maysa
The Ilocano word for the cardinal number one is maysa.
maysa is used to represent the number 1. It can also function as a pronoun to mean 'one' or 'a person/thing' within a sentence.
Meaning: cardinal number 1 (num)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the province of La Union, the phrase maysa pay is used to mean 'one more'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word maysa can act as a pronoun in a sentence, meaning 'one' or referring to 'a person/thing'.
Did you know?
- In traditional Ilocano counting for objects, the word maysa is often paired with specific classifiers depending on whether the item is round, long or flat.
- While maysa is the native term, Ilocano speakers frequently switch to the Spanish-derived 'uno' when talking about time.
- In certain idioms, maysa alone can imply that something is 'unique' without needing an additional adjective like 'only'.
Examples in context
- Maysa kadagiti gayyemko ni Tom.Tom is one of my friends.This sentence shows how maysa is used to identify a single person among a group.Tatoeba #4685956 by saluyot, translation #1969236 by CK
- Kayatmo kadi ti maysa pay a kas kadagitoy?Do you want another one of these?This example demonstrates using maysa when asking if someone wants another one of something.Tatoeba #4655963 by saluyot, translation #2642213 by CK
- Babaen ti maysa a napaspas a kugtar, naltat ti ridaw!With one swift kick, the door busted down!This sentence illustrates maysa used to describe a single instance of an action.Tatoeba #4650027 by saluyot, translation #4600000 by slyfin
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rowena is ordering food at a small stall.
- RowenaMaysa laeng a kape, Juan.Just one coffee, Juan.
- JuanAwan pay ti tinapay, Rowena.There is no bread yet, Rowena.
- RowenaMaysa pay a kape ngarud.One more coffee then.
- JuanSige, Rowena, urayem latta.Okay, Rowena, just wait.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
