Gusto kitang halikan
The English phrase "I want to kiss you" is translated into Tagalog as Gusto kitang halikan.
This phrase is used as a direct expression of a desire to kiss someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down into Gusto (want), kita (a pronoun combining 'I' as the subject and 'you' as the object) and halikan (to kiss).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Gusto kitang halikan is informal, direct and intimate. It is suitable for romantic partners rather than for formal or polite social settings. For a more formal tone, you can say Nais kong halikan ka, where the word nais conveys a deeper longing than gusto.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Batangas and nearby provinces, some people use Gusto kitang hagkan. to mean "I want to kiss you".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase utilizes kita, which is a special pronoun that combines the subject I and the object you into a single unit.
Did you know?
- While gusto is the common way to say 'want', it actually shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'gustatory', which relates to the sense of taste.
- In the Philippines, using the word hagkan instead of halikan can make your sentiment feel much more old-fashioned or literary.
- The word halikan is built upon the root halik, which follows an ancient pattern of adding the suffix -an to indicate an action performed on an object.
Examples in context
- Kamusta ka? May gusto akong sabihin sa'yo. Ano yun? Gusto kong halikan ka.How are you? There's something I want to tell you. What is it? I want to kiss you.
- Sandali lang, may nais akong ipahayag sa'yo. Ano yun? Nais kong halikan ka.Wait a moment, I have something to express to you. What is it? I desire to kiss you.
- Gusto kitang halikan sa noo.I want to kiss you on the forehead.
- Hindi ko mapigilan, gusto kitang halikan.I can't help it, I want to kiss you.
Example conversation
Mark and Christina are walking in a quiet park at night.
- MarkNapakaganda mo ngayong gabi.You look beautiful tonight.
- ChristinaSalamat, Mark.Thank you, Mark.
- MarkGusto kitang halikan.I want to kiss you.
- ChristinaSige, Mark.Go ahead, Mark.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gusto, halikan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
