Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| maligayang pagdating | /maliˌɡajaŋ paɡdaˈtiŋ/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| mabuhay | /maˈbuhaj/ (Standard Tagalog) |
The term 'welcome' is used as a greeting given upon someone's arrival. You can use it to affirm or greet the arrival of someone, or to describe someone whose arrival is a cause of joy.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase maligayang pagdating literally translates to 'happy arrival'.
Which one should you use?
maligayang pagdating is the standard way to welcome someone to a place. In contrast, mabuhay is a more ceremonial or enthusiastic greeting that can also mean 'long live' or 'to live'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both maligayang pagdating and mabuhay are formal ways of saying 'Welcome!' Mabuhay is particularly common in formal settings, such as official ceremonies or when welcoming guests to a country or event.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'welcome to [place]', use the particle sa after maligayang pagdating, as in maligayang pagdating sa…
How do you pronounce it?
/maliˌɡajaŋ paɡdaˈtiŋ/
When do people say it?
For a warm and friendly way to say 'Welcome!' when inviting people into a home or gathering, you can use Tuloy po kayo!
Did you know?
- The phrase Tuloy po kayo! serves a double purpose: it welcomes a guest into a space and literally invites them to 'continue' or 'proceed' inside.
- The root of pagdating comes from the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian word *datəŋ, linking the Tagalog welcome to languages spoken across Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
- The word mabuhay is often used as a patriotic cheer or a toast during celebrations, not just as a greeting for arrivals.
Examples in context
- Maligayang pagdating sa Tatoeba.Welcome to Tatoeba!This sentence is useful for saying 'Welcome to Tatoeba!' using maligayang pagdating.Tatoeba #1891460 by nonong, translation #1205289 by bart
- Maligayang pagdating sa aking bahay.Welcome to my home.This sentence is useful for saying 'Welcome to my home' using maligayang pagdating.Tatoeba #2765589 by mervert1, translation #2228256 by cathrynm
- Maligayang pagdating sa aming maliit na hotel.Welcome to our small hotel.
Example conversation
Christina arrives at Juan's office for a meeting.
- JuanMaligayang pagdating, Christina!Welcome, Christina!
- ChristinaSalamat, Juan.Thank you, Juan.
- JuanHanda na ba ang lahat?Is everything ready?
- ChristinaOo, handa na ako.Yes, I am ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “welcome” translations and entries maligayang pagdating, mabuhay, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mabuhay, maligayang pagdating, pagdating, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
