kamangha-mangha
The English word amazing is translated into Tagalog as kamangha-mangha.
The term is used to describe something possessing uniquely wonderful qualities. You can also use napakagaling to say something is very amazing.
Meaning: possessing uniquely wonderful qualities (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
Kamangha-mangha is a reduplicated form of the root word mangha, which means wonder or amazement.
Which one should you use?
Kagila-gilas is another synonym for amazing or wonderful, though it often carries a more formal or literary tone than kamangha-mangha.
How does it change in a sentence?
While kamangha-mangha is an adjective describing a quality, the form nakakamangha is a common verbal adjective used to describe something that is currently causing wonder or awe.
Did you know?
- The synonym kagila-gilas can unexpectedly shift meaning to 'appalling' or 'dreadful' depending on the context, describing something so amazing it is terrifying.
- In casual conversation, Filipinos often skip kamangha-mangha entirely and use the English word 'amazing' or the Spanish-derived grabe, which literally means 'grave' or 'serious'.
- The root mangha is distinct from the word for 'wonder' as in 'I wonder why', which uses a completely different verb nagtataka.
Examples in context
- Ang palabas na ito ay kahanga-hanga!This show is amazing!
- Ang ganda ng mga tanawin dito, kamangha-mangha!The views here are amazing!
- Ang bagong kotse mo ay astig!Your new car is amazing!
- Kamangha-mangha ang tanawin dito.The view here is amazing.
- Isang kamangha-manghang karanasan ito.This is an amazing experience.
- Ang kanyang galing ay kamangha-mangha.Her talent is amazing.
Example conversation
Mark and Maria are looking at a beautiful sunset at the beach.
- MarkMaria, kamangha-mangha ang sunset!Maria, the sunset is amazing!
- MariaOo, ang ganda talaga.Yes, it really is beautiful.
- MarkSana ay makita mo pa ito ulit.I hope you see this again.
- MariaSigurado akong makikita ko ito.I am sure I will see this.
