Kumusta ka?
The English phrase "how are you?" is translated into Ilocano as Kumusta ka?
Kumusta ka? is a common greeting used to ask someone about their current well-being.
Which one should you use?
To address more than one person or to show respect to an elder, change the pronoun 'ka' to 'kayo' in Kumusta kayo?
When do people say it?
A common response to Kumusta ka? is Nasayaat met, which means 'Fine too' or 'Doing well'.
Did you know?
- The greeting Kumusta ka? is a linguistic hybrid, as the word Kumusta is actually a loanword from the Spanish 'cómo está'.
- While Kumusta ka? asks about well-being, Ilocano speakers frequently use Nangan kan? ('Have you eaten yet?') as a substitute greeting to express affection.
- The word met in the common response Nasayaat met can be used even if the other person has not yet spoken, acting as a social softener.
Examples in context
- Kumusta ka?How are you?
