ilang taon ka na?
The Tagalog phrase for "how old are you?" is ilang taon ka na?
This phrase is used to ask someone about their age. The particle na in the expression indicates the passage of time or a change in state, functioning similarly to the English words "now" or "already."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "how many years are you already?"
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the question polite when speaking to elders or people in authority, use po and the plural pronoun kayo instead of ka. This results in the polite form ilang taon na po kayo?
Did you know?
- The word ka in this phrase is written in the ancient indigenous script called Baybayin as the character ᜃ.
- In the Philippines, asking someone's age is often a social tool to determine which honorifics to use, as the response dictates whether you should use po and opo.
- Because of the cultural importance of seniority, it is common to ask ilang taon na po kayo? even to people who do not look significantly older, as a sign of respect.
Example conversation
Maria and Ricardo are meeting for the first time at a party.
- MariaKumusta! Ilang taon ka na?Hi! How old are you?
- RicardoBente singko na ako.I am twenty-five now.
- MariaAko naman ay bente tres.As for me, I am twenty-three.
- RicardoAng bata mo pa pala!You are actually still so young!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ilang, ka, na, taon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
