Usage Note
Selebrasyon is a commonly used borrowing for any kind of celebration or festivity — birthdays, fiestas, graduations, or holidays. Filipinos are known for their love of celebrations, and the word appears frequently in social invitations and media. The native equivalent 'pagdiriwang' is more formal.
Examples
" Masaya ang selebrasyon. "
Natural Translation
The celebration is fun.
Literal Translation
Happy the celebration.
" Masaya ang selebrasyon ng kanyang kaarawan. "
Natural Translation
The celebration of his/her birthday is happy.
Literal Translation
Happy the celebration of his/her birthday.
" Ginugol nila ang buong buwan sa paghahanda dahil malaki ang inaasahang selebrasyon para sa ikalimampung anibersaryo ng paaralan. "
Natural Translation
They spent the whole month preparing because a big celebration was expected for the school's fiftieth anniversary.
Literal Translation
Spent they the whole month in preparing because big the expected celebration for the fiftieth anniversary of school.
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