kaguwapa nimo
"ang ganda mo" is the Tagalog phrase used to say "You are beautiful" in Bisaya.
The phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they are beautiful. While the phrase is actually Tagalog, it is frequently used by Bisaya speakers in casual conversation due to the influence of Tagalog media.
What does it mean word for word?
In the standard Bisaya phrase kaguwapa nimo, the word nimo means "you", "your" or "of you".
Which one should you use?
While ang ganda mo is common in casual settings due to media influence, kaguwapa nimo is the more natural and grammatically standard way to express this sentiment in pure Bisaya. For more formal contexts, you may use Kanindot Nimong Tan-awon, which means "You are pleasant to look at" or "You look great".
How does it change in a sentence?
To express "how [adjective]" in Bisaya, such as in the phrase kaguwapa nimo, one often uses the prefix ka- attached to the adjective root.
Did you know?
- The word guwapa is a loanword from the Spanish guapa, reflecting the centuries of Spanish colonial influence on the Bisaya language.
- If you use ang ganda mo in a rural part of the Visayas, people will recognize you as a 'Manila person' or a heavy consumer of television, even if you are a local.
- The word nimo is a linguistic sibling to the Tagalog word 'mo', as both descend from the same ancient Proto-Austronesian roots.
Examples in context
- Gwapa/gwapo gyud kaayo ang imong mga mata.Your eyes are really beautiful/handsome.
- Kaguwapa nimo karon.You are so beautiful today.
- Kaguwapa nimo sa imong suot.You look so beautiful in your outfit.
- Kaguwapa nimo pirme.You are always beautiful.
Example conversation
Jun sees Maria dressed up for a party.
- MariaTan-awa ko, Jun.Look at me, Jun.
- JunKaguwapa nimo, Maria.You are so beautiful, Maria.
- MariaSalamat kaayo!Thank you so much!
- JunWay sapayan.You're welcome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nimo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
