mabalos
In Bicol, 'thank you' is expressed as mabalos.
The phrase is used as an expression of gratitude.
Meaning: an expression of gratitude (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word mabalos is derived from the root balos, which relates to the concept of being released, freed or exempted from a debt or obligation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Salamat po is a formal way to say thank you. You can also use Mabalos po to express thanks. For a more polite or formal tone, you can add Dios before the word to say Dios mabalos. Conversely, Dios mabalos can also be used in informal settings among friends, family or close acquaintances.
When do people say it?
When someone thanks you by saying mabalos, a common way to respond is Dai anong anuman, which means 'It's nothing' or 'You're welcome'.
Did you know?
- The concept of 'returning' a favor in balos is so strong that it can be used to describe 'revenge' in a negative context, though not when saying 'thank you'.
- While Salamat po is understood and used, it is actually a loanword from Arabic via Malay and Tagalog, whereas mabalos is uniquely Bicolano.
- While 'thank you' is a simple expression, saying Dios mabalos literally translates to 'God's return' or 'God's repayment', invoking divine grace to settle the favor.
Examples in context
- Mabalos sa regalo!Thank you for the gift!
- Mabalos sa saimong tabang.Thank you for your help.
- Mabalos talaga sa saindo.Thank you all very much.
- Mabalos sa pagdala kan pagkakan.Thank you for bringing the food.
Example conversation
Ricardo gives Maria a gift.
- MariaMabalos, Ricardo!Thank you, Ricardo!
- RicardoMayo nin anuman, Maria.You're welcome, Maria.
- MariaNagustuhan ko talaga ini.I really liked this.
- RicardoMarhayon na aldaw saimo.Have a good day.
