by Alan S. Cajes, PhD
Notes
The lexicon of Cebuano Visayan reveals a profound linguistic landscape where indigenous roots converge with colonial-era loanwords to describe a worldview deeply anchored in nature, community, and social structures. Native terms often emphasize environmental intimacy; for instance, the physical world is defined by elements like dagat (sea), yuta (land/earth), and bukid (mountain), while human experience is articulated through internal states such as loob—the internal moral will—and ginhawa, which signifies both the physical breath and the holistic sense of well-being. This interconnectedness extends to social identity, where concepts like kapwa facilitate a sense of shared humanity, mirrored in linguistic particles such as ani (this), ana (that), and adto (there) that ground the speaker within their immediate surroundings and social relations.
The agricultural and artisanal heritage of the region is equally central to the language. Tools and daily necessities are defined with granular precision, such as the nigo for winnowing grain, the balantak or lit-ag for trapping, and the bugsay for navigating traditional outrigger boats, which are stabilized by the katig. This pragmatism is mirrored in the naming of food and natural resources, where specific varieties of staple crops like rice, bananas, and coconut are distinguished by their stage of maturity—such as bahaw for cold leftovers or lína for fresh palm sap—highlighting a culture of sustainable consumption and resourcefulness.
The integration of foreign influences, largely through Spanish and later English, has expanded the lexicon to encompass governance, religion, and modern lifestyle. Terms like eskwela (school), pulis (police), trabaho (work), and obrero (worker) have been fully assimilated, becoming indistinguishable from native roots in everyday parlance. This layering of linguistic history reflects a resilient society that navigates the tension between traditional folklore—seen in the mention of spirits like unglù—and contemporary modernization. The resulting language is a dynamic framework for navigating life’s trials, described as sulay, and the quest for kaginhawaan, representing an ideal state of comfort and prosperity that balances individual agency with the collective moral compass of the community.
References
Hall, A. L. (1911). Dicsionario Bisaya-Inggleś: Visayan-English dictionary. San José, Antique: Self-published. (Digitized by the University of Michigan).
Wolff, J. U. (2012). A dictionary of Cebuano Visayan. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Southeast Asia Program. (Original work published 1972; Project Gutenberg eBook #40074).
A
A: Ah; oh; well.
Abá
/ Abáo: An
exclamation of surprise, pleasure, or pain; ah! alas! whew!
Abad: An abbot.
Abága: The shoulder; it can also refer
to sweet potatoes growing from outer vines.
Abanico
/ Abaníku: A
folding fan.
Abano
/ Abánu: A
factory-made cigar.
Abaý: To hanker after money, implore,
entreat, beseech, urge, beg, or bother.
Abayo: To ride.
Abi: Maybe, perhaps.
Ábi-ábi: A kindly reception or welcome; to
receive someone kindly.
Ábian: A friend; to be friendly.
Abid: A lizard.
Abirids: Average; the usual size or
quantity, or an average rating in school.
Abiriya: To be broken or inoperative; for
an engine to break down.
Abo
/ Abu: A
conger-eel, or ashes; to make ashes.
Abono: Fertilizer; to pay for someone
who has insufficient money.
Aborido: Worried.
Abriga
/ Abrigana:
Appetizer.
Abtan: What one sees or experiences in a
moment.
Abtung: A rope used for tying a plow to
the crosstree.
Abuso: Abuse.
Abut
/ Abot: To arrive.
Abyug: To rock something hanging back
and forth, such as a baby in a hammock.
Ad-ad: To cut in thin slices.
Adik-adik: Dandruff; drug addict.
Adlaw: Day; daytime.
Adlawon: Full daylight after sunrise.
Admitar: To admit, concede a point, or
admit a patient to a hospital.
Admitídu: One who has conceded a point or
admitted something.
Adngan: A kind of small fish.
Adpan: To be slightly scorched to the
point of being discolored.
Adtang
/ Agtang:
Forehead.
Adto: To go there.
Ag-ag: To separate small and big
particles.
Ágak: To give a hand to lead or lend
support, or to guide someone in doing things.
Agak
/ Agak-agak:
Support; help carry a person.
Agas: Flow; drip.
Agalon
/ Amo: Master;
boss.
Ágbay: Put one’s arms on or round
another’s shoulder.
Agda: To invite.
Agay
/ Agoy / Aray:
Ouch.
Agi: To pass by.
Agit-it: White streaks of dirt, dried up
perspiration, or dirt that sticks to things or the skin.
Agítung: Burnt to charcoal.
Ágsa: Work in another’s fields for part
of the produce as payment.
Agúha: A big needle used for sewing up
sacks, or any large needle or safety pin.
Aguhilya: A U-shaped hairpin, a small
needle, or a hypodermic needle.
Aguyangyang: A kind of wild annual vine that
bears small, poisonous, hard red beans with a black tip.
Agwa: Perfume or lotion.
Agwanta: Bear; tolerate.
Ahos: Garlic.
Ákal: Bulging and bulky in a pocket or
pocketbook.
Akasya: The monkey-pod tree (acacia), a
large tree planted for shade that produces excellent lumber.
Akata
/ Akatar: To look
after or take care of someone.
Aku: The first-person pronoun; I, me.
Alà: To avoid engaging in certain
activities, especially eating proscribed foods.
Alam: Wisdom; knowledge.
Alamágan: To enlighten, stay up late doing
something, or a glowing toadstool / kind of fish.
Alampoan
/ Ampoanan: Place
of prayer.
Alası: A term used before numbers to
indicate o'clock or the hour of day.
Alibay: An excuse for failing to do
something.
Aligmat
/ Igmat: Remain
awake; vigilant; quick.
Alima
/ Amoma: Take
care.
Alingasa: Tiringly noisy.
Alirdyik: Allergic; humorously used to
describe a strong reaction to something nice.
Alkuntra: A counterpoise placed behind
something being hammered to absorb the blow, or to react in opposition to
something.
Alom: Mole.
Alud-ud: Something with the chewing
quality of soft bones (such as bone cartilage, a tender stem part, or young
coconut husk near the bud).
Alug: To go down to get water.
Alúyuk: The part of the skull where the
hair forms a whorl.
Alyádu: An ally.
Amag: Glow.
Amahan: Father.
Amakan: Made of bamboo sheets for wall,
house furniture or fixture.
Ambi: Exposed to rain; "give it to
me."
Amiga
/ Amigo: Friend.
Amatung: A large boulder or pile of rocks
in shallow waters, or a pig sty / filthy place.
Amatyur: An amateur singer/athlete, or a
singing contest for amateurs.
Amaw: Feeble-minded or to become
feeble-minded.
Ampi
/ Ampit / Sangpit:
To call.
Ampo: Prayer; surrender.
Ámuy: A term of address for very old
men of respectability.
Amyun: To emit a sweet fragrance.
Anad: Accustomed to, familiar with
something, or tame.
Anananggal: A supernatural creature (unglù)
that detaches its body above the waist and flies away.
Angay: Becoming, proper, fitting, or
unbecoming when missing.
Angkon: To possess or claim.
Ánib: A chapter in a book, a span of
time in life, or allies (kaánib).
Anipay: A kind of vine producing oval
pods covered with irritating hairs.
Anis: Fennel, or to cook / flavor
something with fennel.
Ánis
/ Ánist: Honest;
in earnest.
Antína: An antenna or aerial.
Anting-anting: A charm or amulet.
Antrak
/ Antraks: A big
boil without a head, typically on the breast, nape of the neck, or back.
Anugas: A kind of small tree that acts as
a violent contact poison.
Apáli: A kind of oval-shaped,
smooth-textured yam.
Apan: The conjunction "but"
or "on the contrary"; can also mean a defect in a person.
Apíki
/ Ipíki:
Inadequate in space, in a tight financial position, short on time, or homely.
Apohap: To stroke or touch lightly.
Apríta: To force someone by pressuring
them, or to hurry up / rush doing something.
Apustrupi: An apostrophe.
Apustǔl
/ Apustulis: An
apostle, or a type of paddy rice with elongated white grains.
Arasti: To venture to do something one is
incapable of doing satisfactorily, or to take a long chance.
Arigládu: Neat, orderly, prepared, or
ready.
Ark: A written word representing the
sound of the infliction of pain.
Arka: Noah's ark or the ark of the
covenant.
Arkanghil: An archangel.
Arkila: Rent; to borrow with payment.
Artiliyiríya: Artillery.
Artipisyal: Artificial, affected, or not
natural.
