Naimbag a rabii
/naˌʔimbaɡ ˈʔa ɾabiˌʔi/
The English phrase "good night" is Naimbag a rabii in Ilocano.
Naimbag a rabii is used as a farewell phrase.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of naimbag (good), a (a linker) and rabii (night).
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle a is a linker used to connect the adjective naimbag to the noun rabii.
How do you pronounce it?
/naˌʔimbaɡ ˈʔa ɾabiˌʔi/
Did you know?
- Ilocano is one of the most widely spoken native languages in the Philippines, meaning Naimbag a rabii is heard far beyond the Ilocos region, including in parts of Hawaii due to migration.
- The word rabii originally referred to the 'evening meal' or 'yesterday' in its ancient ancestor language, rather than just the time of day.
- Using Naimbag a rabii in a very casual setting with close friends might actually sound slightly too formal or 'textbook'.
Examples in context
- Naimbag a rabii kenka.Good night to you.
- Naimbag a rabii, agpakadaakon.Good night, I am leaving now.
Example conversation
Juan and Maria are saying goodbye before going to bed.
- JuanNaimbag a rabii, Maria.Good night, Maria.
- MariaNaimbag a rabii met, Juan.Good night too, Juan.
- JuanMaturog kan tapno nasalunla ka.Go to sleep so you can rest.
- MariaWen, maturogakon.Yes, I will sleep now.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry naimbag a rabii.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rabii, CC BY-SA 4.0.
