amin
The English phrase "mano po" refers to a gesture of respect in Bisaya, expressed as amin.
This phrase refers to a traditional gesture of respect where a person takes the hand of an elder and presses it to their forehead.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can use the verb form Magmano ko kaninyo to say "I will mano to you". If you want to request the gesture apologetically, you can say Pasayloa ko, pero mangamano unta ko nimo.
Did you know?
- While the phrase is widely recognized across the Philippines, the word po is actually a Tagalog loanword rather than a native Bisaya term. A pure Bisaya speaker would traditionally rely on tone, posture, or specific honorifics to convey the same level of respect.
- In many Bisaya-speaking households, performing the gesture is not just a greeting but also a way to ask for a blessing after a religious service or a significant family event.
- The gesture is often accompanied by the word bless in English-influenced urban areas, creating a linguistic blend of the traditional action and the modern term.
Example conversation
Ricardo arrives home and greets his grandmother, Maria.
- RicardoMaayong hapon, Lola Maria. Amin po.Good afternoon, Grandma Maria. Bless me.
- MariaMaayong hapon sab, Ricardo. Pag-amping kanunay.Good afternoon too, Ricardo. Always take care.
- RicardoSalamat po, Lola.Thank you, Grandma.
- MariaWalay sapayan, apo.You're welcome, grandchild.
