From root: buhay
Conjugations
Past (Completed)
nabuhay
na-bu-HAY
lived
Present (Incomplete)
nabubuhay
na-bu-bu-HAY
is living
Future (Contemplated)
mabubuhay
ma-bu-bu-HAY
will live
Usage Note
Mabuhay is used literally to mean 'to live' or 'to survive,' but it is most famously used as a formal greeting or exclamation meaning 'Long live!' or 'Welcome!'. It is commonly heard in official ceremonies, nationalistic contexts, or when welcoming visitors to the Philippines.
Examples
" Gusto kong mabuhay nang masaya. "
Natural Translation
I want to live happily.
Literal Translation
Want I to-live of happy.
" Gusto niyang mabuhay nang payapa. "
Natural Translation
He wants to live peacefully.
Literal Translation
Want he to-live of peaceful.
" Kahit gaano kahirap ang buhay, patuloy pa rin siyang mabuhay para sa kanyang pamilya. "
Natural Translation
No matter how hard life is, she keeps on living for the sake of her family.
Literal Translation
Even how hard the life, continue still she to-live for the her family.
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