristina!Happy birthday, Cristina!
- CristinaAgyamanak unay, Manuel.Thank you very much, Manuel.
- ManuelNanganen ti kabsat mo?Did your sibling eat yet?
- CristinaWen, nanganen kami amin.Yes, we all ate.
