Usage Note
Giliw is an affectionate term for a beloved person — a sweetheart, dear one, or someone held close to the heart. It appears frequently in classic Tagalog love songs, poetry, and literature. 'Mahal kong giliw' (my dear beloved) is a classic literary endearment. While somewhat formal or poetic in tone, it is understood and recognized by all Tagalog speakers.
Examples
" Mahal kita, giliw ko. "
Natural Translation
I love you, my beloved.
Literal Translation
Love I-you, beloved my.
" Ikaw ang aking giliw, ang tanging pag-ibig ko. "
Natural Translation
You are my beloved, my one true love.
Literal Translation
You the my beloved, the only love my.
" Sa bawat awit na kanyang inaawit, naroon ang pangalan ng giliw na matagal na niyang minamahal. "
Natural Translation
In every song he sings, there is the name of the beloved he has long loved.
Literal Translation
In each song that he singing, there the name of-the beloved that long already he loving.
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