The prefix
paki- is used to denote a request for a favor. It is the easiest way to say ‘please’ in Tagalog. Just put it in front of verbs.
sulat
to write
Please write it here.
to write
Pakisulat mo dito.
Please write it here.
pasa
to pass
Pakipasa mo ang plato.
Please pass the plate.
abot
to reach
Pakiabot ang kahon.
Please reach and get the box.
hintay
to wait
Pakihintay po ninyo ako.
Please wait for me.
bigay
give
Pakibigay mo sa tatay mo.
Please give to your father.
tingnan
look
Paki-tingan mo ito.
Please take a look at this.
ulit
repeat
Pakiulit.
Please repeat.
Filipinos also often use paki- with English verbs.
Paki-vacuum mo ito.
Please vacuum this.
Please vacuum this.
Paki-blow-dry mo ang buhok ko.
Please blowdry my hair.
The slang expression walang paki is not related to this prefix. It is instead related to the word pakialam.
Wala akong pakialam.
I don’t care.
Wala akong pake.
I don’t give a sh*t.
KAHULUGAN SA TAGALOG
paki-: pambuo ng pandiwa, nagsasaad ng anumang ipinakikiusap gawin
halimbawa: pakitanggap, pakigawâ
paki- is not always a request. It’s also something else:
pakiwari (wari) – opinion
pakiramdam (damdam) – feelings