Learn Hardcore Filipino: Mahal kita, kaibigan.

Kita is a special Filipino pronoun that combines both the subject (I) and the object (you) into one word. It’s commonly used with verbs like mahal (to love), so mahal kita explicitly means I love you without needing separate words for “I” and “you.”

Why does the sentence say kaibigan at the end?

Kaibigan means friend in Filipino. By adding kaibigan after mahal kita, you’re clarifying that you’re expressing your love or affection to a friend.

Can mahal have any other meanings besides “love”?

Yes. Mahal can also mean expensive in other contexts. However, in the phrase mahal kita, the meaning is strictly about love or affection.

How would I say this if I’m talking to more than one friend at the same time?

You could say mahal ko kayo, mga kaibigan, using kayo (plural form of “you”) and mga kaibigan (plural of “friend”).

Is mahal kita formal or informal?

Filipino doesn’t strictly divide speech into formal/informal like some other languages, but mahal kita is naturally warm and affectionate. It can be used in both casual or heartfelt contexts, including with family, friends, or even romantic partners.