mabuti ako
/maˈbuti ʔaˈko/word by word
mabuti ako is the Filipino way to say "I am good".
This phrase is used to indicate that you are in a good state of health or general well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective mabuti (good) and the pronoun ako (I).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To make the statement polite when speaking to elders or superiors, add the particle po after the adjective or before the pronoun, resulting in mabuti po ako.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you wish to say "I am also good", often in response to someone else stating they are doing well, you can add rin after the adjective to get mabuti rin ako.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈbuti ʔaˈko/
Did you know?
- The core of the word mabuti can be traced back to the Sanskrit word bhūti, which refers to prosperity and existence.
- In the Philippines, saying mabuti ako is often a formal or textbook response, whereas in daily conversation, people more frequently use the loanword okay.
- The word mabuti is used to describe not only a person's health but also a person's moral character or kindness.
Examples in context
- Ako ay nasa mabuting kalagayan.I am in good condition
- Ako ay okay lang.I am okay
- Ako, okay lang.I am good
Example conversation
Patricia and Jose meet at a park.
- PatriciaKumusta ka, Jose?How are you, Jose?
- JoseMabuti ako. Ikaw?I am good. And you?
- PatriciaMabuti rin ako, salamat.I am also good, thanks.
- JoseMabuti naman kung ganoon.That's good then.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mabuti, ako) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ako, mabuti, CC BY-SA 4.0.
