ang ganda mo
/ʔaŋ ɡanˈda mo/word by word
In Tagalog, the phrase for "you look good" is ang ganda mo.
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they are physically attractive or beautiful.
Which one should you use?
While ang ganda mo is typically used for women, the specific counterpart used to tell a man he looks good or handsome is ang gwapo mo.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ang ganda mo is a common, informal way to compliment someone's appearance among friends or peers. For formal situations, you may use Napakaganda/maganda ng iyong anyo. or Kahanga-hanga ang iyong hitsura.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase ang ganda mo, the word ganda (beauty) is used as a predicate to describe the subject mo (you). To change the compliment from one person to a group, change mo to niyo to say ang ganda niyo.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔaŋ ɡanˈda mo/
Did you know?
- The word ganda originally had nothing to do with sight. It is actually derived from the Sanskrit word gandha, which refers to 'aroma' or 'fragrance'.
- If someone tells you ang ganda mo, a common modest response is hindi naman, which means 'not really', as overt acceptance of beauty can be seen as bragging.
- While ang ganda mo is the standard compliment for women, the term gwapo used for men is a loanword from the Spanish word 'guapo'.
Examples in context
- Napakaganda ng suot mo, ser! Bagay na bagay sa iyo.You look very beautiful in that outfit, sir! It suits you perfectly.
- Kahanga-hanga ang iyong hitsura. Parang hindi tumatanda!Your appearance is admirable. You never seem to age!
- Kumusta, tol? Ang pogi-pogi mo naman ngayon!Hey, buddy! You look incredibly handsome today!
- Ang ganda mo sa suot mong damit.You look good in that dress you're wearing.
- Ang ganda mo ngayon!You look good today!
- Sabi nila, ang ganda mo raw.They say you look good.
Example conversation
Jasmine and Jose are getting ready for a party.
- JasmineJose, handa ka na ba?Jose, are you ready?
- JoseOo, handa na ako. Ang ganda mo pala!Yes, I'm ready. You look beautiful, by the way!
- JasmineSalamat! Bagay din sa iyo ang suot mo.Thank you! What you're wearing suits you too.
- JoseSalamat din, Jasmine.Thank you too, Jasmine.
