kumusta
/kumusˈta/
The English phrase "hi, how are you?" is translated into Tagalog as kumusta.
kumusta is a common greeting used to start a conversation or ask about someone's well-being. It can function both as a question meaning "How are you?" and as a general greeting meaning "Hello".
What does it mean word for word?
The word kumusta is a contraction of the Spanish phrase ¿cómo está?
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the greeting polite or respectful to elders or superiors, add the particle po and use the plural pronoun kayo instead of the singular ka. For example, kumusta po kayo means "how are you (polite)". In contrast, the singular form kumusta ka is used when addressing one person in an informal or familiar setting.
How do you pronounce it?
/kumusˈta/
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to kumusta is mabuti, which means "fine" or "good".
Did you know?
- Despite being a borrowed phrase, kumusta is now so deeply embedded in the culture that most native speakers are unaware it was originally Spanish.
- While kumusta is the standard greeting in Tagalog, other Philippine languages use similar variations like kumosta in Ilocano and Maranao or komusta in Kapampangan.
- In very informal settings, the ka in kumusta ka is often dropped entirely, leaving just kumusta as a shorthand that functions like the English 'hey'.
Examples in context
- Kumusta ka?How are you?
- Kumusta ang araw mo?How is your day?
- Kumusta na kayo?How are you all?
Example conversation
Jasmine and Mark meet at a local coffee shop.
- JasmineKumusta ka, Mark?How are you, Mark?
- MarkMabuti naman, Jasmine.I'm doing well, Jasmine.
- JasmineMasaya akong makita ka.I am happy to see you.
- MarkAko rin.Me too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kumusta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kumusta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
