maayong aga
/maˌʔajoŋ ˈʔaɡa/
The Ilonggo phrase for "good morning" is maayong aga.
You use this phrase when seeing someone for the first time in the morning.
Meaning: when seeing someone for the first time in the morning (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of maayo, which means "good" and aga, which means "morning". The -ng attached to maayo is a linker used to connect the adjective to the noun aga.
Which one should you use?
While maayong aga is common, you may also encounter maayong buntag, as buntag is a synonym for morning.
How does it change in a sentence?
The -ng suffix acts as a linker connecting the adjective maayo to the noun aga.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˌʔajoŋ ˈʔaɡa/
Did you know?
- In many parts of the Visayas, skipping maayong aga to ask 'Have you eaten?' is considered a more culturally warm way to greet someone in the morning.
- Although it sounds similar to Tagalog, using maayong aga instead of the Tagalog magandang umaga is a proud marker of Hiligaynon identity and regional heritage.
- The word maayo is used to describe not just 'good' quality, but also physical health. If someone asks how you are and you reply maayo, you are saying you are healthy.
Examples in context
- Maayong aga sa inyong tanan.Good morning to you all.
- Maayong aga, Nay.Good morning, Mom.
Example conversation
Juan and Maria meet in the kitchen early in the morning.
- JuanMaayong aga, Maria.Good morning, Maria.
- MariaMaayong aga man, Juan.Good morning too, Juan.
- JuanNagkaon ka na?Have you eaten yet?
- MariaIndi pa, Juan.Not yet, Juan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good morning” translations and entries maayong aga, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
Hi! I am originaly speak hiligaynon or Illongo. I was born and raised from Bacolod City the capital of Negros Occidental. Good morning in Hiligaynon or Illongo is “maayong aga!” not maayong buntag. Maayong buntag is cebuano.