Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| sa kasamaang-palad | /sa kasamaˌʔaŋ ˈpalad/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| sa kasawiang-palad | /sa kasaˌwiʔaŋ ˈpalad/ (Standard Tagalog) |
The phrase is used to describe something happening through bad luck. In informal settings, you might use the word Sayang to express regret or disappointment or the phrase Swerte nga sana, kaso to express disappointment when something unfortunate happens after a potentially lucky event.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sa kasamaang-palad is composed of sa (in/at), kasamaan (badness/evil) and palad (palm/fate/luck), literally meaning 'in bad luck'.
Which one should you use?
While sa kasamaang-palad refers to bad luck, sa kasawiang-palad is a more intense version that implies a tragic loss or a death.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase functions as a sentence adverb and is typically placed at the beginning of a clause to set the tone for the bad news following it.
How do you pronounce it?
/sa kasamaˌʔaŋ ˈpalad/
Did you know?
- In Tagalog, the word sawi used in sa kasawiang-palad is frequently used in romantic contexts to describe someone who is 'lovelorn' or has suffered a broken heart.
- The word palad refers to both the 'palm' of the hand and one's 'fate'. This reflects an ancient belief that a person's destiny could be read in the lines of their palm.
- The word palad in the phrase is derived from the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian word *palaj.
Examples in context
- Pasensya na po, sa kasamaang palad, hindi matutuloy ang aming pulong ngayon.I'm sorry, unfortunately, our meeting today won't push through.
- Sayang, hindi sumipot sa party si Miguel.Unfortunately, Miguel didn't show up at the party.
- Sa kasamaang-palad, hindi ako nakapunta sa party.Unfortunately, I was not able to go to the party.
- Sa kasamaang-palad, wala nang bakante sa hotel.Unfortunately, there are no more vacancies in the hotel.
Example conversation
Mark and Christina are talking about a cancelled hiking trip.
- MarkGusto ko sanang mag-hiking kasama ka.I really wanted to go hiking with you.
- ChristinaSa kasamaang-palad, uulan daw bukas.Unfortunately, they say it will rain tomorrow.
- MarkSayang naman ang plano natin.Our plans are such a waste.
- ChristinaHuwag kang mag-alala, Mark, sa susunod na linggo na lang.Don't worry, Mark, let's just do it next week.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unfortunately” translations and entries sa kasamaang-palad, sa kasawiang-palad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kasamaang-palad, kasawiang-palad, sa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
