maganda ka
/maɡanˈda ka/word by word
In Tagalog, "you're beautiful" is said as maganda ka.
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they are physically or internally attractive. While the adjective is gender-neutral and can be used for any person, it is most commonly used when referring to women.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective maganda (beautiful) and the pronoun ka (you).
Which one should you use?
Maganda ka is a neutral statement of fact, whereas Ang ganda mo! is an exclamation of admiration used to say someone is so beautiful.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that someone is so beautiful in casual conversation, you can use the emphatic form ang ganda mo.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɡanˈda ka/
Did you know?
- While maganda describes beauty, it is also the standard word used to describe 'good' weather, such as magandang panahon.
- In some regional dialects, the word ganda is used as a term of endearment or a nickname for a daughter or a loved one, omitting the adjective prefix entirely.
- The pronoun ka has deep historical roots, descending from the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian word *ka used by many languages in the Austronesian family.
Examples in context
- Maganda ka naman at matalino. Paanong walang lalaking naghahabol sa iyo?You're beautiful and intelligent, how is it possible that no man is chasing after you?This sentence uses maganda ka to emphasize that someone's beauty and intelligence would naturally attract suitors.Tatoeba #11647538 by qwertzu, translation #607587 by Scott
- Maganda ka sa suot mong damit.You're beautiful in the dress you're wearing.
- Totoo ang sinasabi nila, maganda ka.What they are saying is true, you're beautiful.
Example conversation
Ricardo is complimenting Jasmine before a dinner date.
- RicardoMaganda ka talaga ngayon, Jasmine.You're really beautiful today, Jasmine.
- JasmineSalamat, Ricardo. Nakakahiya naman.Thank you, Ricardo. I'm blushing.
- RicardoHuwag kang mahiya, totoo naman.Don't be shy, it's the truth.
- JasmineAng sweet mo naman.You are so sweet.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (maganda, ka) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ka, maganda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
