Mahal kita
everyday
To a boyfriend you say Mahal kita, the everyday Tagalog "I love you". To say it more strongly use Mahal na mahal kita, "I love you very much". It is also called Mahal ko.
Meaning: declaration of romantic love (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | Note |
|---|---|
| Mahal kita | everyday |
| Mahal na mahal kita | strong |
| Mahal ko | endearment |
Mahal means both "love" and "dear". That is why Mahal ko works as a pet name and also means "my love".
Which one should you use?
Tagalog has no he or she in kita, so the phrase is the same for a boyfriend or a girlfriend. The pet name does the work of making it personal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Iniibig kita is a very formal and poetic form found in songs and old poems, not in everyday talk.
Did you know?
- Filipinos use mahal for both "love" and "expensive", so context tells you whether you are talking about feelings or a price.
Examples in context
- Mahal kita, mahal ko.I love you, my love.
- Mahal na mahal kita.I love you very much.
- Salamat, mahal ko.Thank you, my love.
Example conversation
Ben and his girlfriend Mia say goodnight after a date in Manila.
- MiaSalamat sa gabing ito.Thank you for tonight.
- BenMahal kita.I love you.
- MiaMahal din kita.I love you too.
