Signification
Expressing confidence in one's ability.
Contexte culturel
The 'Kaya Ko' attitude is linked to 'Lakas ng Loob' (Inner Strength). It is considered a virtue to face hardships without complaining. This phrase is a mantra for millions of Filipinos working abroad, representing their resilience and sacrifice for their families. The variation 'Keri ko' (from Gay Lingo) is widely used by Gen Z and Millennials to sound more casual and less serious. In the basketball-crazy Philippines, 'Kaya pa!' is shouted by crowds when a team is losing, meaning 'There's still a chance!'
Add 'Po'
Always add 'po' (Kaya ko po) when talking to someone older to remain respectful while being confident.
Pronoun Choice
Never say 'Kaya ako'. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating literally from English.
Signification
Expressing confidence in one's ability.
Add 'Po'
Always add 'po' (Kaya ko po) when talking to someone older to remain respectful while being confident.
Pronoun Choice
Never say 'Kaya ako'. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating literally from English.
The Linker
If you follow 'Kaya ko' with a verb, add '-ng' to 'ko' (Kaya kong...) for a native sound.
Humility
In very traditional settings, follow 'Kaya ko' with 'sa tulong ninyo' (with your help) to avoid sounding arrogant.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct pronoun to say 'I can do it.'
Kaya ____ ang pagsusulit.
'Kaya' requires the genitive pronoun 'ko' for the first person.
Which phrase is used to ask for permission?
If you want to ask 'Can I eat?', you say:
'Pwede' is for permission; 'Kaya' is for ability.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at the gym and about to lift a heavy weight. What do you say to yourself?
'Kaya ko 'to' is a motivational phrase for physical tasks.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ang hirap ng Tagalog! B: Huwag kang mag-alala, ________!
B is encouraging A, so 'Kaya mo 'yan' (You can do it) is the correct form.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Kaya vs. Pwede
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKaya ____ ang pagsusulit.
'Kaya' requires the genitive pronoun 'ko' for the first person.
If you want to ask 'Can I eat?', you say:
'Pwede' is for permission; 'Kaya' is for ability.
You are at the gym and about to lift a heavy weight. What do you say to yourself?
'Kaya ko 'to' is a motivational phrase for physical tasks.
A: Ang hirap ng Tagalog! B: Huwag kang mag-alala, ________!
B is encouraging A, so 'Kaya mo 'yan' (You can do it) is the correct form.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. It's fine for work, but add 'po' for elders.
'Kaya' is about ability; 'Maaari' is a formal word for permission or possibility.
Yes, it's very common in shopping contexts.
Say 'Hindi ko kaya.'
It means 'You can do it' and is used to encourage others.
It's a pseudo-verb because it doesn't conjugate like regular Filipino verbs.
It means 'Very much able' or 'Piece of cake.'
Yes, but the sentence structure is different. 'Kaya ako narito' (That's why I'm here).
It's slang for 'Kaya.' Use it with friends!
In Tagalog, no. In Malay/Indonesian, yes.
Expressions liées
Kaya mo 'yan
similarYou can do it
Kayang-kaya
specialized formVery easy / Definitely can do
Kakayanin
builds onWill manage / Will find a way
Hindi ko kaya
contrastI can't do it
Maka-kaya
similarTo be able to afford
