kumusta, kumusta ka?
/kumusˈta kumusˈta ka/word by word
The English phrase "hello, how are you?" is translated into Filipino as kumusta, kumusta ka?
This phrase is a common greeting used to start a conversation and ask about someone's well-being. In casual settings, Filipinos often drop the 'ka' and simply say Kumusta? to mean "How are you?" or "How's it going?" When responding to the question Kumusta ka?, a common and natural response is Mabuti (Fine/Good) or Mabuti naman ako (I'm fine).
What does it mean word for word?
The word kumusta is derived from the Spanish "cómo está" and means "how are you" or "how is it".
Which one should you use?
While Kumusta ka? is used for a single person, kumusta kayo? is used when addressing more than one person or when showing respect to an elder or person in authority. The form Kamusta ka? is an informal way to say "Hello, how are you?" when addressing a single person your age or younger.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use kumusta kayo? instead of kumusta ka? when addressing more than one person or when showing respect to an elder or person in authority.
How do you pronounce it?
/kumusˈta kumusˈta ka/
When do people say it?
In Filipino culture, the words po and opo are used to show respect.
Did you know?
- The pronoun ka used in this greeting was once represented by a specific character ᜃ in Baybayin, the indigenous script of the Philippines.
- In many parts of the Philippines, you will hear slight variations like kumosta or komusta, reflecting different regional dialects and phonetic shifts.
Examples in context
- Magandang araw po! Kumusta po kayo?Good day! Hello, how are you?
- Hi! Kamusta ka?Hi! Hello, how are you?
- Kumusta, kumusta ka?Hello, how are you?
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (kumusta, ka) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ka, kumusta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