Asin: Salt.
Asin-ásin: Rice or corn cooked to a mushy
consistency (pudding).
Asinda: A plantation.
Asindíru: A plantation owner.
Aslum: Sour.
Asoy: Explanation, story.
Ásud: For two or more people to pound
cereal in a mortar together in synchronization.
Átab: For the mouth to move vigorously
in eating/talking, or to engage in idle talk.
Atang: To put or place; to wait.
Atbang
/ Atubang: To
face, present oneself, or to be across from each other.
Atiman: Take good care.
Atras: To back up a vehicle, back out of
an agreement, or give ground / back off.
Atrasádu: Late or not on time.
Átub: To fall or pour down in great
quantities (like bombs or heavy rain).
Atubangan: In front of.
Atubangon: To face or meet head on.
Aw /
Àw: A particle
used to correct oneself, introduce an afterthought, or express surprise.
Awhag: Invite.
Awit
/ Kanta: A song or
to sing.
Awra: Right then and there.
Ay /
Ajaw / Ayaw: Do
not; prohibit; ouch (dialectal).
Ayda: A kerosene pressure lantern.
Ayo: Repair; fix; "tao po"
in Filipino; a call to inform a house owner that you are at the door.
B
Ba: A question marker used in
sentences that do not contain an interrogative word.
Bâbâ
/ Bába: The mouth.
Bábag: Meals being irregular, scanty, or
compromised.
Babana: The jack-fruit tree or its fruit.
Badlô: Phlegm.
Badlong: To blame, scold, or reprimand
someone.
Baga: The lungs; hot embers or glowing
charcoal.
Bagási
/ Bagásu: Bagasse;
the dried, crushed pulp leftover from sugar cane processing.
Bagasíru: A sugar mill laborer responsible
for gathering and handling cane pulp.
Bágat: To encounter or meet someone,
particularly while traveling out on the open sea.
Bagíyus: A loud whizzing or hissing noise.
Bag-u: New or fresh; to alter something
for the better or renovate its appearance.
Bagúung: Salted, fermented fish paste or
shrimp paste.
Bagwísan: A particular species of fish.
Bagyu: A tropical storm or typhoon.
Bahandî: A precious jewel, gem, or
ornament.
Báhas: To bring to an early end, cancel
a plan, or completely finish consuming available resources.
Báhao
/ Bahaw: Cold,
leftover food; to allow freshly prepared food to cool down.
Bahá-on
/ Bahung: To
sneeze.
Bahù: Foul-smelling, odorous, or
stinking.
Bakaang: To walk awkwardly with the legs
spread widely apart, often due to an injury or physical ailment.
Bakgráwun: Background; can refer to a
person's training, the background of a painting, or an assistant staying out of
the spotlight.
Baknal: Something that is
disproportionately large for its container or entirely too large for a given
situation.
Bakulaw: A terrifying, large-faced
supernatural creature from folklore.
Bakulkul: A specialized trap using a noose
mechanism to capture wild birds.
Balà: A prophet gecko; or to fail a
student in school or to trip and fall down.
Balang: To throw, fling, or hurl an
object.
Balanĝao
/ Balangaw: A
rainbow.
Balangday: A structural stack or rick of
poles arranged flat against the ground.
Balantak: A physical trap used for
capturing fish or birds.
Balantígun: A specific variety of wild bird.
Balantíyung: Climbing squash plants that bear
elongated, edible gourds.
Balighot: A knot; to tie or bind strings
together securely.
Baligyà
/ Baligia: To
offer items for sale; a merchant or salesman.
Balikid: To turn one's head backward to
steal a quick glance or look around.
Balilá: A species of river or coastal
fish.
Balim-balim: To systematically allot, parcel
out, or distribute shares.
Balirung: A wooden stick or staff thrown
forcefully at an object to knock it down.
Balirúsu: Stubborn, unyielding, or totally
closed off to constructive criticism.
Balitukan: To switch political allegiance,
flip sides, or defect.
Balitùtù: Tied up or bound in an
exceptionally tight manner.
Balyo: To exchange one thing for
another, convert, or transform.
Balubálu: To act out or pretend to feel one
way when the internal reality is opposite.
Balúnas: To clean a surface meticulously
by pouring water over it and scrubbing vigorously.
Bampíra: A vampire or blood-sucking
creature.
Bámus: An exhortation meaning "Come
on!" or "Let's go!"
Bána: A husband.
Baná-baná: To approximate, calculate, or
make an estimate.
Bangon: To arise, stand up, or wake up
from a lying position.
Bang-ug: Stagnant, foul, and smelling bad
from being confined or pent up too long.
Bangut: To tie down, moor a vessel, or
hitch an animal securely.
Banhao: A resurrected individual; to rise
from the dead.
Banig: A woven mat used specifically for
sleeping.
Banitlung: A species of native tree known
for its dense, durable hardwood.
Baniug: Something that has become public
knowledge or is widely rumored across a community.
Bantulinaw: Mild daytime weather marked by
light cloud cover that prevents the sun's heat from becoming oppressive.
Banyu: A bathroom or lavatory.
Barumbádu: Coarse, rude, reckless, or
completely ill-mannered.
Bása: To read text.
Basa-basa: A thin, watery rice broth or
porridge.
Basag: Damaged or cracked.
Basbas: To rough-hew, trim down, or shape
a piece of timber.
Bascas: To construct or place a physical
gag on someone.
Bascug
/ Mabascug:
Strong, robust, stout, and physically fit.
Bastus: Vulgar, rude, or acting in a
morally reprehensible manner.
Batàbátà: A trusted right-hand man,
personal bodyguard, protégé, or errand runner.
Batáyan: A bamboo bird trap configured
with a trigger mechanism and a live decoy.
Batbat: To recount a story, explicate, or
describe details systematically.
Bátin: A specific vocal call or signal
used to summon pigs for feeding.
Baton: To accept, receive into one's
possession, or earn wages.
Batong: A large-mesh net trap deployed to
capture wild boars.
Bátu-bátu: The kidney organ.
Bátud: The thick grub or larval stage of
the destructive coconut beetle.
Bátug: To alight, settle down, or perch
on a branch or structural beam.
Bátulan: Unreasonably headstrong,
bull-headed, or deliberately perverse.
Batus: Bearable, endurable, or something
that can be tolerated.
Batyag: To experience an emotional or
physical sensation; to feel.
Bawì: To reclaim property, compensate
for trauma/suffering, or correct a steering mechanism.
Bayad: A payment, monetary compensation,
retribution, or just deserts.
Bayi: A female plant or animal.
Bay-ug: To violently rock, sway, or shake
something back and forth.
Biaypi: A colloquial term for a V.I.P.
Bíba: An enthusiastic exclamation
meaning "Long live!" or someone naturally cheerful.
Bilî: The economic value, cost, or
monetary price of an item.
Bílin: To intentionally leave something
behind, allow it to remain, or keep it in storage.
Bisan: Even if, although, or regardless
of the circumstances.
Bisperas: The eve or day immediately
preceding an event.
Bisti
/ Bistido:
Garments, clothing, or formal attire.
Bitâ
/ Bitana: The
native quinine tree, historically used for its bitter, medicinal properties.
Búaw: A protective, superstitious
statement made to praise someone with the purpose of warding off bad luck.
Bucâ: To crack open, split down the
middle, or cause a structural explosion.
Bucad: A fully opened flower or blossom;
to flourish or enter a state of prosperity.
Bugnao
/ Mabugnao:
Chilly, cool to the touch, or cold weather.
Bugnó: To formally salute, welcome, or
greet another person.
Bugnot
/ Buutong: To
forcibly pull out, yank, or pluck something from its position.
Bug-os: Entire, complete, absolute, or
unbroken.
Bugsac: To drop or slam something down
with extreme force and violence.
Bugsay: A hand paddle or oar used for
propelling small boats.
Buguy: A shiftless person, hoodlum,
hooligan, or vagabond.
Buhì: Alive, living, or animate.
Bukag: A broad, general classification
for large-mesh woven carrying baskets.
Bulí: The buttocks, breech, or lower
rump of a body or object.
Bulig: A physical bunch of hanging
fruit, or the act of providing assistance.
Buligan
/ Bulagan: To be
separated from, estranged, left behind, or disconnected.
Burâ: Foam, frothy bubbles, or empty,
talkative gossip.
Buraghal: Highly unrefined, rough, botched,
or badly dilapidated.
