ako
/ʔaˈko/
ako is the Tagalog word for me.
ako is a pronoun used by a speaker to refer to themselves. It is specifically used as the subject or the object of a verb in many common sentence structures.
Which one should you use?
While ako is the standard form for 'I' or 'me' in many contexts, it is specifically used as the subject or the object of a verb in many common sentence structures, whereas ko is used for possession or as an oblique marker. Additionally, the form akin is used to express 'mine' or 'to me' in a more formal or emphatic way than ko.
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun ako changes to ko when it functions as a possessive or an agent in certain sentence structures.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔaˈko/
Did you know?
- In Tagalog, the word ako is not just a pronoun but can also function as a verb meaning 'to accept responsibility' or 'to claim' something.
- Tagalog is a pro-drop language, meaning speakers often omit ako entirely if the context makes it clear who is speaking.
- The pronoun ako changes to ko not just for possession, but also when the speaker is the agent in a passive-voice sentence.
Examples in context
- Mahal mo ba ako?Dost thou love me?This sentence is useful for asking if someone loves ako.Tatoeba #11641047 by qwertzu, translation #8556228 by Rawrren
- Mahal ako ni Tom.Tom loves me.This sentence is useful for stating that someone loves ako.Tatoeba #5361304 by kanlaon, translation #2257540 by CK
- Oo, mahal mo ako.Yes, you love me.This sentence is useful for confirming that someone loves ako.Tatoeba #11641032 by qwertzu, translation #773546 by marloncori
- Ako ang nagwagi sa paligsahan.I am the winner in the competition.
- Nakakatawa naman. Tumawa rin ako.It's funny. I laughed too.
- Ipinahiram niya ang libro sa akin.He/She lent the book to me.
- 807 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Angela and Juan are deciding who will pay for the food.
- AngelaAko na lang ang magbabayad.I will be the one to pay.
- JuanSigurado ka ba, Angela?Are you sure, Angela?
- AngelaOo, ako na ang magbabayad nito.Yes, I will be the one to pay for this.
- JuanSalamat, ang bait mo talaga.Thank you, you are really kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ako, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ako, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
