Usage Note
Kristo is the Tagalog form of 'Christ', referring to Jesus Christ and appearing constantly in religious expressions, prayers, and holiday observances. It is central to Filipino Catholic devotion, particularly during Holy Week, and the phrase 'kay Kristo' is a common religious construction.
Examples
" Naniniwala ako kay Kristo. "
Natural Translation
I believe in Christ.
Literal Translation
Believe I in Christ.
" Ipinagdasal niya ang lahat sa pangalan ni Kristo. "
Natural Translation
He/She prayed for everything in the name of Christ.
Literal Translation
Prayed he/she the all in name of Christ.
" Tuwing Mahal na Araw, nagtitipon ang aming pamilya upang magnilay sa mga turo ni Kristo at magdasal nang sama-sama. "
Natural Translation
Every Holy Week, our family gathers to reflect on the teachings of Christ and pray together.
Literal Translation
Every Holy Day, gathers the our family to reflect on the teachings of Christ and pray together.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
How Tagalog words workRelated Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.

How to Say "I Love You" in Tagalog: Phrases & Meaning
Learn how to say I love you in Tagalog. Mahal kita, Iniibig kita, and Filipino terms of endearment for partners, family, and friends — with cultural notes.

Is Tagalog Hard to Learn? An Honest Answer
Tagalog takes around 1,100 hours to reach professional proficiency. Here is what is easy, what is hard, and what to expect at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Mano Po and Filipino Etiquette: A Visitor's Guide
Mano po presses an elder's hand to your forehead as a blessing. Learn who to mano, how to lip-point, and the etiquette that wins over a Filipino family.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Tagalog?
Survival Tagalog takes ~3-4 weeks and comfortable conversation 6-12 months. FSI's 1,100 hours is the professional bar, not the talking-to-family bar.