Signification
Your actions will have future consequences.
Contexte culturel
This proverb is deeply tied to the 'Pista' (Fiesta) culture, where a successful harvest is celebrated communally. It reinforces the idea that the community's joy is earned through collective labor. Ilocanos are known for being 'kuripot' (frugal) and hardworking. They use this proverb frequently to justify their extreme saving habits. In Makati or BGC business districts, this proverb is used to describe 'upskilling'. Planting a new certification today leads to a higher salary 'harvest' later. OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) use this to explain why they endure years away from their families—they are 'planting' for their children's future.
Use it for 'I told you so'
When a friend finally succeeds after months of work, saying this is the most polite and culturally appropriate way to say 'I knew your hard work would pay off!'
Don't use for 'Bad Karma' too harshly
While it can mean 'you get what you deserve' for bad actions, using it this way can make you sound very judgmental. Use it mostly for positive encouragement.
Signification
Your actions will have future consequences.
Use it for 'I told you so'
When a friend finally succeeds after months of work, saying this is the most polite and culturally appropriate way to say 'I knew your hard work would pay off!'
Don't use for 'Bad Karma' too harshly
While it can mean 'you get what you deserve' for bad actions, using it this way can make you sound very judgmental. Use it mostly for positive encouragement.
The 'May' Power
Notice how 'May' makes the sentence feel like a fact of the universe. It's not 'You should plant,' it's 'If there is planting, there is harvesting.' It's an impersonal law.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb.
Kung may ________, may aanihin.
'Tinanim' (planted) is the correct word to complete the agricultural metaphor.
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
A student studies every night for a month and gets an A+.
The student 'planted' effort and 'harvested' a good grade.
What is the figurative meaning of 'aanihin' in the proverb?
In the phrase 'may aanihin', what does 'aanihin' represent?
The harvest represents the results of your previous actions.
Choose the best response.
Friend: 'Ang yaman na ni Pedro, dami niyang negosyo!' You: '________'
This acknowledges that Pedro's wealth is a result of his past efforts.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKung may ________, may aanihin.
'Tinanim' (planted) is the correct word to complete the agricultural metaphor.
A student studies every night for a month and gets an A+.
The student 'planted' effort and 'harvested' a good grade.
In the phrase 'may aanihin', what does 'aanihin' represent?
The harvest represents the results of your previous actions.
Friend: 'Ang yaman na ni Pedro, dami niyang negosyo!' You: '________'
This acknowledges that Pedro's wealth is a result of his past efforts.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! While it uses farming words, 99% of the time it is used for education, money, and relationships.
Yes! This is the negative version and it is very common. It means 'If you don't work, you get nothing.'
It is neutral to formal. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Tinanim' is the standard completed form. 'Itining' is not a word. Make sure to use the 'in' infix correctly.
Yes, it is the Filipino version of karma, but it usually focuses more on the 'work' aspect than the 'spiritual' aspect.
Yes, especially when discussing long-term investments or project results.
'Aanihin' is the object-focus verb, which is more common in proverbs to emphasize the 'thing' being harvested.
Not really, but people might say 'Tanim-tanim lang' (Just keep planting) as a shorthand.
Filipinos would call that 'swerte' (luck) or 'balato' (a share of someone else's luck), but the proverb wouldn't apply.
Pronounce them as two distinct 'ah' sounds with a tiny break in between (a-a-ni-hin).
Expressions liées
Pag may tiyaga, may nilaga
similarIf there is perseverance, there is stew (meat).
Nasa tao ang gawa, nasa Diyos ang awa
builds onWork is for man, mercy is for God.
Aanhin pa ang damo, kung patay na ang kabayo
contrastWhat use is the grass if the horse is already dead?
Daig ng maagap ang masipag
similarThe early/prompt person beats the hardworking one.
