nangina
The Ilocano word for 'expensive' is nangina.
nangina is an adjective used to describe something that has a high price or cost.
Meaning: having a high price or cost (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
To say that something is 'very expensive', place the adverb unay immediately after the adjective to form nangina unay.
Did you know?
- The word nangina can also be used figuratively to describe a person who is 'expensive' or high-maintenance in their social demands or lifestyle.
- When shopping in local markets, Ilocanos often use a hyperbolic, exaggerated tone when saying nangina to signal to the vendor that the price is too high for a successful negotiation.
- While nangina refers to a high price, the word napateg describes something that is 'precious' or 'valuable' regardless of its monetary cost.
Examples in context
- Nangina daytoy a sapatos.This shoe is expensive.
- Nangina unay ti makan idiay restaurante.The food at the restaurant is very expensive.
- Saan a nangina daytoy a bag.This bag is not expensive.
Example conversation
Maria and Manuel are shopping at a market.
- MariaManuel, mabalinkit daytoy a bado?Manuel, can you buy this dress?
- ManuelNagpila dayta? Kasla nangina.How much is that? It looks expensive.
- MariaWen, ngem napintas unay.Yes, but it is very beautiful.
- ManuelSaan, nangina unay para kaniak.No, it is too expensive for me.
