What does it mean word for word?
The word kumusta is a shortened form of the Spanish cómo está and literally means "how".
Which one should you use?
While kumusta ka? is the standard form, you may see Kamusta ka? used in informal settings. You can use Kumusta and Kamusta interchangeably when asking how someone is doing. For an even more casual approach, you can use the shortened version Musta?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality depends on the pronouns and particles used. kumusta ka? is informal and used with friends, peers or people younger than you. To show respect to elders or strangers, use the polite form Kumusta po kayo? In informal settings, you may also use the shortened Musta?
How does it change in a sentence?
To address more than one person or to make the greeting polite, change the pronoun ka to kayo, resulting in kumusta kayo? Adding the word po is a way to show respect to the person you are talking to.
How do you pronounce it?
/kumusˈta ka/
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to kumusta ka? is Mabuti, which means "Fine" or "Good".
Did you know?
- While the phrase is borrowed from Spanish, the word ka comes from Proto-Austronesian, a language family that predates the arrival of Europeans in the Philippines.
- The pronoun kayo is used in kumusta kayo? both when addressing a group of people and when addressing a single person of higher status.
- A common response to kumusta ka? is Mabuti, which refers to a state of being 'good' or 'virtuous' rather than just 'fine'.
Examples in context
- Mabuti po ako, salamat.I'm fine, thank you.
- Maganda naman po ang araw ko, salamat.My day is good, thank you.
- Ayos lang ako, pare. Salamat sa pagtatanong.I'm good, dude. Thanks for asking.
- Okay lang. Ikaw?I'm okay. How about you?
- Kumusta ka?How are you?
- Uy, kumusta ka?Hey, how are you?
Example conversation
Juan and Maria meet at a coffee shop.
- JuanMaria, kumusta ka?Maria, how are you?
- MariaMabuti naman ako, Juan. Ikaw?I am doing well, Juan. And you?
- JuanAyos lang din ako. Salamat!I am also doing fine. Thanks!
- MariaWalang anuman.You're welcome.
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.
