kaya mo yan
The Tagalog phrase for "you got this" is kaya mo yan.
This expression is used to encourage someone and tell them that they are capable of succeeding.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of kaya (can/capable), mo (you) and yan (that).
Which one should you use?
You can use kakayanin mo yan to emphasize the future ability to overcome a challenge or Kakayanin mo 'yan. to say "You can handle that.". For a stronger, more informal expression of belief in someone's capabilities, use Kayang-kaya mo 'yan.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Kaya mo yan is an informal and common way to offer encouragement to friends or peers.
How does it change in a sentence?
To encourage a group of people instead of an individual, use kaya niyo yan instead of kaya mo yan.
Did you know?
- The word kaya shares a common ancestor with the Malay word for 'wealth', as both stem from a root meaning 'power' or 'strength'.
- Tagalog uses the word kaya for both the ability to do something and the word for 'therefore' or 'so'.
- While kaya mo yan is encouraging, saying kaya ko alone can be a defiant way of saying 'I can handle this' when someone tries to help you.
Examples in context
- Maganda ang iyong trabaho! Kaya mo 'yan.Great job! You got this.
- Bilang isang guro, alam kong kakayanin mo 'yan.As a teacher, I know you can handle that.
- Ayos lang 'yan! Kaya mo 'yan, pare!It's alright! You got this, dude!
- Nakita ko na nag-practice ka nang marami. Kayang-kaya mo 'yan!I've seen you practice a lot. You can definitely do it!
- Kaya mo yan!You got this!
- Huwag kang mag-alala, kaya mo yan.Don't worry, you can do it.
- Kaya mo yan, magtiwala ka lang.You got this, just have confidence.
Example conversation
Jose is nervous before a job interview.
- JasmineJose, handa ka na ba?Jose, are you ready?
- JoseKinakabahan ako, Jasmine.I'm nervous, Jasmine.
- JasmineHinga lang nang malalim. Kaya mo yan!Just breathe deeply. You got this!
- JoseSalamat sa suporta mo.Thanks for your support.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kaya, mo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
