mahal ko siya
/maˈhal ko siˈa/word by word
The Tagalog phrase for "I love him" is mahal ko siya.
This phrase is used to express deep romantic or familial affection for a male person. The word mahal means "love" and can also be used as an endearing term. Another term related to affection is irog, which means "beloved" and can be used as an endearing term.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mahal ko siya breaks down into mahal (love), ko (I/my) and siya (he/she/him/her).
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun siya is gender-neutral, meaning it can refer to "him" or "her" depending on the context of the conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈhal ko siˈa/
Did you know?
- The word mahal used in 'love' shares the same root as the word for 'expensive' in Tagalog and Malay. This reflects a cultural connection between valuing someone deeply and their high cost or worth.
- The pronoun siya may also have roots in the Hokkien word for 'thanks' or 'gratefulness'. This suggests a possible historical link between being grateful and referring to a person.
- The phrase mahal ko siya uses a possessive-like structure where ko (I/my) acts as the actor, which is a common feature of Tagalog's focus-based grammar.
Examples in context
- Mahal ko siya nang sobra-sobra! Hindi ko kayang mawala siya sa buhay ko.I love him so much! I can't imagine my life without him.
- Paano mo sasabihin sa boyfriend mo na mahal mo siya?How will you tell your boyfriend that you love him?
- Mahal ko siya.I love him.
- Alam mo ba na mahal ko siya?Do you know that I love him?
- Kahit anong mangyari, mahal ko siya.No matter what happens, I love him.
Example conversation
Christina is talking to Ricardo about her boyfriend.
- RicardoSeryoso ka ba sa kanya?Are you serious about him?
- ChristinaOo, mahal ko siya.Yes, I love him.
- RicardoMasaya ako para sa iyo, Christina.I am happy for you, Christina.
- ChristinaSalamat, Ricardo.Thank you, Ricardo.
