What does it mean word for word?
The word salamat is etymologically related to the concept of grace or blessing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Salamat is a casual way to say thank you, equivalent to 'thanks'. For a more polite and respectful tone, typically when speaking to elders or people in authority, add the particle 'po' to get Salamat po. Maraming salamat po is a common and polite way to say thank you to someone older or in a position of authority. For formal occasions, you can use Maraming salamat po sa inyo, which translates to 'Thank you very much to you'. In informal settings among friends and peers, you can use Maraming salamat. Among close friends or family members, you might say Salamat sa'yo, meaning 'Thanks to you'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'thank you for [something]', use the construction Salamat sa… followed by the noun or the object of gratitude.
How do you pronounce it?
/saˈlamat/
When do people say it?
In the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila and urban areas, the expression Salamat po ng bongga is used within the gay community.
Did you know?
- The concept of gratitude in the Philippines is closely tied to utang na loob, a deep sense of 'debt of gratitude' that lasts a lifetime.
- The word salamat shares its roots with the Arabic word for 'peace' and 'safety', making the act of thanking someone etymologically linked to wishing them wellbeing.
- The phrase Salamat po ng bongga uses the slang word bongga, which describes something extravagant, flamboyant or over-the-top.
Examples in context
- Salamat sa pag-aayos nito.Thank you for arranging this.This sentence shows how to use salamat to thank someone for arranging something.Tatoeba #11446734 by qwertzu, translation #11170527 by CK
- Salamat sa serbisyo ninyo.Thank you for your service.This sentence demonstrates using salamat to thank someone for their service.Tatoeba #11482419 by qwertzu, translation #2644070 by CK
- Salamat sa iyong magandang postkard.Thank you for your beautiful postcard.This sentence illustrates using salamat to thank someone for a postcard.Tatoeba #1594230 by nonong, translation #535375 by Espi
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria hands Mark a cup of coffee.
- MarkSalamat, Maria.Thank you, Maria.
- MariaWalang anuman, Mark.You're welcome, Mark.
- MarkAng sarap ng kape.The coffee is delicious.
- MariaMabuti naman at nagustuhan mo.I'm glad you liked it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries salamat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries salamat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
