kumusta
/kumusˈta/
The English phrase 'hello' can be translated into Tagalog as kumusta. It is also spelled kamusta. Wiktionary also lists hoy and huy.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kumusta | /kumusˈta/ (Standard Tagalog) | |
| kamusta | /kamusˈta/ (Standard Tagalog) | alternative form |
| hoy | /ˈhoj/ (Standard Tagalog) | |
| huy | /ˈhuj/ (Standard Tagalog) | |
| oy | /ˈʔoj/ (Standard Tagalog) | informal |
| oi | informal | |
| uy | /ˈʔuj/ (Standard Tagalog) | informal |
| ui | informal |
kumusta is used as a general greeting like 'hello', though its literal meaning is 'how are you'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word kumusta is a contraction of the Spanish phrase '¿cómo está?' (how are you).
Which one should you use?
kamusta is an alternative spelling of kumusta.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Kumusta is an informal way to say 'hello' or 'how are you?' The forms hoy, huy, oy and uy are used as attention-getters or very informal greetings, similar to 'hey' in English. "Magandang umaga po" is a common formal way to say "good morning" in Tagalog.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the greeting polite or to address more than one person, add the plural pronoun 'kayo' after kumusta.
How do you pronounce it?
/kumusˈta/
Did you know?
- Filipinos often accompany greetings with a slight nod or a smile, and in very formal settings, a 'mano' gesture where the elder's hand is pressed to one's forehead.
- If you want to sound respectful when greeting an elder or a person of authority, you must add the word po to your greeting, such as 'Kumusta po'.
- The greeting kumusta is used across several different languages in the Philippines, including kumosta in Ilocano and komusta in Kapampangan.
Examples in context
- Kumusta, nariyan ba ang kontador?Hello, is the accountant there, please?This sentence shows how to use kumusta to ask if someone is there.Tatoeba #14056729 by Krashanami, translation #30976 by CN
- Kamusta!Hello!This sentence shows an exclamation using kamusta.Tatoeba #5308197 by katalex, translation #373330 by CK
- Kamusta, Tom!Hello, Tom!This sentence shows how to use kamusta when greeting a specific person.Tatoeba #5296202 by katalex, translation #5295843 by KatKoba
- Magandang umaga po! Kumusta na po kayo?Good morning! How are you?
- Magandang umaga ho! Nais ko po sanang ipaalam na ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa tulong ninyo.Good morning! I would like to express my gratitude for your help.
- Kumusta! Anong balita?Hello! What's the news?
- Magandang umaga! Tara, kain tayo.Good morning! Let's eat.
Example conversation
Jose and Christina meet at a coffee shop.
- JoseKumusta, Christina!Hello, Christina!
- ChristinaMabuti naman, Jose. Ikaw?I'm doing well, Jose. How about you?
- JoseMabuti rin ako.I'm doing well too.
- ChristinaSalamat sa pagbisita.Thanks for visiting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries kumusta, kamusta, hoy, huy, oy, uy, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hoy, huy, kamusta, kumusta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
