Maligayang Bagong Taon ng Tsino
Maligayang Bagong Taon ng Tsino is the Tagalog phrase for happy lunar new year.
This phrase is used specifically to acknowledge the Lunar New Year celebrations rather than the Gregorian New Year.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Maligaya (happy), Bagong Taon (new year) and ng Tsino (of the Chinese).
Which one should you use?
While Maligayang Bagong Taon is the standard greeting for any New Year, adding ng Tsino specifies the Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year).
Did you know?
- The word ng in your greeting is a linguistic survivor. It actually originated from a Spanish-era habit of placing a tilde over the word nang to indicate a nasal sound, but was simplified to two letters when people began using English typewriters.
- In the Philippines, the Lunar New Year is often celebrated with the custom of wearing red and avoiding sweeping the floor to prevent good luck from being swept away.
Examples in context
- Manigong Bagong Taon! Nawa'y magkaroon kayo ng masaganang tahanan at magandang kalusugan!Prosperous New Year! May you have an abundant home and good health!
Example conversation
Christina and Mark meet during a celebration dinner.
- ChristinaMark, Maligayang Bagong Taon ng Tsino!Mark, Happy Lunar New Year!
- MarkSalamat, Christina! Maligayang Bagong Taon din sa iyo.Thanks, Christina! Happy New Year to you too.
- ChristinaMasarap ba ang pagkain dito?Is the food delicious here?
- MarkOo, talagang napakasarap ng lahat.Yes, everything is really delicious.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Tsino, ng, taon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
