mangako
/maˈŋakoʔ/
The Tagalog word for 'promise' is mangako.
mangako is used as a verb meaning to promise or to commit to something. When you want to refer to the concept of a promise as a thing (a noun), you use the related form pangako.
Meaning: vow (noun)
Which one should you use?
mangako is the verb form used for the action of promising, whereas pangako is the noun form used for 'a promise'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb mangako changes its form to indicate different aspects of time: nangako is used for the completed aspect (past tense), nangangako is used for the progressive aspect (present tense) and mangangako is used for the contemplative aspect (future tense).
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈŋakoʔ/
When do people say it?
To express the sentiment 'I promise you', speakers often use the phrase pangako sa iyo or the verbal form nangangako ako sa iyo.
Did you know?
- The verb mangako is derived from the prefix mang- and the root ako, which means 'I' or 'me'.
- In Filipino pop culture, the phrase pangako sa 'yo is a common trope in songs and films that often foreshadows a tragic or unattainable love.
- While pangako is a standard promise, the word panata is used specifically for a sacred vow made to God, often involving a lifelong commitment.
Examples in context
- Pangako ko sa iyo na susuportahan kita sa iyong mga pangarap.I promise to support you in your dreams.
- Tumalikod man ang buong mundo, hindi kita iiwan.Even if the whole world turns its back on you, I won't leave you.
- Sabi ko sa'yo, hindi kita papabayaan.I promised you, I won't abandon you.
- Hindi siya pwedeng mangako nang walang basehan.He cannot make a vow without basis.
- Mahirap mangako sa harap ng maraming tao.It is hard to make a vow in front of many people.
- Nais niyang mangako sa kanyang sarili.She wants to make a vow to herself.
Example conversation
Juan and Jasmine are talking about a future plan.
- JuanMangako ka na tutulong ka sa akin.Promise that you will help me.
- JasmineSige, mangangako ako sa iyo, Juan.Alright, I will make a promise to you, Juan.
- JuanSalamat, Jasmine. Importante ito sa akin.Thanks, Jasmine. This is important to me.
- JasmineHindi ko kakalimutan ang pangako ko.I will not forget my promise.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mangako, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mangako, CC BY-SA 4.0.
