kumalma ka
In Tagalog, to say "calm down" is kumalma ka.
The phrase is used to instruct someone to become less excited, whether they are experiencing emotional agitation like anger or panic or simply physical restlessness.
Meaning: To become less excited (verb)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Kumalma ka is an informal command typically used with friends, peers or people younger than you. For a more informal setting, you might use Kalmado ka lang. to mean "Just calm down.", Kalma lang, pare/kuya/ate. to say "Take it easy, dude/bro/sis.", or Relax ka muna. to mean "Just relax for a bit.".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase kumalma ka includes the pronoun ka, which is the informal singular form of "you". To address more than one person, or to use a more polite form when addressing an elder, replace ka with kayo to form kumalma kayo.
Did you know?
- The pronoun ka in kumalma ka is inherited from the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian root for the second person singular subject pronoun.
- In Filipino culture, telling someone to kumalma ka can sometimes be perceived as dismissive or patronizing if the person is experiencing genuine distress.
- Filipinos often pair phrases like kalma lang with a gentle pat on the shoulder or a hand gesture to soften the command and avoid sounding dismissive.
Examples in context
- Kumalma ka.Calm down.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase kumalma ka.Tatoeba #4554868 by kanlaon, translation #435575 by CK
- Kalma lang, pare. 'Wag kang magalit kaagad.Just calm down, dude. Don't get angry right away.
- Kuya/Ate, relax ka lang. Sigurado ako magiging magaling ka sa exam.Bro/Sis, just relax. I'm sure you'll do great in the exam.
- Kumalma ka na muna.Just calm down for a while.
- Kumalma ka para makapag-isip ka.Calm down so you can think.
Example conversation
Ricardo is trying to soothe Maria after she receives an upsetting text.
- RicardoMaria, kumalma ka muna.Maria, please calm down first.
- MariaHindi ko kaya, Ricardo.I can't, Ricardo.
- RicardoKumalma ka para hindi ka magkamali.Calm down so you don't make a mistake.
- MariaSige, susubukan ko.Okay, I will try.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
