Usage Note
Nawa is an optative particle expressing a fervent wish, prayer, or hope — equivalent to 'may' or 'let it be' in English. Deeply rooted in Filipino folk religion and Catholic prayer culture, it commonly appears at the end of prayers and blessings, and also as sana nawa for added emphasis.
Examples
" Gumaling ka nawa agad. "
Natural Translation
May you get well soon.
Literal Translation
Get-well you may-it-happen quickly.
" Nawa ay maging matagumpay ang iyong mga plano sa hinaharap. "
Natural Translation
May your future plans be successful.
Literal Translation
May-it-happen is become successful the your plural plan in future.
" Pagpalain nawa ng Diyos ang ating pagtitipon at iligtas ang bawat isa sa anumang panganib. "
Natural Translation
May God bless our gathering and keep each one safe from any danger.
Literal Translation
Bless may-it-happen of God the our gathering and save the each one from any danger.
Take Tagalog with you
The full course, a 12,500-word dictionary, and flashcards that make every word stick — free to start on iOS and Android.
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.
May vs Mayroon vs Meron: Have & There Is
May vs mayroon in Tagalog finally made simple: one rule decides which to use, plus how meron and wala fit the same have and there-is family.
Tagalog Root Words: Learn a Few Hundred, Understand Thousands
Tagalog root words unlock vocabulary fast: learn a few hundred and recognize thousands. Real word families, examples, and a practical study strategy.
Ang, Ng, Sa: The 3 Tagalog Case Markers Explained
Ang, ng, sa are the three Tagalog case markers every noun takes. Learn what each does, the personal forms si/ni/kay, plurals with mga, and clear examples.
Days of the Week and Months in Tagalog
The days of the week and months in Tagalog are Spanish loanwords. Learn all 7 days and 12 months with pronunciation, plus how to say dates and 'every Monday.'