kaya
/ˈkaja/
The Tagalog phrase for 'so' is kaya.
Kaya is a conjunction used to introduce a result or consequence. It functions as a more direct and common way to say 'so' or 'therefore' than using phrases like dahil dito (because of this).
How does it change in a sentence?
When used in the sense of 'therefore', kaya typically appears in the middle of a sentence to connect a cause to a result.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaja/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse the conjunction kaya (meaning 'therefore') with the particle kaya used to express wonder or uncertainty (meaning 'I wonder why').
Did you know?
- The word kaya shares an ancient root with the Malay word for 'wealth' or 'power', meaning its original sense was tied to being 'capable' or 'strong' rather than just a logical connection.
- The word kaya also means 'can' or 'able to'. For example, asking Kaya mo? means 'Can you do it?' or 'Are you capable?'
- In formal or poetic Tagalog, kaya can be replaced by samakatuwid, though this is rarely heard in daily conversation.
Examples in context
- Bakit kaya ang mura nito?Why is this so cheap?This sentence uses kaya to express wonder or uncertainty about a price.Tatoeba #11773397 by qwertzu, translation #11773393 by CK
- Mali ka, kaya huwag kang sumigaw.You're wrong, so don't shout.This sentence uses kaya as a conjunction to introduce a consequence.Tatoeba #1889405 by nonong, translation #9770744 by ye3t
- Panahon ngayon ng kabute kaya mura.Mushrooms are in season now, so they are cheap.This sentence uses kaya to connect a seasonal cause to a resulting price.Tatoeba #11873340 by qwertzu, translation #241834 by CK
- Upang maging matagumpay, kailangan mong magtrabaho nang mahirap.So that you can be successful, you need to work hard.
- Natutunan ko ang wikang Tagalog kaya nakakapagsalita ako ngayon.I learned the Tagalog language, so I can speak it now.
- Nagkasakit ako kaya hindi ako pumasok sa trabaho.I got sick, so I didn't go to work.
- 61 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mark and Angela are talking about the sudden rain.
- MarkMalakas ang ulan, kaya kailangan nating magdala ng payong.The rain is heavy, so we need to bring an umbrella.
- AngelaTama ka, Mark.You are right, Mark.
- MarkBaka mabasa tayo.We might get wet.
- AngelaMaghanda na tayo.Let's get ready.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kaya, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kaya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