Bu-ut
/ Bubut-on:
Internal will, moral resolve, mindset, or intention; sensible and prudent.
Búya: An arranged marriage or a
childhood betrothal.
C
Cabaý: An expression meaning "God
grant!"
Cabayo: A horse, or a structural
plow-beam.
Cabcab: To scrape or dig down an earthen
bank.
Cadios: A type of shrub or lentil plant.
Ca
diotay: A phrase
indicating something is "too small."
Ca
disnon: A specific
variety of large cooking banana.
Cadlao: To laugh.
Ca
himpit:
Perfection, flawlessness, or faultlessness.
Calat: A rope.
Calatipunan: A congregation, reunion, meeting,
or gathering of people.
Ca
lau-ay: A physical
deformity or ugliness.
Ca
lau-aýan:
Dishonesty or moral indecency.
Cala-un: To eat or consume food.
Camalig: A shack, cabin, hut, or storage
shed.
Camalingking: The little finger (pinky).
Cámang: To crawl.
Camanga: A whetstone or hone used for
sharpening blades.
Ca
mang-horan:
Younger brothers and sisters within a family.
Capawa: Clearness, radiance, or
brilliance.
Ca
patag-an: A
valley, level plain, or meadow.
Cap-at-an: The number forty (40).
Ca
patoc: To invent
or devise something new.
Casal-anan: Sin, fault, offense, or guilt.
Ca
sambud: A partner,
companion, or associate.
Ca
sampinit-an: A
thicket, briar-patch, or thorny undergrowth.
Ca
sanag: Splendor,
brightness, or illumination.
Catig: The stabilization outrigger of a
native boat.
Catigayońan: Attainment, achievement, or
means.
Ca
tigulangon: Old
age or advanced years.
Catiñgála
/ Catin-catin:
Magic, wonder, or an object of surprise.
Câyang: Positioned completely upside
down; can also refer to a protective canvas awning.
Cayas: Short; the variant na cayaśan
means excited.
Cayat: To drag on the ground, hang down
low, or extend behind.
Consehal: An alderman or councilman.
Consého: A council board or advisory body.
Contani: A conditional expression meaning
"would," "might," "should," or
"suppose."
Cońtra: An enemy, or a preposition
meaning against.
Contrario: An adversary or enemy.
Copa: A cup or chalice.
Corbata: A necktie.
Cuhit: To touch, pitch at, or gently
nudge someone or something.
Cuiápad: To flutter, as a bird flapping
its wings.
Cui-us: A long, prominent feather on a
bird's wing.
Culabus: Insufficient, inadequate, or
running short.
Curinot: Wrinkled, such as a furrowed brow
or lined skin.
D
Da /
Dah: A particle
used to express realization, emphasis, or an "I told you so!"
sentiment.
Dà /
Dalà: To carry,
bring, transport, or lead.
Dábaw: Davao (the place), or to
overflow/reach an exceptionally high water level.
Dábog: To slam an object down, throw
forcefully, or stomp one's feet in a tantrum.
Dabong: Tender, young shoots of edible
plants.
Dábyan: A large, wide-mouthed clay jar or
earthen vessel.
Dágan: To run, flee, or
function/operate.
Dagat: The sea or ocean.
Dágay: To flow smoothly, pour out
continuously, or trickle down.
Dahila: An excuse, pretext, or alibi.
Dahilig: A slope, incline, declivity, or
hillside; to slide down an incline.
Dahúg: To pile up, stack together, or
gather items into a single heap.
Dahum: To expect, anticipate, hope for, or
assume something will happen.
Dahun
/ Dahon: A leaf of
a tree or plant.
Daíto: Friendly, peaceful, or
reconciled; to live in harmony with others.
Dako
/ Dakù: Large,
big, great, or immense.
Dakop: To catch, arrest, capture, or
apprehend.
Dálan: A road, path, street, highway, or
way.
Dalasa: To run over, sweep through with
destructive force, or completely devastate.
Dálaw: To visit someone (especially a
sick person), or to have a deep longing or yearning.
Dalayégon: Praiseworthy, admirable, or
glorious.
Dalî: Quick, fast, or immediate.
Dalingding: A protective border, rim, or
wooden baseboards.
Dalikyat: To make a brief, quick stop or a
side-trip somewhere along a journey.
Dalit: An offering, gift, presentation,
or a feast hosted for guests.
Dalom
/ Lawom: Deep or
profound.
Dalunggan: The ear; the organ of hearing.
Dámak: Careless, untidy, sloppy, or
messy.
Damgo: A dream; to dream while sleeping.
Dámol
/ Damul: Thick,
dense, or heavy.
Dampog: Mist, fog, or light clouds
hovering near the ground.
Dámus: To taste a tiny bit of food, or
to sample a small portion.
Danaw: A small lake, pond, puddle, or
swampy lagoon.
Dangás: Balding at the forehead; having a
high, receding hairline.
Dangat: To reach, arrive at a
destination, achieve a goal, or attain something.
Dangaw: A span; the unit of measurement
from thumb to middle finger.
Dangaw-dangaw: A measuring worm or looper
caterpillar.
Danggit: The rabbitfish.
Danglog
/ Madanglog:
Slippery, slick, or greasy.
Dángob
/ Dangup: To seek
refuge, run to someone for protection, or appeal for help.
Danguynguy: To sob loudly, wail, or weep
bitterly.
Dani: To attract, persuade, entice, or
win someone over to an opinion.
Dán-ag: To illuminate, shed light on, or
glow brightly in the dark.
Daog
/ Daúg: To win a
contest, defeat an opponent, or conquer.
Daog-daog: To oppress, bulldoze, mistreat,
or bully.
Dápá: A barn, granary, or storage shed
specifically built for storing unhusked rice.
Dapag: To catch a bird or animal by
throwing a net or large cloth over it.
Dapá-dapá: The sole of the foot.
Dápal: A unit of measurement
corresponding to the width of the four fingers.
Dapaw: Tiny, highly irritating stinging
hairs or fuzz found on certain caterpillars, plants, or bamboo shoots.
Dapit: To invite someone to an event,
gathering, or meal.
Daplin: The edge, margin, side, or border
of something.
Dapo: To alight or settle down on a
surface.
Dápon: To stay with someone else, live
under another person's roof, or merge items together.
Dapu-dapu: A gentle, mist-like drizzle or
very light spray of rain.
Dápug: A large bonfire, heap of burning
rubbish, or a hearth fire.
Dasig
/ Madasigon:
Enthusiastic, cheerful, encouraged, or full of vitality.
Dasmag: To collide head-on, ram into,
charge forward, or rush blindly against something.
Dasok
/ Madasok: Packed
tightly, dense, crowded, or crammed full.
Data
/ Datá-data: An
installment payment, partial payment, or a down payment.
Dátò: Wealthy, rich, affluent, or a
traditional tribal chieftain or noble.
Daw: It seems as if, apparently, like,
or as though.
Dáwong: To look down upon from an
elevated position, or to loom over.
Dayág: Clear, obvious, manifest, or
exposed to open view.
Dayandayan: Ornaments, decorations, or
embellishments.
Dayaw: To praise, commend, honor, or
speak highly of someone.
Dáyon: To enter a room/house upon
invitation, continue forward without stopping, or happen permanently.
Dayong: To carry a heavy object together
on the shoulders using a pole, or to row a boat in tandem.
Dí: A contraction of dili meaning
"no" or "not."
Dibál: A specialized native tool or
digging stick used for planting seeds or turning soil.
Dibuho: A drawing, sketch, illustration,
or design layout.
Dídto: There (far away from both speaker
and listener).
Digos: To take a bath, wash oneself, or
bathe.
Dihâ: There (near the person being
spoken to), or right then and there.
Dihóg: To anoint, smear, apply
lotion/ointment, or coat a surface.
Dilì: The primary negative word meaning
"no" or "not."
Dila: The tongue.
Dímut: Parsimonious, stingy, or
extremely tight-fisted.
Dínhi: Here (close to the speaker).
Díwata: A nature spirit, deity, fairy, or
a traditional ritual offered to spirits.
Dúaw: To pay a short visit to a person,
place, or event.
Dúba: To temper metal, forge iron, or
heat-treat a blade to harden it.
Dúgà: Juice, sap, nectar, or fluid
extracted from a fruit or plant.
Dugang: An addition, increase,
supplement, or extra amount.
Dugô: Blood.
Dugok: To flock together, gather in
large crowds around an attraction, or converge.
Dugukan: The spine, backbone, or the
central core/framework of an organization.
