Mahal kita
Tagalog, everyday
In Tagalog, the base of Filipino, you say Mahal kita for "I love you". Other Philippine languages have their own words, such as Cebuano Gihigugma tika and Ilocano Ay-ayaten ka. It is also called Palangga ta ka.
Meaning: declaration of love (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Filipino | Note |
|---|---|
| Mahal kita | Tagalog, everyday |
| Gihigugma tika | Cebuano |
| Ay-ayaten ka | Ilocano |
| Palangga ta ka | Hiligaynon |
Mahal kita is the form most Filipinos know. To add strength, say Mahal na mahal kita, which means "I love you very much".
Which one should you use?
The Philippines has many languages and not just dialects of one. Hiligaynon uses Palangga ta ka and the other forms are not interchangeable with it.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Tagalog mahal means both "love" and "dear" or "expensive", and kita combines "I" and "you" in one word.
Did you know?
- The Philippines has more than 100 languages, and the choice of word for "I love you" depends on which one the speaker uses.
Examples in context
- Mahal kita.I love you.
Example conversation
Mia tells her boyfriend Ben she loves him on a quiet evening in Manila.
- MiaMahal kita, Ben.I love you, Ben.
- BenMahal din kita, Mia.I love you too, Mia.
- MiaMahal na mahal kita.I love you very much.
