Mahal ko
/maˈhal ko/word by word
The Tagalog phrase for sweetheart is Mahal ko.
Mahal ko is used as a term of endearment to refer to a person who is very much liked or loved, typically between romantic partners.
Meaning: a person very much liked or loved by someone (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mahal, which can mean love or expensive and ko, meaning my or me, literally translating to 'my love'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Mahal ko, the possessive pronoun ko (my) follows the noun mahal (love).
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈhal ko/
When do people say it?
In the Philippines, Mahal ko is a common way for romantic partners to address one another.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Mahal kong iniibig, ikaw ang kaligayahan sa puso ko.My beloved sweetheart, you are the joy in my heart.
- Kumusta ka, mahal ko?How are you, my sweetheart?
- Halika dito, mahal ko.Come here, my sweetheart.
- Ikaw ang mahal ko.You are the one I love.
Example conversation
A couple is sharing a quiet moment at home.
- MariaMahal ko, kumain ka na ba?Sweetheart, have you eaten yet?
- MarkHindi pa, Maria.Not yet, Maria.
- MariaMagluluto ako para sa iyo.I will cook for you.
- MarkSalamat, mahal ko.Thanks, sweetheart.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mahal, ko) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ko, mahal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
