It's never too late to teach --
TAGALOG FOR KIDS: KUMUSTA PO?
Written by: Michelle "Tzy" Mesina
“Kumusta po” is a basic greeting in Tagalog. It means “How are you?” Grown-ups simply use “Kumusta?” Anyone who wants to show respect should add the word “po”.
There are different etymological meanings for the word “po” or “opo” (yes). It has roots with the word “Apo” which means “lord”. This is particularly prominent in Northern Luzon. Using the word while conversing with grown-ups or people of authority is like referring to them as an idol or someone to look up to.
"Kumusta" came from the Spanish phrase “Como esta”. Many of our Tagalog words are heavily influenced by Spanish words because of our colonial history with Spain.
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