bahala ka

Tagalog

Etymology

From bahala (“responsibility”) and ka (“you”). Literally, “you (are with) burden”.

Pronunciation

  • (Standard Tagalog) IPA(key): /baˈhalaʔ ka/ [bɐˈhaː.lɐʔ kɐ]
    • IPA(key): (with glottal stop elision) /baˈhala(ʔ) ka/ [bɐˈhaː.laː xɐ]
  • Rhymes: -a
  • Syllabification: ba‧ha‧la ka

Interjection

bahalà ka (Baybayin spelling ᜊᜑᜎ ᜃ)

  1. Expresses the desire to not be involved, and to leave the situation to the second person: it's up to you; you're on your own; do what you want; suit yourself
    Tulungan mo naman ako. — Bahala ka!
    Help me, please. — You're on your own!
    Anong oras ba dapat ako dadating sa party mo? — Bahala ka.
    What time do I have to come to your party? — It's up to you.
    Bahala ka sa buhay mo. Ayaw na kitang makita.
    Do what you want with your life. I don't want to see you anymore.

Usage notes

  • The above expression is only directed at a singular second person, but other pronouns may be used with bahala as well, like:
    Bahala kayo!
    It's up to you (plural)!
    Bahala siya!
    It's up to him/her!
    Bahala sila!
    It's up to them!

See also

Anagrams

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