Dugúut: To be very close to one another,
huddled together, or cramped.
Duhá: The number two (2).
Dúlan: A wooden tray, shallow platter,
or trough used for serving or cleaning food.
Dulo: The tip, extremity, point, or
outermost end of an object.
Dúlot: To penetrate, pierce deeply, take
effect, or a traditional food offering.
Dúma: A companion, comrade, or
associate; to walk together side by side.
Dumdum: To remember, recall to mind, or
recollect a past event or person.
Dúnot
/ Madúnot: Rotten,
decayed, decomposed, or completely worn out.
Dúong: To head towards a specific
destination, steer a vessel, or approach.
Dúpa: A fathom; a unit of measurement
equal to the full span of both outstretched arms.
Dúyan: A hammock, cradle, or swinging
cot for infants.
E
E /
É: An interjection
or exclamation used to express sudden realization, mild surprise, disagreement,
or to call attention.
Eba: Eve (the biblical figure), or
used to signify womanhood.
Ebanghelyo
/ Ebanhelyo: The
Gospel, the New Testament, or religious scriptures.
Ehem: An onomatopoeic interjection
representing a cough or throat-clearing sound.
Ekonomiya: The economy, financial system, or
the management of resources.
Eksakto
/ Isakto: Exact,
accurate, precise, correct, or sufficient.
Eksamen: An examination, test, quiz, or a
formal evaluation.
Eksena: A scene in a play, movie, or
story; colloquially used to describe a public commotion or dramatic outburst.
Eksperto: An expert, specialist, or someone
possessing highly advanced skills.
Ekuwador: The equator.
Eles
/ Elisi: A
propeller or blade system utilized to propel marine vessels or aircraft.
Embargo: To confiscate, impound, seize, or
legally sequester property or goods.
Emperador: An emperor or supreme ruler.
Emperatris: An empress.
Empleado
/ Impleyado: An
employee, clerk, staff member, or hired worker.
Ensay: To practice, rehearse, drill, or
exercise to improve proficiency.
Entablado: A raised wooden stage, platform,
rostrum, or scaffold.
Ermita: A small chapel, shrine, or
hermitage, typically located in a secluded or rural area.
Eskandalo: A public scandal, disgrace,
uproar, or morally offensive incident.
Eskina: A street corner, intersection, or
the sharp angle where two roads or pathways meet.
Eskoba: A stiff-bristled brush or scrub
brush; to vigorously scrub a surface clean.
Eskribano: A clerk of court, notary public,
scribe, or official record-keeper.
Eskwela
/ Eskwelahan: A
school, academy, or educational institution; to attend classes or study.
Espada: A sword, blade, or cutlass.
Espesyal: Special, extraordinary,
exceptional, or custom-made.
Espeho: A mirror, looking glass, or
reflective glass surface.
Espiritu: A spirit, ghost, soul, or divine
entity.
Esposa
/ Esposo: A
spouse; wife (esposa) or husband (esposo).
Estasyon: A station, terminal, or
designated stopping point.
Estatuwa: A statue, monument, or sculpted
human or animal figure.
Estilo: Style, fashion, trend, method, or
characteristic manner of doing something.
Estrelya: A star.
Estrikto: Strict, rigid, stern, or
demanding rigorous adherence to rules.
Estruktura: A structure, physical building,
edifice, or the underlying organizational framework.
Estudyante: A student, learner, or pupil
enrolled in an educational institution.
G
Gaba
/ Gabà: Cosmic
retribution, karma, or a spiritual curse incurred by committing a moral
transgression.
Gabi
/ Gabii: Night,
nighttime, or evening.
Gabok: Brittle, fragile, frail, weak, or
rotten.
Gahad: To clear away thick brush, weeds,
or undergrowth.
Gahom
/ Gahúm: Power,
potent force, authority, hegemony, capability, or divine control.
Gakit: A primitive raft assembled from
bamboo poles or logs lashed securely together.
Gakus
/ Gakos: To
embrace or hug someone warmly; a physical bind or clasp.
Galam: To nurture, look after, tend to,
or take meticulous care of.
Galamiton
/ Galamitun:
Tools, utensils, implements, gear, or operational apparatus.
Gáling: To grind, crush, pulverize, or
mill.
Gamay: Small, tiny, minute, diminutive,
or a little amount.
Gamit: To use, utilize, deploy, or apply
an object, tool, or method.
Gamut
/ Gamot: The root
of a plant or tree; the ultimate origin or foundation.
Gána: Appetite for food, enthusiasm,
motivation, or a personal drive.
Gani: Indeed, precisely, exactly, or
even.
Gining-guning
/ Guning-guning:
Premonition, mental illusion, vivid imagination, daydream, or fantasy.
Ganti: A reward, prize, trophy, premium,
or formal compensation.
Ganyat: To entice, allure, persuade, or
invite someone into participating.
Gápas: Natural cotton, cotton wool, or
the cotton plant.
Gápus
/ Gápos: To tie
up, bind, shackle, or securely fetter an animal or captive.
Gasa: A gift, present, or offering
given freely; can also refer to surgical gauze.
Gatos: The numerical value of one
hundred (100).
Gawas: The outside or exterior; except
for or besides.
Gaway: The long tentacles or appendages
of an octopus, squid, or cuttlefish.
Gawi: Customary habit, characteristic
behavior, personal disposition, trait, or traditional mannerism.
Gawî: To actively employ, utilize, or
use a tool or facility.
Gayod
/ Gayud: An
emphasizing particle meaning truly, absolutely, really, or indeed.
Giba: To cave in, crumble, collapse, or
suffer structural demolition.
Gibang: Chipped, notched, jagged, or
displaying a visible gap.
Gihapon: Still, as usual, always, or in
the exact same manner as previously established.
Gihay: A singular petal of a flower, a
fine shred of paper, or a narrow strip of a leaf.
Gikan: To come from, originate, depart
from a location, or begin a journey.
Gilak: To flash, glitter, gleam,
sparkle, or radiate a bright, lustrous sheen.
Ginhawa: Breath, respiration, vital life
force, inner spirit, or physical and holistic well-being.
Gisî: Torn, ripped, or severely
shredded.
Giuk: To thresh grain by systematically
treading on them.
Giya: A guide, blueprint, or manual; to
lead the way, direct a path, or steer someone.
Guba: Broken down, out of order,
ruined, dilapidated, or physically damaged.
Gubot: Chaotic, messy, tangled, rowdy,
or structurally disordered.
Gukod: To chase down, pursue, or run
after a fleeting object, animal, or person.
Gula: To emerge, step outside, appear
publicly, or come out.
Gulang
/ Magulang: An
older sibling, elder, or a person of advanced years; mature or fully developed.
Guma: Manufactured rubber, a vehicle
tire, or a pencil eraser.
Gumi: A mustache, beard, or the facial
whiskers/tentacles.
Gumikan: Because of, due to, on account
of, or stemming directly from.
Gunit: To grasp, hold, clutch, or
maintain a physical grip.
Gunting: Scissors, shears, or clippers.
Guroy: To drag, haul, trail, or pull a
heavy item along behind oneself.
Gusok: A rib bone; also refers to the
structural frame ribs of a house or hull of a boat.
Gusto: To want, like, crave, desire, or
covet.
Gútas: To faint, lose consciousness, or
suffer complete exhaustion.
Gutlo: A precise moment, split-second,
instant, or brief interval of time.
Gutom
/ Gútum: Hunger;
the physical state of being hungry or starving.
Guwang: Hollowed out, possessing an empty
internal cavity, or lacking a solid center.
Guyod: To tow, drag, haul, or pull a
vehicle, barge, or heavy cargo across a surface.
H
Hába
/ Habà: Length, or
the physical extent of something from end to end; to elongate or lengthen.
Habas: To cut down tall weeds, wild
grass, or thick brush using a wide, sweeping horizontal stroke.
Habat: A phantom, ghost, or supernatural
spirit that haunts particular locations.
Hábol
/ Habul: A
blanket, woven sheet, or bed covering; can also describe a dull or blunt
cutting blade.
Hábog
/ Habug: High,
lofty, elevated, or soaring to a great physical height.
Hábwa
/ Habwa: To unload
cargo from a vessel, empty out the collective contents of a container, or scoop
water out completely.
Hádlok
/ Hadluk: Fear,
dread, fright, or terror; to scare, terrify, or intentionally frighten someone.
Hágad: To invite, proffer an offer, or
challenge another person.
