Emotionverb
Mahal
MAH-hal
EnglishLove / Dear
Word of the Day · Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Mahal — Bisaya Word of the Day for April 15, 2026
Origin & Etymology
"Mahal" is shared with Tagalog but carries a different primary meaning: in Bisaya it means love or to love, while in Tagalog the primary meaning is "expensive" — a striking divergence between the two major Philippine languages.
How Bisaya Speakers Use It
"Mahal ko ikaw" is the classic Bisaya expression of romantic love; it is also freely used between parents and children, showing that love in Bisaya culture is expressed openly across relationships.
Example Sentences
A parent speaking to their child
Mahal ko ikaw, anak.
“I love you, child.”
Expressing family devotion
Mahal ko ang akong pamilya labaw sa tanan.
“I love my family above all else.”
A romantic declaration
Gikan sa akong kasingkasing, mahal ko ikaw.
“From my heart, I love you.”
Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz
What does "mahal" primarily mean in Tagalog — making it different from its Bisaya meaning?
Related Bisaya Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Mahal" mean in Bisaya?
"Mahal" means "Love / Dear" in Bisaya/Cebuano. It is a verb in the Emotion category, pronounced as "MAH-hal".
How do you pronounce "Mahal" in Cebuano?
"Mahal" is pronounced "MAH-hal". The stressed syllable is indicated by capital letters in the phonetic guide.
How do you use "Mahal" in a Bisaya sentence?
Example: "Mahal ko ikaw, anak." — "I love you, child.". "Mahal ko ikaw" is the classic Bisaya expression of romantic love; it is also freely used between parents and children, showing that love in Bisaya culture is expressed openly across relationships.
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