Signification
Describing high-cost accessories.
Contexte culturel
Jewelry is often considered 'liquid assets.' Many Filipinos buy gold not just for fashion, but as a form of emergency savings that can be easily pawned. Buying 'mahal na alahas' is a common way for workers abroad to show their families that they are doing well. It is a symbol of sacrifice and success. Ancient Filipinos were known for their extensive use of gold. Spanish chroniclers noted that even low-ranking individuals wore gold chains, which would be considered 'mahal na alahas' today. Wearing too much 'mahal na alahas' in public can be seen as 'nouveau riche' or 'showy' (mapagmalaki), and is often discouraged for safety reasons.
Use 'Mamahalin'
If you want to sound more like a native speaker when describing a category of jewelry, use 'mamahaling alahas' instead of 'mahal na alahas.'
Safety First
In the Philippines, it is a common cultural rule to avoid wearing 'mahal na alahas' in public transportation or crowded markets.
Signification
Describing high-cost accessories.
Use 'Mamahalin'
If you want to sound more like a native speaker when describing a category of jewelry, use 'mamahaling alahas' instead of 'mahal na alahas.'
Safety First
In the Philippines, it is a common cultural rule to avoid wearing 'mahal na alahas' in public transportation or crowded markets.
The 'Mahal' Double Meaning
Remember that 'mahal' also means love. If you say 'Mahal ang alahas na ito,' it could playfully mean you love it OR it's expensive. Context is key!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing linker to complete the phrase.
Ang singsing ay isang mahal ___ alahas.
Since 'mahal' ends in a consonant (l), we use the linker 'na'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'She has expensive jewelry'?
Piliin ang tamang pangungusap:
The structure Adjective + Linker + Noun is the standard way to describe objects.
Match the Filipino phrase to its English translation.
Ipares ang mga sumusunod:
Mahal = Expensive, Mura = Cheap, Ginto = Gold, Peke = Fake.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Bakit mo iniwan ang singsing sa mesa? B: Hala! Sorry, nakalimutan ko na _________ pala iyan.
A ring (singsing) is a type of jewelry (alahas).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Mahal vs. Mura
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAng singsing ay isang mahal ___ alahas.
Since 'mahal' ends in a consonant (l), we use the linker 'na'.
Piliin ang tamang pangungusap:
The structure Adjective + Linker + Noun is the standard way to describe objects.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Mahal = Expensive, Mura = Cheap, Ginto = Gold, Peke = Fake.
A: Bakit mo iniwan ang singsing sa mesa? B: Hala! Sorry, nakalimutan ko na _________ pala iyan.
A ring (singsing) is a type of jewelry (alahas).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, 'alahas' is a general term for all jewelry, including silver, diamonds, and even high-quality costume jewelry.
'Mamahalin' implies that the item belongs to an expensive class or category, whereas 'mahal' simply states the current price is high.
Yes! 'Mahal' as a noun means 'love' or 'dear one.' But 'mahal na alahas' is strictly for objects.
The opposite is 'murang alahas' (cheap jewelry).
Yes, it is a neutral and professional term for luxury goods.
You can say 'napakamahaling alahas' or 'mahal na mahal na alahas.'
In a way, yes. Because pawnshops are so common, jewelry is seen as a reliable way to get quick cash in emergencies.
'Hiyas' usually refers to the gems or the 'jewel' itself, while 'alahas' refers to the whole piece of jewelry (the ring, the necklace).
Yes! You can replace 'alahas' with any specific type of jewelry like 'singsing' (ring), 'hikaw' (earrings), or 'kuwintas' (necklace).
You will often see 'mahal na alahas' described as 'pawnable,' meaning it is real gold/diamonds and will be accepted by a pawnshop.
Expressions liées
mamahaling hiyas
synonymprecious gems
alahas na ginto
specialized formgold jewelry
murang alahas
contrastcheap jewelry
alahas na peke
similarfake jewelry
kayamanan
builds onwealth/treasure