Haganas: The loud rushing, roaring, or
hissing sound produced by fast-flowing water or strong winds.
Hagawhaw: A whisper; to talk in an
exceptionally soft, hushed, and barely audible tone.
Hagbong: To drop or fall heavily from an
elevated height; to fail a course, test, or school examination.
Hagok
/ Haguk: To snore
loudly while deep in sleep.
Haguka: Hollow, flimsy, fluffy, empty
inside, or completely lacking structural substance.
Hálad: A dedicated offering, formal
presentation, sacrifice, or gift.
Hálas: A general term for a snake,
serpent, or viper.
Halawom
/ Halalum: Deep,
profound, low-lying, or complex.
Haligi: A structural post, main pillar,
or vertical column used to support the framework of a traditional house.
Hálok
/ Haluk: A kiss;
to press one's lips against someone as a profound token of affection or
reverence.
Halos: Scarcely, barely, almost, or
achieved with an extreme amount of difficulty.
Hambog: Boastful, proud, arrogant, or
ostentatious.
Hampak: To strike forcefully, flagellate,
whip, or slap an object hard against a surface.
Hámug: Night dew, atmospheric moisture,
or condensation that settles thickly overnight.
Hánaw: To completely vanish, disappear
from view, fade away into nothingness, or become entirely lost to human memory.
Handum
/ Handumanan: To
long for, yearn, remember fondly, or reminisce; a physical memento, souvenir,
or monument.
Handurawan: Imagination, a mental vision, or
a nostalgic memory of past events or places.
Hángad: To look directly upward, raise
one's eyes toward the sky, or show deep respect.
Hangin: Wind, breeze, air, or the ambient
atmosphere.
Hangyo
/ Hangyu: To
request a favor, plead, bargain, or negotiate for a lower price.
Hanyag: To offer, propose a deal, present
options, or display commodities openly for sale.
Hápa: To quickly duck down, prostrate
oneself, or lie completely flat against the ground.
Hápit: An adverb meaning
"almost" or "nearly"; as a verb, to make a brief, temporary
stopover.
Haplas: A therapeutic medicinal ointment,
liniment, or soothing lotion.
Hapon: Afternoon; can also denote Japan
or the Japanese people. As a verb, for birds or poultry to perch or roost.
Harába: To cry out loud, wail, weep
bitterly, or audibly lament a devastating tragedy or loss.
Hari: A king, monarch, or supreme
sovereign leader.
Hása: To sharpen a blade on a
whetstone, hone a tool, or systematically practice a skill.
Hásol
/ Hasul:
Troublesome, annoying, vexing, or tedious; to inconvenience or deliberately
disturb.
Hátag: To give, grant, bestow, deliver,
or provide something to someone.
Háwa: To leave, depart, step aside,
clear out, or completely vacate a location.
Húna-húna: Mind, intellect, thought,
reflection, or opinion; to contemplate, think, or deliberate.
Húrot
/ Hurut: To
completely consume, use up all available resources, exhaust supplies, or leave
absolutely nothing behind.
I
I-: A prefix used to form passive
verbs indicating that the object is the instrument, theme, or item being moved.
Iba: The star gooseberry tree or its
small, sour, edible green fruits.
Iban: A companion, partner, associate,
or fellow traveler; to accompany someone or subtract/reduce an amount.
Ibano: A factory-made cigar.
Ibabaw: The top, upper surface, or summit
of something; above or overhead.
Ibabawnon: A highlander, mountain dweller,
or a celestial/heavenly being.
Ibabaw
sa: On top of,
over, or above.
Ibos: A traditional native delicacy
made of glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk and salt, wrapped in young palm
leaves.
Ibtang
/ Ibutang: To
place, put down, position, or set something in a specific location.
Igo
/ Igò: Enough,
sufficient, adequate, or fitting; to hit a target accurately or be struck by
something.
Ig-agaw: A cousin.
Igas: An expression or particle used to
denote a sudden realization or confirmation.
Igat: Flirtatious, coquette, or
provocative in behavior or dress.
Igbalatiag
/ Igbalatyag: The
senses, sensory organs, or the capacity to feel physical or emotional
sensations.
Igi: A tiny species of freshwater or
land snail.
Igík: To thresh or separate grain from
stalks.
Igsoon
/ Igsun: A
sibling; a brother or sister.
Ika-: A prefix used to form ordinal
numbers.
Ikigai: A conceptual intersection of
passion, mission, vocation, and profession leading to a sense of purpose.
Ikiw: The tail of an animal, fish, or
bird.
Ilas
/ Mailas: Elusive,
wild, untamed, or prone to fleeing when approached.
Ilihan: A fortress, stronghold, or a
natural high place used as a sanctuary or refuge.
Iling: A species of crested myna or
talking bird.
Ilis: To change, exchange, substitute,
replace, or shift; can also refer to changing one's clothes.
Iliw
/ Kasakit sa iliw:
Homesickness, nostalgia, or a deep, melancholy longing for one's homeland.
Ila: Theirs or belonging to them; as a
noun, it can also mean a birthmark or mole.
Ilam: To recognize, distinguish, or
perceive something clearly.
Ila-ila: To introduce oneself, get to know
one another, or become acquainted.
Ilo: An orphan; a child whose parents
have deceased.
Ilok: The armpit or axilla.
Ilong: The nose.
Ilu: To wipe or clean oneself after
defecation.
Imát: To wake up early in the morning,
or to regain consciousness.
Imbudo: A funnel used for pouring liquids
into narrow-necked containers.
Imno: A hymn, anthem, or sacred song of
praise.
Imo: Yours or belonging to you
(singular).
Impas: To discharge a debt, pay in full,
settle an account; to end.
Inádlaw: By the day; per day.
Inahan
/ Inan: A mother.
Inat: To stretch, extend, or pull an
elastic object to its limit.
Inday: A term of endearment for a young
woman, daughter, or girl.
Ingon
/ Ingun: Like,
similar to, as if, or resembling; to say or state.
Ingkib: To bite off a little at a time.
Init
/ Mainit: Heat,
warmth, or hot weather; to heat up food or water.
Inpiérno
/ Impyerno: Hell.
Inon-unan: A traditional Visayan dish of
fish cooked in vinegar, broth, ginger, and spices.
Insa: To inquire, ask a question, or
investigate a matter.
Insekto: An insect.
Insik: A person of Chinese descent.
Intawon
/ Intawun: An
expression of pity, sympathy, mercy, or endearment.
Inyò: Yours or belonging to you (plural
or formal).
Ipíki: To crowd, squeeze into a tight
space, or put someone in a difficult financial or temporal bind.
Ipit: To squeeze, pinch, clamp, or
wedge something between two surfaces.
Ipon
/ Ipun: To live
together, cohabitate, gather items into one place, or blend resources.
Isda: A fish.
Isog
/ Maisog: Brave,
courageous, fierce, strong-willed, or chemically potent/strong.
Isu
/ Itso: A child,
toddler, or little boy.
Itaas: Up, above, upstairs, or the
elevated section of a structure.
Itíng: A young boy; a term used to
address small children or sons familiarly.
Itit: To absorb liquid completely, dry
up, or drain a wetland or container.
Ito: A species of freshwater catfish.
Itom
/ Maitom: Black or
dark-colored.
Iwag: A torch, lamp, or light source;
to shed light on a subject.
Iya: His, hers, or its; belonging to a
third person singular.
Iyahán: An aunt.
Iyo: A respectful term of address for
an older man or uncle.
K
Ka: A personal pronoun meaning
"you" (singular); prefix indicating a companion, abstract quality, or
mutual relationship.
Káab: To scoop out water, grain, or
soil using a small handheld container or the cupped hands.
Kabà-kabà: A butterfly or moth.
Kabalaka: Anxiety, deep concern, worry, or
distress.
Kabalyero
/ Kabalyíru: A
gentleman, knight, or chivalrous person; can also refer to the peacock flower
shrub.
Kábang: Spotted, mottled, or displaying
contrasting patches of color.
Kabasi: A species of gizzard shad or
similar bony saltwater fish.
Kabat: To reach a cumulative amount,
total up to, or amount to a certain numerical figure.
Kabig: To pull an object or steering
lever toward oneself; to win people over or swing opinions.
Kabilin: An inheritance, legacy, heirloom,
or property passed down.
Kabít: To attach, append, or hitch;
colloquially used to refer to a mistress or paramour.
Kabos
/ Kabus: Poor,
destitute, lacking, or deficient in resources.
