pakiusap at salamat
/pakiˈʔusap ʔat saˈlamat/word by word
The English phrase "please and thank you" is translated into Tagalog as pakiusap at salamat.
pakiusap at salamat is a literal translation of the two concepts. However, in natural Tagalog conversation, speakers usually use paki and salamat as separate, distinct utterances rather than a single combined phrase.
What does it mean word for word?
pakiusap literally means "a request" or "an appeal", at is the standard conjunction for "and".
How does it change in a sentence?
In actual practice, the shortened form paki- is often used as a prefix to verbs to turn a command into a polite request, such as pakikuha (please get).
How do you pronounce it?
/pakiˈʔusap ʔat saˈlamat/
Did you know?
- Because salamat comes from a root meaning 'safety', saying 'thank you' is etymologically closer to saying 'may you be safe'.
- To make salamat even more polite, Filipinos often add the word po, resulting in salamat po. This is essential when speaking to elders or people in authority.
- Because the Philippines was a center of trade, many of its words for social interaction, like salamat, were borrowed via Malay traders long before Spanish colonization.
Example conversation
Christina is reminding Ricardo about basic manners.
- ChristinaRicardo, huwag mong kalimutan ang pakiusap at salamat.Ricardo, don't forget please and thank you.
- RicardoPasensya na, Christina. Nakalimutan ko lang.I'm sorry, Christina. I just forgot.
- ChristinaImportante iyon kapag humihingi ng tulong.That is important when asking for help.
- RicardoSige, gagawin ko na iyon ngayon.Okay, I will do that now.
