salamat
/saˈlamat/
salamat is the Tagalog word for thank you.
salamat is used to express gratitude and can be used both as a standalone exclamation or as a component of longer phrases of gratitude.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "thank you very much," the standard way is to add the word marami (many) before salamat to create maraming salamat. To make the expression polite and respectful, especially when speaking to elders or people in authority, add po after salamat to get salamat po.
How do you pronounce it?
/saˈlamat/
When do people say it?
The standard response to salamat is walang anuman, which literally means "it is nothing".
Did you know?
- The word salamat is a linguistic traveler that came to the Philippines from Malay, which had previously borrowed it from the Arabic word salāma meaning 'safety'.
- Because of its Arabic roots, the underlying idea of salamat is more closely linked to wishing someone 'peace' or 'safety' than the English concept of 'indebtedness'.
- In the Philippines, the phrase maraming salamat is often accompanied by a slight nod of the head or a smile to convey sincerity and warmth.
Examples in context
- Salamat sa tulong mo.Thank you for your help.
- Maraming salamat sa iyo.Thank you very much to you.
- Salamat sa pagkain.Thank you for the food.
Example conversation
Jose gives Maria a glass of water.
- JoseHeto na ang tubig mo, Maria.Here is your water, Maria.
- MariaSalamat, Jose!Thank you, Jose!
- JoseWalang anuman.You're welcome.
- MariaMabait ka talaga.You are really kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry salamat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries salamat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
