Mahal na mahal kita
/maˈhal na maˈhal kiˈta/word by word
Mahal na mahal kita is the Tagalog way to say "I love you so much".
This phrase is used as a strong expression of deep affection or love for another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the word mahal (love/dear), the linker na and the pronoun kita (meaning "I to you").
Which one should you use?
While Mahal kita is the standard way to say "I love you", Mahal na mahal kita adds the emphasis required to mean "so much".
How does it change in a sentence?
Repeating the adjective mahal twice with the linker na acts as an intensifier, equivalent to "very much" or "so much". The word kita is a special pronoun that simultaneously represents both the speaker and the listener in a single unit, functioning as "I [to] you".
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈhal na maˈhal kiˈta/
Did you know?
- The word mahal does not just mean 'love' but also means 'expensive' or 'costly'.
- The pronoun kita is used in this phrase, but the same word kita is also used in Tagalog to mean 'earnings' or 'salary'.
- The Tagalog word for 'earnings' kita was borrowed from the Spanish word quitación, meaning rent or wages.
Examples in context
- Mahal kita ng sobra-sobra, Karen. Ikaw lang ang nais kong makasama habambuhay.I love you so much, Karen. You're the only one I want to be with forever.
- Mahal na mahal kita, Mama. Salamat sa lahat ng iyong pagmamahal.I love you so much, Mom. Thank you for all your love.
- Sobrang mahal kita, Ryan. Hindi matatawaran ang pagmamahal ko sa 'yo.I love you so much, Ryan. My love for you is immeasurable.
- Sana alam mong mahal na mahal kita.I hope you know I love you so much.
- Mahal na mahal kita, higit sa lahat.I love you so much, more than anything.
Example conversation
A couple is celebrating their anniversary at a quiet restaurant.
- AngelaHappy anniversary, Jose. Mahal na mahal kita.Happy anniversary, Jose. I love you so much.
- JoseSalamat, Angela. Mahal din kita.Thank you, Angela. I love you too.
- AngelaIkaw ang pinakamahalaga sa akin.You are the most important person to me.
- JosePangako, laging nandito lang ako para sa iyo.I promise, I am always right here for you.
