@Takitaki 13 July 2020

What is the meaning of "PO" in the Philippines?

In modern times, *"Po"* is an honorific commonly used on statements directed towards elderly people or your work superiors… this is to make the statements sound more "pleasant" and "respectful". **Ex:** Sa'an ka ng galing? - Casual Sa'an po kayo ng galing? - Respectful Both of the statements above translate to the same exact thing, *(Where have you been?),* however it is "socially frowned upon" to use the first statement when conversing with elderly people or your work superiors. **So** **what does "Po" mean?** *"Po"* is a shortened version of *"Po'on",* and *"Po'on"* is also a shortened version of *"Pangino'on".* **All three of these terms mean the same thing, they all translate to** ***"Lord".*** Back in ancient times these terms were used as honorifics when speaking to the royals and nobles who were seen as "divine" or "semi-divine", however in modern times, the terms *"Po'on"* and *"Pangino'on"* are exclusively used on deities, while *"Po"* became a honorific, specifically used when conversing with elderly people and work superiors.