Kabuhi: An indigenous medical term for
localized throbbing or distress in the upper abdomen.
Kabung: A type of wild, non-cultivated
climbing plant or vine.
Kabyon
/ Kabyun: To throw
a heavy stone or projectile forcefully; to move along a path by swinging or
gripping ropes.
Kada: Every or each.
Kadalasan: Usually, commonly, or for the
most part.
Kadasig: Enthusiasm, high morale, vigor,
or a spirited attitude.
Kadiot
/ Kadiyot: A brief
moment or a short span of time.
Kadlao
/ Katawa: To
laugh; an audible expression of amusement or derision.
Kádto: To go there (far away); that (far
away).
Kadyos
/ Kadios: The
pigeon pea, a shrub bearing edible seeds.
Kagahapon: Yesterday; the day immediately
preceding today.
Kagálki: The crackling or rustling sound
made by dry leaves, paper, or brittle materials.
Kagaw: A germ, bacterium, parasite,
mite, or microscopic organism.
Kagay: To make a sharp, grating, or
rattling sound.
Kaginhawaan: Comfort, relief, economic
well-being, prosperity, or a state of holistic personal and community
flourishing.
Kagingking: The thin, delicate twigs or
outermost branches of a bamboo plant.
Kagis: To scrape clean, shave, or pare
down a surface.
Kahadlok: Fear, terror, dread, or an
internal feeling of fright.
Kahalam: To become accustomed to,
familiarized with, or tame.
Kahalawom: Depth, profundity, or complexity.
Kahapon: To perch, settle down, or roost.
Kahig: To rake, scratch the ground, or
scrape loose materials together into a pile.
Káho: A wooden drawer, small chest, or
crate.
Kahoy
/ Kahuý: Wood,
timber, a tree, or a perennial woody plant.
Kálat: A rope, cord, thick twine, or
heavy cable.
Kalayo
/ Kalayu: Fire,
flame, or a blaze; to catch fire or burn brightly.
Káldo: Broth, bouillon, or the liquid
strained from cooking meat or fish.
Kalî
/ Kalì: To dig up
root crops out of the earth with the hands or a tool.
Kalíban: An outhouse, latrine, or bathroom
area.
Kalibutan: The world, universe, earth, or
the realm of human existence; consciousness or awareness.
Kalig-on: Strength, stability, durability,
robustness, or integrity.
Kalihokan: Activities, movements,
operations, or functions.
Kalimot: To forget; to lose the
remembrance of something.
Kalingawan: Entertainment, amusement,
recreation, a hobby, or a pastime.
Kalit: Sudden, abrupt, unexpected, or
happening without prior warning.
Kalíwat: Ancestry, lineage, race,
generation, or descendants.
Kalo: A hat, cap, or head covering.
Kalon
/ Kaon: To eat,
ingest, or consume food.
Kalóoy
/ Kaluoy: Mercy,
compassion, pity, charity, or grace.
Kalubas: Insufficient, falling short, or
running out of supplies.
Kalun-an: An eating place, dining hall, or
restaurant.
Kamálig: A traditional storage barn,
agricultural shed, or storehouse.
Kámang: To crawl or creep on all fours
close to the ground.
Kamanga: A whetstone, hone, or sharpening
stone.
Kamansi: The breadnut tree or its large,
spiky green fruit with edible seeds.
Kamatis: A tomato.
Kamot: The hand.
Kámug: Dew or light condensation
settling overnight.
Kamunayan: The wilderness, uncultivated
lands, or deep jungle.
Kánang: That (referring to something
close to the listener or previously mentioned).
Kanat: To spread out, scatter, or
diffuse widely across an area.
Kánhi: Formerly, in the past, or
deceased (the late).
Kanhing: To pinch or nip someone tightly
using the fingernails.
Kánila: To them or theirs.
Kanimo: To you or yours (singular).
Káninyo: To you or yours (plural/formal).
Kanipaan: A swamp or coastal area thickly
populated by nipa palms.
Kano: An American person.
Kánsa: Whose or belonging to whom.
Kanya-kanya: Individually, each to their own,
or partitioned separately.
Kapid-an: Many, numerous, several, or
multiple.
Kápwa: Shared identity, the concept of
the "other" as an extension of oneself.
Karamulo: A massive, unyielding boulder or
block of stone.
Karáon: Ancient, antique, old-fashioned,
or belonging to a past era.
Kásal: A wedding, marriage ceremony, or
nuptials.
Kásanag: Brightness, radiance, clarity, or
illumination.
Kasikas: A rustling, scratching, or
stirring sound made by movement.
Kasílong: Shade, shelter from the sun, or a
cool, protected area.
Kásol
/ Kasul: To dress,
put on clothes, or fit garments onto the body.
Katig: The stabilization outrigger of a
native boat.
Katigayonan: Means, livelihood, financial
resources, property, or achievements.
Katilingban: Society, community, public
association, or the collective populace.
Katingála
/ Catin-catin:
Magic, wonder, or an object of surprise.
Káwayan: Bamboo; a tall, woody tropical
grass.
Káwíl: A fishhook or a hand-line fishing
rig.
Káwing: To link, chain together,
interlock, or interconnect elements.
Kay: Because, for, or since.
Káyang: Positioned entirely upside down,
or lying on one's back with limbs exposed.
Kaylap: To spread far and wide, circulate
extensively, or permeate.
Kayo
/ Maayo: Good,
well, fine, or excellent.
Kiki: Food particles trapped between
the teeth; to clean the teeth using a toothpick.
Kilid: The side, edge, flank, or margin.
Kílo: A kilogram; to blink, wink, or
signal with the eyes.
Kimat: A brief flash of light, a wink,
or a tiny movement.
Kinahanglan: Necessary, needed, essential, or
a requirement; to need or require.
Kínabuhi: Life, existence, or one's
lifespan.
Kinsá: Who; which person.
Kisikisi: To wiggle, squirm, thrash about
violently, or flit rapidly.
Kiwaw: Awkward, clumsy, uncoordinated,
or unnatural.
Kiyod: A pelvic thrust or rhythmic
forward-and-back movement of the hips.
Kuko
/ Kuku: A
fingernail, claw, or hoof.
Kuhit: To poke, nudge, prod, or reach
for an object using a long stick or the finger.
Kúlap: Dim, blurred, hazy, or failing
vision.
Kulon: A traditional round clay cooking
pot or earthenware vessel.
Kulyat: A wild forest vine known for its
durable fibers.
Kúmat: To knead dough, press clay, or
manipulate a soft malleable substance with the hands.
Kúndas: To give up, surrender, abandon a
pursuit, or concede defeat.
Kuno: It is said, reportedly,
allegedly, or according to hearsay.
Kupot: To hold tightly, grip, grasp, or
maintain physical possession.
Kuring: A cat; domestic feline.
Kúros: A cross, crucifix, or
intersecting lines.
Kusog
/ Kusug: Strong,
powerful, fast, loud, or energetic.
Kútob
/ Kutub: Up to,
until, as far as, or a boundary limit.
Kutlo: To pluck, sever, gather
flowers/leaves, or precisely cut a short interval of time.
Kuto
/ Kutù: A head
louse; to crack the knuckles or make a ticking sound.
Kuwang: Lacking, short, deficient,
inadequate, or incomplete.
Kuyog: A companion or partner; to go
along with, accompany, or escort.
L
Lâ /
Lab: A particle or
exclamation used to express a warning, a sudden realization, or to call
attention to an impending consequence.
Lába: To wash, launder, or clean
clothes or linens using soap and water.
Lábáan
/ Labandiríya: A
laundry area.
Labáw: To exceed, surpass, stand out, or
tower above others; superior or paramount.
Labay: To pass by, throw away, toss
aside, or fling an object.
Lab-as
/ Malab-as: Fresh,
raw, or recently caught.
Lábaw
sa tanan: Above
all, or most importantly.
Labí: Especially, principally, or to a
greater degree.
Labog: To throw, hurl, discard, or fling
something far away.
Labong: Edible bamboo shoots harvested
when tender; can also mean for vegetation to grow thick, lush, and luxuriant.
Labot
/ Labút:
Connection, involvement, concern, or share in a matter.
Lábyog: To swing, sway, or hurl something
with a sweeping, circular horizontal motion.
Lábyon
/ Labyun: To
bypass, skip over, or pass a landmark or destination without stopping.
Lákad: A step, stride, or pace; to walk,
step over an obstacle, or make progress on an errand.
