tagay
/ˈtaɡaj/
tagay is the Filipino term for a toast or an invitation to take a drink of alcohol.
The term is used informally as a toast or an invitation to drink, typically during social gatherings. It refers to the act of passing around a drink and taking turns to drink from the same container.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtaɡaj/
When do people say it?
In Filipino drinking culture, saying tagay often implies a communal drinking session where people share a single glass or participate in a round of shots together.
Did you know?
- The communal nature of tagay is so strong that sharing a single glass is often seen as a symbol of friendship and trust rather than an unsanitary habit.
- In traditional tagay sessions, the person acting as the 'tanggero' is the designated pourer who controls the pace of the drinking and ensures everyone gets a fair turn.
- The Filipino concept of drinking often includes pulutan, which are small snacks specifically designed to accompany tagay and prevent intoxication from happening too quickly.
Examples in context
- Tara, tagay tayo!Come on, let's have a drink!
- Nakakapagod yung tatlong rounds na tagay kagabi, pero sobrang saya!The three rounds of tagay last night were tiring but so much fun!
- Tagay para sa ating tagumpay!A toast to our success!
- Isang tagay naman diyan!Have a drink with us!
- Tagay na tayo!Let's have a drink now!
Example conversation
Ricardo and Patricia are celebrating a promotion at a local bar.
- PatriciaRicardo, tagay na!Ricardo, let's drink!
- RicardoSige, Patricia. Tagay para sa bagong trabaho!Sure, Patricia. A toast to the new job!
- PatriciaCheers! Tagay tayo!Cheers! Let's drink!
- RicardoTagay!Cheers!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tagay, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
