ayat
/ʔaˈjat/
The Ilocano word for love is ayat.
ayat is a noun used to describe strong affection.
Meaning: strong affection (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun ayat serves as the root for the verb ayaten (to love). To express a continuous or habitual action, such as "loving" or "loves", the root is reduplicated to form ay-ayaten.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔaˈjat/
When do people say it?
In Ilocano, the term Kabsat, which literally means sibling, is used as an endearment term.
Did you know?
- The Ilocano word ayat descends from a Proto-Malayo-Polynesian root that originally meant 'to threaten'.
- The dallot tradition used to express ayat involved a call-and-response format, making the declaration of love a community event rather than a private one.
- Beyond romantic love, ayat can be used to describe a deep and powerful fondness for a specific place or a cultural tradition.
Examples in context
- Nasaysayaat ti ayat ngem ti sex.Love is better than sex.This sentence shows how to use ayat when making comparisons.Tatoeba #4649556 by saluyot, translation #2916242 by Hybrid
- Kantaannak iti maysa a samiweng ni ayat.Sing me a love song.This sentence demonstrates using ayat in the context of a song.Tatoeba #4649540 by saluyot, translation #3704104 by Piteris
- Diak maawatan no apay a saannakon nga ay-ayaten pay.I don't understand why she doesn't love me anymore.This sentence uses the verb form of the root 'ayat' to express a lack of affection.Tatoeba #4658205 by saluyot, translation #1699604 by CK
- Ay-ayaten ka, kabsat.I love you, sibling.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juan and Maria are talking about their relationship.
- JuanNalawa ti ayat ko kenka, Maria.My love for you is vast, Maria.
- MariaSika met, Juan. Dakkel ti ayat ko kenka.You too, Juan. My love for you is great.
- JuanAgsiguda tayo koma iti daytoy nga ayat.Let us keep this love forever.
- MariaWen, uray anya ti mapasamak.Yes, no matter what happens.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “love” translations and entries ayat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ayat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
