Ay-ayaten ka
The English phrase "mahal kita" can be translated into Ilocano as Ay-ayaten ka.
The phrase is used to express that you love someone.
Did you know?
- In many Ilocano households, expressing love is often done through acts of service or food rather than verbalizing Ay-ayaten ka, which can feel overly dramatic.
- While Ay-ayaten ka is the native Ilocano way to say 'I love you', many speakers use the Tagalog phrase Mahal kita due to the influence of national media and education.
- The phrase Ay-ayaten ka uses a repetitive root, ay-ayat, which indicates a continuous or ongoing state of affection in Ilocano grammar.
Examples in context
- Naimbag a bigat, Apo. Ay-ayaten ka.Good morning, Sir/Madam. I love you.
- Ay-ayaten ka iti amin a panawen.I love you always.
- Ay-ayaten ka unay, kabsat.I love you very much, sibling.
- Kayat ko nga ammom nga ay-ayaten ka.I want you to know that I love you.
Example conversation
Ricardo and Maria are saying goodbye.
- RicardoAgtalaenakon, Maria.I'm leaving now, Maria.
- MariaSige, Ricardo. Agingat ka.Okay, Ricardo. Take care.
- RicardoAy-ayaten ka.I love you.
- MariaAy-ayaten ka met.I love you too.
