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kaya

kayâ with stress marks

competence, ability

noun ka-YA Native origin Common

Also means

As an adverb or conjunction, kaya means 'therefore' or 'so' — expressing a result or reason. As a question particle at the end of a sentence, it expresses wondering or 'I wonder if.'

Usage Note

Kaya as a noun expresses one's capacity or ability to do something, and is most familiar as an encouragement — 'kaya mo iyan' means you can do it. The word is highly versatile and its exact meaning shifts depending on its position in the sentence and the surrounding context.

Examples

Beginner

" Kaya mo ba ito? "

Natural Translation

Can you do this?

Literal Translation

Ability your question this?

Intermediate

" Hangad ko ang kaya ng aking isip. "

Natural Translation

I aspire for the ability of my mind.

Literal Translation

Aspire I the ability of my mind.

Advanced

" Huwag kang mag-alala dahil nasa kaya mo ang pagharap sa hamong ito kung magtitiwala ka sa sarili. "

Natural Translation

Don't worry, because facing this challenge is within your ability if you trust yourself.

Literal Translation

Don't you worry because in ability your the facing to challenge this if trust you in self.

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