Ways to Say It
Tagalog and English mix freely in the Philippines, so both versions are commonly heard.
Maligayang kaarawanHappy birthday — the standard Tagalog phrase
Happy BirthdayAlso extremely common — English is widely used for birthday greetings in the Philippines
Maligayang kaarawan sa iyoHappy birthday to you — a fuller version
Sana lagi kang masayaI hope you're always happy — a warm addition
Advance happy birthdayA common way to wish someone early, mixing English into Tagalog speech
Example Messages
Full example messages you can send as-is or adapt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Filipinos say "Happy Birthday" in English or Tagalog?
Both, very commonly — English and Tagalog mix freely in everyday Filipino speech, and "Happy Birthday" in English is just as normal to hear as "Maligayang kaarawan."
What does "kaarawan" mean?
"Kaarawan" means "birthday" in Tagalog, built from "araw" (day), reflecting the idea of one's day of birth.
Is there a Filipino birthday tradition worth mentioning in a message?
Birthday celebrations in the Philippines often center on a large family gathering and food, so referencing time with loved ones fits the culture well.