Also means
Aba can also mean humble, miserable, or lowly when pronounced as abâ.
Usage Note
Abá is commonly used at the start of a sentence to express surprise, disbelief, or to emphasize a correction or objection. It signals a spontaneous reaction to something unexpected, making it a key part of natural, expressive Filipino conversation.
Examples
" Aba, nandito ka pala! "
Natural Translation
Oh, you're here!
Literal Translation
Woah, here you it-turns-out!
" Aba, ang ganda mo! "
Natural Translation
Wow, you look beautiful!
Literal Translation
Woah, the beautiful you!
" Aba, akala ko ba ay tapos mo na ang proyekto, bakit ngayon mo pa lang sinisimulan? "
Natural Translation
Hey, I thought you had already finished the project, so why are you only starting it now?
Literal Translation
Woah, thought I question is finished you already the project, why now you still only starting?
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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