ikinagagalak kitang makilala
/ʔikinaˌɡaɡaˌlak kiˌtaŋ makiˈlala/
ikinagagalak kitang makilala is the Filipino way to say "nice to meet you".
This phrase is a polite expression used specifically when you are being introduced to someone for the first time. It is not used as a general greeting like "hello".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally breaks down to "it makes me happy (ikinagagalak) to you (kitang) to know/meet (makilala)".
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase polite or to address more than one person, change kitang to kayong, resulting in ikinagagalak ko kayong makilala.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔikinaˌɡaɡaˌlak kiˌtaŋ makiˈlala/
Did you know?
- The prefix ma- in makilala originates from the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian language family, linking this Filipino greeting to languages spoken across Indonesia and Malaysia.
- Because ikinagagalak uses such formal roots, using this phrase in a very casual setting like a street party might actually sound slightly humorous or overly dramatic.
- The term kita in this phrase is a special type of pronoun that implies both 'I' and 'you' are involved in the action simultaneously.
Examples in context
- "Ikinagagalak kitang makilala," ang sabi ng negosyante."Nice to meet you," said the businessman.This sentence shows the phrase being used in a professional context by a businessman.Tatoeba #11829949 by qwertzu, translation #681454 by Source_VOA
- Ikinagagalak kitang makilala!Nice to meet you!This sentence shows the phrase used as a direct exclamation.Tatoeba #11829939 by qwertzu, translation #2732594 by mackay
- Ikinagagalak kitang makilala, Ginoong Reyes.Nice to meet you, Mr. Reyes.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ricardo and Angela are meeting for the first time at a community event.
- JoseIkinagagalak kitang makilala, Angela.Nice to meet you, Angela.
- JasmineIkinagagalak din kitang makilala, Ricardo.Nice to meet you too, Ricardo.
- JoseSalamat sa pagpunta rito.Thank you for coming here.
- JasmineWalang anuman.You are welcome.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ikinagagalak kitang makilala, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ikinagagalak, ikinagagalak kitang makilala, makilala, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
