What does it mean word for word?
Anong sabi mo? is a contraction of Ano ang sabi mo? Ano means "what", ang is a marker, sabi means "say" or "said" and mo is the pronoun for "you".
Which one should you use?
While Anong sabi mo? is a complete question, saying Ano? is much more abrupt and can sound rude depending on the tone used. For seeking clarification in a very informal way, you can also use Ha?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several ways to express this depending on the level of respect required. For a polite way to ask, use Ano po ang iyong sinabi? When speaking to elders, superiors or people you do not know well to show respect, use Ano po ang sinabi ninyo? For common informal situations, you can use Ano sabi mo? or Ano'ng sinabi mo?
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Anong is a contraction of Ano (what) and the linker -ng used to connect the question word to the following verb or noun.
Did you know?
- The respectful version Ano po ang sinabi ninyo? uses the plural pronoun ninyo to address a single person to show high respect.
- The pronoun mo used in Anong sabi mo? is a direct relative of the Malay suffix -mu, showing the ancient connection between Filipino and Malaysian languages.
- Using only the word Ano? to ask for repetition is often seen as an expression of disbelief or shock rather than a simple request to repeat.
Examples in context
- Pasensya na, anong sabi mo?Sorry, what did you say?
Example conversation
A noisy coffee shop where the two are talking.
- JuanAng ingay dito.It is noisy here.
- ChristinaGusto ko ng kape.I want coffee.
- JuanAnong sabi mo?What did you say?
- ChristinaSabi ko, gusto ko ng kape.I said, I want coffee.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mo, sabi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
