magandang gabi
/maɡanˌdaŋ ɡaˈbi/
magandang gabi is the Tagalog way to say good evening.
magandang gabi is a greeting used during the evening or night.
Meaning: greeting said in the evening (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word gabi means night or evening. The -ng suffix is a linker attached to maganda to connect it to the noun gabi.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
magandang gabi is used in formal settings. To make the greeting polite and respectful to elders or superiors, you can add po to the end of the phrase to say Magandang gabi po.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɡanˌdaŋ ɡaˈbi/
Did you know?
- The word gabi can refer to the time of day or to a taro root, which is a starchy vegetable used in Filipino cooking.
- The root of gabi can be traced back to the Proto-Austronesian word *ʀabiqi, which also meant 'yesterday' in certain contexts.
- In the Philippines, saying magandang gabi is often accompanied by a slight nod of the head to show respect, especially when using the polite particle po.
Examples in context
- Magandang gabi.Good evening.This sentence demonstrates the use of magandang gabi.Tatoeba #2808594 by mervert1, translation #333156 by Aurix
- Magandang gabi po! Kumusta ang biyahe ninyo?Good evening! How was your trip?
- Magandang gabi po, Sir/Ma'am! Ako po si (Your Name).Good evening, Sir/Ma'am! I am (Your Name).
- Magandang gabi, pare! Tara, may lakad tayo mamaya?Good evening, buddy! Let's go out later?
- Magandang gabi, kaibigan! Kamusta ang araw mo?Good evening, friend! How was your day?
- Magandang gabi sa inyong lahat.Good evening to you all.
- Magandang gabi, kaibigan.Good evening, friend.
Example conversation
Jose and Christina meet at a dinner party.
- JoseMagandang gabi, Christina!Good evening, Christina!
- ChristinaMagandang gabi rin, Jose.Good evening too, Jose.
- JoseKumusta ka na?How are you?
- ChristinaMabuti naman ako.I am doing well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good evening” translations and entries magandang gabi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gabi, magandang gabi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
