Kumusta ka?
/kumusˈta ka/word by word
The English phrase "hi, how are you?" is translated into Filipino as Kumusta ka?
When someone asks you this, common responses include Mabuti (Good or Okay) or Mabuti naman (I'm doing well).
What does it mean word for word?
The word Kumusta is derived from the Spanish ¿Cómo está? and functions as a greeting asking about one's state.
Which one should you use?
Kumusta ka? is used for a single person in an informal or neutral context, whereas Kumusta po kayo? is the polite version.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding po and using the plural pronoun kayo instead of ka makes the phrase polite and respectful when addressing elders or superiors, as seen in Kumusta po kayo?
Did you know?
- The 'k' sound in ka was historically represented by the character ᜃ in Baybayin, the indigenous writing system used before the Spanish arrival.
- The phrase Kumusta ka? is often used as a general greeting similar to 'hello', where the speaker does not necessarily expect a detailed health report in return.
- If you are speaking to a group of people, you use the same plural pronoun kayo to be polite to a single elder as you would to address a crowd.
Examples in context
- Kumusta ka?Hi, how are you?
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a park.
- JoseChristina, kumusta ka?Christina, how are you?
- ChristinaMabuti naman, Jose. Ikaw?I'm fine, Jose. And you?
- JoseMabuti rin ako.I am also fine.
- ChristinaButi naman!That's good!
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.
