maligayang bati sa iyo
The English phrase "happy birthday to you" is translated into Tagalog as maligayang bati sa iyo.
This phrase is a common greeting used to wish someone a happy birthday.
What does it mean word for word?
The literal translation of maligayang bati sa iyo is "happy greeting to you". The word maligaya means happy, bati means greeting and sa iyo means to you.
Which one should you use?
Maligayang bati sa iyo is used when addressing a single person and is generally more direct or informal than using sa inyo. Another option is Maligayang kaarawan, which is a more direct way to say "Happy birthday" by using the specific word for birthday, kaarawan.
When do people say it?
The traditional birthday song in the Philippines is called Maligayang Bati.
Did you know?
- A common Filipino birthday custom is for the celebrant to treat their guests to a meal, rather than the guests paying for the celebrant.
- The word bati in this greeting can also mean 'to reconcile' or 'to make up' after a fight.
- The word bati used in this greeting is a metathesis of the Malay word tabik, which originally came from a Sanskrit word meaning 'to be pardoned or forgiven'.
Examples in context
- Maligayang bati sa iyo!Happy birthday to you!
- Gusto ko lang sabihin na maligayang bati sa iyo.I just want to say happy birthday to you.
- Maligayang bati sa iyo, kaibigan.Happy birthday to you, friend.
Example conversation
Maria is greeting Ricardo during his birthday celebration.
- MariaMaligayang bati sa iyo, Ricardo!Happy birthday to you, Ricardo!
- RicardoSalamat nang marami, Maria.Thank you very much, Maria.
- MariaSana ay maging masaya ang araw mo.I hope your day is happy.
- RicardoSalamat sa iyong pagbati.Thank you for your greeting.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bati, iyo, sa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
