Anong sinasabi mo?
The English phrase "what are you saying?" is translated into Tagalog as Anong sinasabi mo?
This phrase is used to ask someone to repeat or clarify what they have just said. However, be aware that depending on your tone of voice, it can also sound confrontational, similar to saying "What are you talking about?!" in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Anong sinasabi mo? is composed of Ano (what) with the linker -ng attached, sinasabi (saying/the act of saying) and mo (you).
Which one should you use?
Anong sinasabi mo? is a contraction of Ano ang sinasabi mo? For a very casual setting where you simply did not hear someone, you may use the single word Ano? instead of the full sentence.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To be polite or to show respect to elders or people in authority, use the form Ano po ang sinasabi ninyo?
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Anong sinasabi mo? is a contraction of Ano ang sinasabi mo? where the linker -ng is attached directly to the word Ano.
Did you know?
- The pronoun mo used in Anong sinasabi mo? is a direct descendant of the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian word *-mu, making it a linguistic cousin to the Malay word -mu.
- The word po added to the polite version Ano po ang sinasabi ninyo? has no direct English translation but acts as a linguistic 'softener' to signal respect.
- When speaking to a stranger or an elder, using the singular mo instead of the plural ninyo can be perceived as a sign of aggression or a lack of upbringing.
Examples in context
- Ano po ang sinasabi niyo?What are you saying, sir/ma'am?
- Ano ang sinasabi mo?What are you saying?
- Hindi ko narinig, anong sinasabi mo?I didn't hear, what are you saying?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
