What does it mean word for word?
The word kumusta is a contraction of the Spanish phrase cómo está, which literally means "how are you".
Which one should you use?
While kumusta is a general greeting, you can use the shortened version musta! for even more informality. To be more specific about asking someone's well-being, the extended form kumusta ka? is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing someone, the form can change based on the number of people or the level of respect. To address a single person directly, you often add the pronoun ka (you) after the greeting to form kumusta ka? To address a group of people or to show respect to an elder, use kumusta kamo instead of kumusta ka.
When do people say it?
When someone greets you with kumusta, a common and natural response is maayo (good) or maayo man (doing good).
Did you know?
- Depending on the social context, a greeting like kumusta may be accompanied by mano, a gesture where a younger person takes the elder's hand and presses it to their own forehead.
- While kumusta is the standard greeting, Ilonggos often follow it with a question about food, such as kaon na kamo? meaning 'have you eaten already?' In this culture, asking about a person's hunger is often a more sincere way of saying 'how are you'.
- Ilonggo is known as the 'sweet' language of the Philippines because speakers often add a soft, singing quality to phrases like kumusta to sound more affectionate.
Examples in context
- Kumusta ka?How are you?
- Kumusta na ang tanan?How is everyone?
Example conversation
Maria and Ricardo meet in a local market.
- MariaKumusta, Ricardo!Hi, Ricardo!
- RicardoAy, Maria! Kumusta man ikaw?Oh, Maria! How are you?
- MariaMaayo man, salamat.I am good, thank you.
- RicardoMaayo kon amo sina.That is good to hear.
