mahal
/maˈhal/
In Tagalog, the English phrase "dear" is translated as mahal.
The word mahal is an adjective meaning loved or lovable. It is also frequently used as a term of endearment to address someone directly, functioning much like "Dear" or "My love" in English. Depending on the context, it can also mean "expensive".
Meaning: loved, lovable (adj)
Which one should you use?
While mahal is the standard form for dear or loved, other forms exist for specific nuances: Giliw ko is an endearing term meaning "my beloved" or "my dear". pinakamamahal translates to "Dearest". And the phrase Sa aking pinakamamahal means "to my dearest" or "to my beloved", which is commonly used in letters or messages.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "my dear [noun]", use the construction mahal kong followed by the noun. When using mahal as an adjective to modify a noun phrase, such as "dear native land", the linker na is placed between the adjective and the noun phrase, as seen in mahal na lupang tinubuan.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈhal/
Did you know?
- The word mahal can mean both 'expensive' and 'loved' because something that costs a lot of money is viewed as precious.
- While 'dear' in English is often used in formal letters, using mahal in a professional setting would be seen as an inappropriate romantic overture due to its heavy weight of affection.
- The term pinakamamahal uses a grammar rule called reduplication, where part of the word is repeated to intensify the meaning to 'dearest'.
Examples in context
- Mahal, may higit pa sa buhay kaysa sa obligasyong bumuo ng pamilya at magpalaki ng mga anak.Dear, there is more to life than being obligated to form a family and raise children.This sentence shows how to use mahal as a direct address.Tatoeba #10610483 by nonong, translation #10610482 by nonong
- Mahal kong Maynila, sayo'y hindi mawawalay.My dear Manila, I won't part ways from you.This sentence demonstrates the construction mahal kong to say "my dear [noun]".
- Mahal kong kapatidMy dear sibling
- Giliw ko, nais ko lang sabihin sa 'yo na…My dear, I just want to tell you that…
- Minamahal kong GobernadorMy dear Governor
- Sa aking pinakamamahal na kaibiganTo my dearest friend
- Mahal kong guro, maraming salamat sa inyong gabay.My dear teacher, thank you for your guidance.
- Dearest, salamat sa suporta mo.My dearest, thank you for your support.
Example conversation
A couple is having a sweet moment at home.
- RicardoMahal kita, Jasmine.I love you, Jasmine.
- JasmineMahal din kita, Ricardo.I love you too, Ricardo.
- RicardoIkaw ang aking mahal.You are my beloved.
- JasmineSalamat, mahal ko.Thank you, my dear.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dear” translations and entries mahal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mahal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
