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Questions & Answers about Kamusta po kayo, lola?
What does Kamusta mean in this sentence?
Kamusta is a greeting that literally means “How are you?” It’s derived from the Spanish “¿Cómo está?” and is used to ask about someone’s well-being.
What is the role of po here?
Po is a polite particle in Filipino. It doesn’t change the literal meaning but indicates respect, especially toward elders or people of higher status.
Why use kayo instead of ka?
Ka is the singular, informal “you.” Kayo can be plural “you all,” but when paired with po and addressed to one person (like a grandmother), it serves as a polite singular form.
What does lola mean?
Lola means “grandmother.” It’s a direct term of address for your grandma or an elderly woman you respect.
Why is lola placed at the end of the sentence?
Tagalog often puts the addressee’s name or title at the end, especially in questions or greetings. You could also say Lola, kamusta po kayo? but ending with lola is equally natural.
Could you rearrange the sentence without changing its politeness?
Yes. You could say Lola, kamusta po kayo? or Kamusta kayo, po lola? (the latter is less common). The key is to keep po near the verb or pronoun and mention lola as the person you’re addressing.
How would you say the same greeting informally to someone your age?
You’d drop po and use ka: Kamusta ka? If you’re talking to a friend or sibling, Kamusta ka? or simply Kamusta? is fine.
Are there other polite ways to ask “How are you, Grandma?”
Yes. You might use Kumusta po kayo, Lola? (alternate spelling) or add naman for warmth: Kamusta naman po kayo, Lola? That naman softens the question and shows genuine concern.