mapalad
The Filipino word for lucky is mapalad.
Mapalad is used to describe people who have good fortune. It often implies a profound, spiritual or providential sense of being blessed rather than just simple random luck.
Meaning: of people, having good fortune (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the root palad, which means palm of the hand and the prefix ma-. This implies that one's fortune is held in one's hands.
Which one should you use?
While swerte is the common, colloquial term for general good luck, mapalad is used for a more profound or spiritual sense of being fortunate. For expressing a sense of great luck in an informal way, you can use the phrase swerteng-swerte.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Mapalad is a formal term. Another formal option is pinagpala, which describes luck that encompasses the idea of being blessed. For everyday or informal situations, swerteng-swerte is often used to convey great luck.
Did you know?
- The word mapalad is frequently used in the Filipino translation of the Beatitudes in the Bible, where 'blessed' is rendered as mapalad.
- The term swerte is actually a loanword from the Spanish word 'suerte', which means 'luck' or 'fate'.
- Because palad means 'palm', Filipino culture historically linked one's destiny to the lines on their hand, similar to palmistry.
Examples in context
- Ang swerteng-swerte mo sa pagkakataong ito!You're really lucky with this opportunity!
- Mabuti ang kapalaran mo sa pagkakataong ito!You have good fortune with this opportunity!
- Mabuti sana ang kapalaran natin sa susunod na laro!May our fortune be good in the next game!
- Ang suwerte mo talaga!You're really lucky!
- Mapalad ang aming pamilya.Our family is blessed.
- Mapalad ang pamilyang ito.This family is lucky.
- Siya ay isang mapalad na tao.He is a lucky person.
- Tayo ay mapalad sa araw na ito.We are lucky today.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a person who won a small prize.
- JoseMapalad talaga si Juan.Juan is really lucky.
- AngelaOo, swerte siya sa pagkakataong ito.Yes, he is lucky with this opportunity.
- JoseSana ay mapalad din tayo.I hope we are lucky too.
- AngelaDarating din ang swerte sa atin.Luck will come to us too.
