What does it mean word for word?
The repetition of the word mahal (which can mean love or expensive) with the linker na intensifies the meaning to "very much" or "a lot".
Which one should you use?
While Mahal kita is the standard way to say "I love you", mahal na mahal kita specifically adds the emphasis of "a lot" or "very much".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal way to express affection, such as saying "I love you with all my heart", you can use Iniibig kita ng lubos. In informal settings, you might say Mahal na mahal kita sobra to mean "I really, really love you". To be polite or respectful, such as when speaking to an elder or someone in authority, add the particle po to get Mahal na mahal po kita.
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun kita is a portmanteau of ako (I) and ka (you), which is specifically used when the speaker is the actor and the listener is the object. If you want to change the meaning to "You love me a lot", the pronoun changes from kita to mo ako, resulting in mahal na mahal mo ako.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈhal na maˈhal kiˈta/
Did you know?
- The word mahal originally meant 'expensive' in Malay, and it only came to mean 'love' in Tagalog because something with a high price is considered precious.
- While mahal na mahal kita is used for deep love, the phrase Iniibig kita ng lubos uses a different root, ibig, which is often perceived as more poetic or archaic.
Examples in context
- Alam mo ba na mahal na mahal kita?Do you know that I love you a lot?
- Mahal na mahal kita, higit pa sa inaakala mo.I love you a lot, more than you think.
Example conversation
A couple is having a quiet moment at home.
- RicardoAngela, mahal na mahal kita.Angela, I love you a lot.
- AngelaMahal din kita, Ricardo.I love you too, Ricardo.
- RicardoSalamat dahil nandiyan ka palagi.Thank you for always being there.
- AngelaWalang anuman, mahal.You're welcome, love.
