Mabuting

Mabuting is a Filipino adjective used to describe moral quality, virtue, or benevolence. It is derived from the root word buti, meaning goodness, with the prefix ma- that forms a stative descriptor. The form mabuting is typically used before a noun to modify it, as in mabuting tao (good person) or mabuting loob (good will).

In everyday usage, mabuting conveys a sense of virtuous character or commendable conduct. It can describe people, actions, or traits that reflect integrity, kindness, or trustworthy behavior. For example, mabuting tao, mabuting kaibigan (a good friend), mabuting loob (good motives or heart). The expression is common in formal and informal Filipino, and it often carries a stronger moral nuance than the more general mabuti (good) or mabait (kind).

Grammatically, mabuting appears as the attributive form when it directly precedes a noun. It can also feature in phrases that describe qualities of individuals or things, such as isang mabuting halimbawa (a good example) or mabuting desisyon (a good decision). In predicate position, Filipino speakers more frequently use mabuti or mabait, but mabuting can still be found in similar constructions when the focus is on virtue associated with the noun it modifies.

Etymology and related terms: mabuting comes from buti, the root for goodness, with the ma- prefix that yields an adjectival form. Related terms include mabuti (good; more general), mabait (kind or benevolent), and maganda (beautiful or good in a broader sense), which together illustrate the spectrum of positive evaluation in Filipino.

See also: mabuti, mabait, maganda, buti.