How to say happy birthday in Filipino
Maligayang kaarawan
Say it like this: mah-lee-GAH-yahng kah-ah-RAH-wahn
To say happy birthday in Filipino, you say "Maligayang kaarawan". Filipino, based on Tagalog, is spoken across the Philippines and by Filipino families all over the world. Here is how to say it, other ways to send your wishes, and the song everyone sings.
"Maligaya" means happy, and the "ng" links it to the next word. "Kaarawan" comes from "araw", which means day. It is the word for birthday.
Other ways to say happy birthday in Filipino
- Happy birthday!Say it like this: HAP-ee BURTH-dayThe English words are used every day in the Philippines, often more than the Filipino phrase.
- Maligayang bati!Say it like this: mah-lee-GAH-yahng BAH-teeMeans "happy greetings!". It is also the start of the Filipino birthday song.
- Maligayang kaarawan poSay it like this: mah-lee-GAH-yahng kah-ah-RAH-wahn pohAdding "po" makes it polite. Use it for parents, grandparents, teachers and your boss.
- Maligayang kaarawan sa iyoSay it like this: mah-lee-GAH-yahng kah-ah-RAH-wahn sah EE-yohMeans "happy birthday to you". Warm and personal.
- Pagpalain ka ng DiyosSay it like this: pahg-pah-LAH-in kah nahng dee-YOHSMeans "God bless you". Often added in cards and family messages.
The Happy Birthday song in Filipino
Maligayang bati,
maligayang bati,
maligayang, maligayang,
maligayang bati!
This is sung to the usual Happy Birthday tune. Many families sing it in English first, then in Filipino straight after.
Birthday customs
- In the Philippines, long noodles called "pancit" are served at birthdays. The long noodles stand for a long life, so they should not be cut.
- In the Philippines, the birthday person usually treats friends or workmates to food. This is often called a "blowout".
- In the Philippines, a girl's 18th birthday is often a big party called a "debut". It may include 18 roses, given by 18 special men in her life.
A quick tip
"Kaarawan" has two a's together. Say them as two separate sounds: kah-ah-RAH-wahn. And remember the little word "po". Filipinos use it to show respect, and it makes any wish sound kinder.
Questions people ask
How do you say happy birthday in Filipino to a friend?
Say "Maligayang kaarawan!" or just "Happy birthday!". Both are natural with friends.
What does "po" mean?
"Po" has no direct English meaning. It is a small word that shows respect, a bit like adding "sir" or "madam".
What do you say back?
Say "Salamat!" (sah-LAH-maht), which means thank you. To an elder, say "Salamat po!".
Wish someone happy birthday in Filipino
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Filipino: a gift box to open, confetti, their name in gold and the birthday song. Then send it by WhatsApp, text or email. It is free.