How to Say “Mahal” in Ilocano

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nangina
The Ilocano word for "mahal" is nangina.
nangina is used to describe something that has a high price.

Did you know?

  • Unlike the Tagalog word mahal, the Ilocano word nangina does not have a second meaning related to love or affection.
  • Ilocano speakers often use nangina as a standalone exclamation to express shock or frustration at a price, similar to saying 'So expensive!' in English.
  • The word nangina is the standard term for 'expensive' in Northern Luzon. Using the Tagalog mahal in a traditional Ilocano marketplace may mark the speaker as an outsider.

Examples in context

  • Nangina unay daytoy a sapatos.
    This shoe is very expensive.
  • Nangina ti regalo nga idatag kenkuana.
    The gift given to him was expensive.
  • Nangina ti presio dagiti prutas ditoy.
    The price of the fruits here is expensive.

Example conversation

Manuel and Rowena are shopping at a local market.

  1. Manuel

    Rowena, nangina daytoy a prutas.
    Rowena, this fruit is expensive.
  2. Rowena

    Wen, ngem napintas daytoy.
    Yes, but it looks good.
  3. Manuel

    Uray no nangina, gumatangak.
    Even if it is expensive, I will buy it.
  4. Rowena

    Husto dayta, Manuel.
    That is right, Manuel.
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Gregory Jackson
Gregory JacksonHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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