Lakatan: A highly popular variety of
native banana.
Lakip: Included, together with, or
containing; to include, compromise, or append.
Lako
/ Lakù: In high
demand, selling fast, or widely marketable.
Lakor: A traditional native fish trap or
weir constructed from bamboo split-mats.
Laktod
/ Laktud: Direct,
straightforward, or a shortcut; to take the shortest route or summarize a
speech.
Lala
/ Malala:
Venomous, highly toxic, or poisonous; to weave mats or baskets out of palm
leaves.
Lálang: Divine creation, miracle, spell,
magic, or the mystical power to bring things into existence.
Lálong: To confuse, bewilder, or make
someone dizzy or disoriented.
Lalunggan: The ear or organ of hearing
(dialectal variant of dalunggan).
Lámá: To dye, stain, tint, or leave a
lasting discolored mark.
Lámag: A glowing toadstool,
bioluminescent wood, or a faint, ghostly light.
Lamágan: To stay up all night working or
keeping vigil; to enlighten or shed light on a problem.
Láman: To include or fully contain
elements within a boundary or text.
Lamang
/ Lang: Only,
merely, or just.
Lamat: A visual illusion, hallucination,
phantom mirage, or a hypnotic spell.
Lamay: To spread gradually but
continuously, like an infection, fire, or ink bleeding; can also mean a wake
for the dead.
Lami
/ Malami:
Delicious, tasty, savory, or highly pleasing to the senses.
Lamod: To mix, blend, intermingle, or
throw different ingredients together into one pot.
Lamok
/ Lamuk: A
mosquito.
Lámot: Fiber, thread, strands, or the
stringy tissue found in certain fruits and vegetables.
Lámoy: To swallow whole, gulp down
greedily, or devour food without chewing.
Lámpas: To exceed a limit, go beyond a
boundary, or overshoot a mark.
Lampingas: Bold, impudent, shameless, or
deliberately defiant of social decorum.
Lána: Coconut oil, oil, or a liquid
ointment used for lighting, cooking, or traditional medicinal massage.
Lánag: To poison fish in rivers or pools
using toxic plant sap; to become groggy or dazed from inhaling smoke or fumes.
Lánaw: A lake, lagoon, or a large, still
expanse of inland water.
Lanay: To melt, liquefy, dissolve, or
fuse completely.
Landong
/ Landung: Shade,
shadow, or shelter from the direct glare of the sun.
Lángag: The roof of the mouth or the hard
palate.
Langaw: A common housefly.
Langit: Sky, heaven, or the firmament.
Langyaw: A foreigner, stranger, alien, or
migrant; to travel to a distant, foreign land.
Lanĝat
/ Langat: To hold
open, gape, or split wide apart.
Lanhag
/ Lanhag-lanhag:
Clear, pristine, transparent, or totally unclouded.
Lánog: A loud echo, reverberation,
resonance, or a booming sound.
Lansang: An iron nail or spike; to nail
something down or crucify.
Lántaw: To look out at something far
away, view from an elevated vantage point, or scan the horizon.
Lantay: A traditional slatted bamboo bed,
cot, or lounge platform.
Lanti: An outrigger boat configured for
cargo or group transport.
Lantugi: To debate, argue, dispute, or
formally contend points in a discussion.
Láon: Old, aged, fermented for a long
time, or wise with age.
Laon-laon
/ Lihon-lihon: To
delay, procrastinate, put off an action, or stall for time.
Láop: To overlay, coat, or line an
object with a layer of a different material.
Lápas: To violate a law, transgress a
command, trespass, or break a sacred covenant.
Lapaw: To overflow, rise above the rim
of a container, or submerge a boundary.
Lapi: A fold, hem, lapel, or the
turned-over edge of a piece of cloth or paper.
Lápis: A pencil; can also refer to a
specific species of sleek, silvery saltwater fish.
Lapit: Near, close by, or adjacent.
Lapong: Deliberately cut short, docked,
or blunt.
Lapos
/ Lapus: To pass
clean through, pierce entirely from one side to the other, or penetrate a
barrier.
Lapsik: To splatter, splash, or spray
tiny droplets of liquid or mud.
Laptaw: To skip a space, leave gaps, or
jump intermittently when placing items or reading text.
Lápuk: Mud, slime, or wet ooze on the
ground.
Lása: Flavor, taste, seasoning, or
sapidity; to sample or season food.
Lasgaw: Diluted, watery, weak, or lacking
proper concentration.
Laslas: To rip open seams, slash fabrics,
or tear away a structural covering forcefully.
Lásat: To taste a small sample, or test
the quality of food or drink.
Lásik: To fly off violently, snap out of
position, or ricochet.
Lasog: A robust, solid, mature stalk, or
a firm piece of sugarcane.
Láson: Poison, toxin, or venom.
Láwa: A spider; can also refer to a
spider's web.
Láwâ: An empty space, gap, or blank
opening within a structure.
Lawas: The body (human or animal); the
trunk of a tree, or the main physical framework of an object.
Lawg
/ Láog: To feed
farm animals or poultry; animal fodder, slop, or feed.
Lawig: To sail out, voyage across the
sea, drop anchor, or stay out on open waters for an extended period.
Lawis: A cape, spit of land, peninsula,
or a long point of land jutting prominently out into the sea.
Láwom
/ Lawum: Deep,
low-lying, profound, or complex.
Láwoy
/ Lau-ay: Obscene,
ugly, deformed, indecent, or morally offensive.
Layag: The sail of a boat; to travel
using sails or cruise across water.
Láyas: To run away, elope, abscond,
desert, or flee from home or captivity.
Layaw: Free-roaming, unconfined, or
allowed to wander at will.
Layit
/ Lalait: A
traditional chant, ritual invocation, or solemn lamentation.
Layo
/ Layû: Far,
distant, or remote.
Layog: To wrestle, grapple body-to-body,
or engage in hand-to-hand combat; can also mean soaring high in flight.
Layóng: Withered, dried up, or faded.
Líad: To lean backward, bend the spine
in an arch, or tilt the upper body back.
Libak: To backbite, gossip maliciously
behind someone's back, or slander.
Libang: To distract, amuse, or occupy
someone's attention to pass the time; can also mean to have a bowel movement.
Líkas: To roll up sleeves or trousers;
to strip away or peel off a protective casing.
Líkat: To separate, detach, or untangle
items that are stuck or bound together.
Libat: Cross-eyed, or experiencing
temporary double vision or strabismus.
Libo
/ Libu: The
numerical value of one thousand (1,000).
Libong: A hidden dense thicket, a small
secret glade, or deep undergrowth in a forest.
Libot
/ Libút: Around,
surrounding, or encompassing; to encircle, wander around, or go on a circuit.
Libog: Confusion, perplexity, doubt, or
complication.
Librandú: A heavy leather bound account
book or ledger.
Libre: Free, exempt from cost, or
liberated from an obligation.
Libro
/ Libru: A book.
Likay: To avoid, evade, steer clear of
danger, or shun an unfavorable situation.
Liki: A crack, fissure, or narrow
fracture on a solid surface.
Likod
/ Likúd: The back
of the body, or the rear side of an object.
Liko-liko: Winding, tortuous, meandering, or
zig-zagging.
Líkon: To coil, loop, or wind a rope,
wire, or snake into concentric circles.
Likos: To surround completely, besiege,
block off all exits, or hem in an opponent.
Líga: To dissolve a solid into a
liquid, melt down metals, or alloy elements.
Ligdong: Grave, solemn, serious,
dignified, or highly respectable in conduct.
Ligid: A wheel, tire, or roller; to roll
down a slope or turn over and over on the ground.
Lig-on
/ Malig-on:
Strong, durable, stable, firm, legally binding, or structurally robust.
Ligos
/ Digos: To take a
bath, wash oneself, or submerge in water.
Ligoy: A truant, slacker, loafer, or
someone who deliberately shirks work or school responsibilities.
Lígut: A narrow passage, tight strait,
or a small secret shortcut.
Ligut-ligut: Deliberately evasive, beating
around the bush, or speaking in circles.
Lihad: To slice meat or vegetables into
thin, clean strips or fillets.
Lihang: A space, gap, interval, or an
empty clearing between structured objects.
Lihi: A traditional superstitious
ritual or charm performed during childbirth, initial planting, or the opening
of a business.
Lihok
/ Lihuk: Movement,
motion, action, behavior, or operation.
Lihon: To stall, delay, or drag out a
process intentionally.
