masaya
/masaˈja/
The English word happy is translated into Tagalog as masaya.
masaya is an adjective used to express being contented or joyous.
Meaning: contented, joyous (adj)
Which one should you use?
While masaya is the common word for happy, maligaya is a more formal or poetic term often used to describe intense joy or bliss. Additionally, ligaya is used when referring to emotional or profound happiness.
How does it change in a sentence?
When masaya is used as an adjective directly before a noun, the linker '-ng' is added to the end of the word to form masayang.
How do you pronounce it?
/masaˈja/
Did you know?
- The word saya is a homonym that can also mean 'skirt' in Tagalog. Depending on the context, a person might be described as being 'with a skirt' or 'happy'.
- Filipinos often use the phrase masayang-masaya by repeating the word to indicate an extreme level of happiness, similar to saying 'very, very happy'.
- The term ligaya, the root of the formal maligaya, is often used as a female given name in the Philippines, meaning 'joy'.
Examples in context
- Si Tom ay masaya.Tom is happy.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom is happy using masaya.Tatoeba #7139141 by kanlaon, translation #1025016 by CK
- Sabi mo masaya ka.You said that you were happy.This sentence is useful for repeating a statement about someone being happy using masaya.Tatoeba #10170377 by theSardonyx, translation #1466930 by human600
- Hindi ka ba masaya?Aren't you happy?This sentence is useful for asking a question about whether someone is happy using masaya.Tatoeba #8653986 by England, translation #16747 by CK
- Magandang araw po! Sana maging masaya kayo sa pagdalo sa aming pagtitipon ngayon.Good day! We hope you will be happy attending our gathering today.
- Ang saya-saya ko ngayon, malapit na ang pista opisyal ng aming bayan.I'm so happy right now, our town's official festival is near.
- Maipagmamalaki kong nakasama ako sa espesyal na araw ng iyong buhay. Ligaya ko ang makita kang masaya.I'm proud to be a part of your special day. My happiness lies in seeing you happy.
- 55 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Christina and Mark are talking about their new job.
- ChristinaMasaya ka ba sa bago mong trabaho?Are you happy with your new job?
- MarkOo, sobrang masaya ako.Yes, I am very happy.
- ChristinaMabuti naman kung ganoon.That is good to hear, then.
- MarkSalamat, Christina.Thank you, Christina.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy” translations and entries masaya, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
