Usage Note
Ayaw is one of the most common negative desire/refusal words in Tagalog, functioning both as a noun (the feeling of not wanting) and a verb auxiliary. 'Ayaw niya' means 'He doesn't want to / He refuses.' It is the opposite of gusto. Indispensable in everyday conversation for expressing preferences and refusals.
Examples
" Ayaw ko ng kape. "
Natural Translation
I don't want coffee.
Literal Translation
Don't-want I of coffee.
" Ayaw niyang kumain ng gulay. "
Natural Translation
He/She doesn't want to eat vegetables.
Literal Translation
Doesn't-want his/her to-eat of vegetables.
" Kahit paulit-ulit ko siyang inaaya, ayaw pa rin niyang sumama sa amin sa piknik bukas. "
Natural Translation
Even though I keep inviting him/her, he/she still doesn't want to come with us to the picnic tomorrow.
Literal Translation
Even repeatedly I him/her inviting, doesn't-want still his/her to-join to us in picnic tomorrow.
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