Usage Note
Halika! is one of the most commonly used imperatives in everyday Tagalog, equivalent to 'Come!' or 'Come here!' — and can be an urgent summons or a warm, casual invitation depending on tone. Halika na adds a gentle nudging quality ('Come on, let's go'); with strangers or superiors, a softer phrasing is more appropriate.
Examples
" Halika, kumain na tayo! "
Natural Translation
Come on, let's eat now!
Literal Translation
Come, eat already we!
" Halika na, aalis na tayo! "
Natural Translation
Come on, let's go!
Literal Translation
Come already, leaving already we!
" Halika rito at tulungan mo akong buhatin ang mga kahon bago dumating ang bisita. "
Natural Translation
Come here and help me carry the boxes before the visitor arrives.
Literal Translation
Come here and help you me-to carry the plural box before arrive the visitor.
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