Lihong
/ Lihong-lihong: A
small pit, crater, or natural depression in the earth.
Líma: The numerical value of five (5).
Limang: To cheat, defraud, swindle, or
deceive someone in a transaction or game.
Limba: A bright, fiery reddish-brown
color.
Límbas: A steel file tool used for
rasping, smoothing, or sharpening metal blades.
Limbong: Fraud, deceit, cheating, or a
dishonest trick.
Limat: To slip away quietly, escape
notice, or sneak out of a gathering unnoticed.
Límod: To deny a statement, conceal the
truth, keep a secret, or refuse to acknowledge a fact.
Limog: To rinse the mouth out with
water, or gargle.
Limong-limong: To act innocent, pretend
ignorance, or play dumb to cover up a mistake or misdeed.
Limonsito: The small, lime-like calamansi
fruit, or a dwarf citrus shrub.
Limot: To forget; to lose from memory.
Limpyo
/ Limpyu: Clean,
spotless, neat, or pure; to tidy or clean a space.
Lina: Fresh sweet palm sap tapped from
coconut buds before it ferments into tuba wine.
Línag: To blend a mix thoroughly or
bring liquid to a gentle, steady simmer.
Linao
/ Malinaw: Calm,
peaceful, tranquil, quiet, or serene.
Linat-an: A traditional broth dish made by
boiling meat chunks (beef, pork) with vegetables until fork-tender.
Lindog: A column, vertical pillar, line
of text, or a specific feature article.
Linog: An earthquake or seismic tremor.
Linsang: An iron spike or nail (variant of
lansang).
Lintè
/ Linti: A bolt of
lightning, a thunderclap, or a strong exclamation used to express intense anger
or shock.
Lintgaw
/ Lintgaw-lintgaw:
Wandering aimlessly, floating around, or unanchored.
Língá: Distracted, restless, unable to
focus, or looking around in confusion.
Lingaw: To entertain, amuse, distract
pleasantly, or comfort someone who is sad.
Lingkod
/ Lingkud: To sit
down, take a seat, or occupy a chair.
Língò
/ Lingo-lingo: To
shake one's head side to side in disapproval, disbelief, or denial.
Língút: To twist, wrench, or turn an
object forcefully.
Língwâ
/ Lingwa: To turn
inside out, stick out one's tongue, or invert a container.
Lipa: To make a mistake, lose track,
wander off a path, or go astray.
Lipat: To trick, deceive the eyes,
distract an opponent by a sleight of hand, or misdirect attention.
Lipay
/ Malipayon:
Happy, glad, joyful, or pleased; palipay means to cheer up or bring joy.
Lipong: Dizzy, faint, lightheaded, or
unconscious.
Lípot
/ Liput: To
bypass, go around the back of something, sneak up from behind, or
double-cross/betray someone.
Lísa: Dislocated or slipped out of
joint.
Lisang: Panic, terror, extreme fright, or
alarm that scatters a crowd.
Lisi: A crack, tear, or opening seam.
Lisik: The testicles of animals or
humans; to pop out under pressure.
Liso
/ Lisù: A seed,
pit, or kernel of a fruit; a knob, dial, or a turnable mechanism.
Lisod
/ Lisud:
Difficult, hard, complicated, poor, or experiencing severe hardships.
Lísta: A list, roll, registry, or
catalog; to register, sign up, or list down.
Listo
/ Listu: Alert,
clever, quick-witted, agile, or smart.
Lit-ag: A snare, physical trap, or noose
set up to catch birds, wild animals, or rodents.
Litob: A species of edible marine
bivalve clam with a thick, ribbed shell.
Litok
/ Lituk: To
pronounce, articulate words, speak, or utter an expression.
Líton: To swallow an entire object
without chewing.
Litson
/ Litsun: A whole
roasted pig cooked slowly over turning charcoal spit.
Litub
/ Litob: A wild
forest vine with edible properties.
Líwà
/ Liwa-liwa: To
comfort, soothe a crying child, console a grieving person, or ease distress.
Liwan: To substitute, exchange
positions, replace a shift, or take someone's place.
Liwás: The day immediately following a
major holiday, feast, or big event.
Líwat: Again, once more, or repeatedly;
a family resemblance, genetic trait, or lineage.
Liw-as: To deviate from a rule, bypass a
checkpoint, or take an alternate bypass road.
Líwos: Asymmetrical, crooked, warped, or
out of square.
Líyà: A type of wetland grass or
aquatic plant found growing along muddy river edges.
Liyab: A bright flare, flash of fire, or
flame; the neckline or collar cut of a dress.
Liyad
/ Liad: Curved
backward or convex.
Liyok: To encircle, cycle around, go in
a loop, or orbit a point.
Liyong
/ Liyong-liyong: A
tiny whirlpool, vortex in water, or a whorl of hair on the crown of the head.
Lólo
/ Lolu: A
grandfather, or an old wise man of respectability.
Lóma: A low hill, ridge, or mound of
earth.
Lólo / Lolo: To masturbate (colloquial
vulgar).
Loob
/ Luub: The inner
self, internal moral character, mindset, core disposition, or heart of a
person.
Lóon
/ Luon: To live as
a dependent under another person's roof, or double up accommodations.
Lóot
/ Luot: To insert
a hand or tool into a deep, narrow cavity to retrieve an object.
Lóoy
/ Luoy:
Compassion, pity, charity, or grace.
Lópa
/ Lupa: Ground,
soil, land, or earth.
Lósot
/ Lusot: To pass
through an opening, escape a tight situation, find a legal loophole, or emerge
on the other side.
Lóto
/ Luto: To cook,
prepare food, or bake; mourning garments or bereavement.
Lóto
/ Lutò: A type of
rice pudding cooked with coconut milk and native chocolate.
Lóyong
/ Loyong-loyong:
To float suspended, sway gently in the breeze, or hover.
Lúas
/ Luwas: Safe,
saved, liberated, delivered from danger, or set free.
Lúaw
/ Luaw: To spit
out food, regurgitate, or vomit.
Lúbak: To pound, crush raw materials in
a mortar, or physically beat up someone.
Lúban: A woven basket container made of
leaves, used for holding gathered fruits.
Lúbang
/ Lubang-lubang:
Pitted, full of potholes, uneven, or deeply rutted.
Lúbid: A cord, string, twisted twine, or
small rope.
Lúbnganan: A grave, cemetery, burial plot,
or sepulcher.
Lúbo: A wolf.
Lúbog
/ Malubog: Muddy,
turbid, cloudy, or unclear liquid.
Lúbok: To pound cereals (rice, corn)
using a heavy wooden pestle in a mortar to de-husk them.
Lúbong: To bury a deceased person, inter,
plant seeds deep in the soil, or cover up an item with earth.
Lúbos: Pure, unmixed, absolute,
thorough, or total.
Lúbyang: Unstable, wobbly, top-heavy, or
rocking unevenly.
Lúka: To uproot a tree, dig out a
stump, or wrench a plant out of the soil completely with its roots.
Lúkab: To pry open a container, split
open a shell, or break open a lock.
Lúkay: A young, fresh frond of a palm
tree.
Lúki: A type of large edible sea
cucumber.
Lúkit: To systematically dig out coconut
meat from the shell; to gouge out.
Lúko
/ Luku: To curl
up, huddle, or coil oneself.
Lúkod
/ Lukud: To track
down, follow a trail step-by-step, or pursue relentlessly.
Lúkon: A large, premium prawn or tiger
shrimp.
Lúkos
/ Lukus: A squid
or cuttlefish.
Lúkot
/ Lukut: To roll
up a mat, sheet of paper, or cloth; a rolled bundle.
Lúksò: To jump, leap up, bound, or clear
an obstacle by jumping.
Lúku-lúku: Idiotic, simple-minded,
eccentric, or acting crazy.
Lúkum: To hold multiple small items
secretly inside a closed fist or palm.
Lúma
/ Maluma: Soft,
tender, malleable, or easily yielding to pressure.
Lúmay: A traditional love potion, charm,
or mystical spell.
Lúmbà: A race, speed contest, or
competition.
Lúmbay: A neat row, straight line, queue
of people, or single file array.
Lúmbo: To grow tall rapidly, shoot
upward, or spike in height.
Lúmboy: The black plum tree or its small,
oval, dark purple, tart fruit.
Lúmos: To drown, suffocate in water, or
submerge completely until breathless.
Lúmpag: To demolish, collapse, tear down
a building, flatten a structure, or smash into ruins.
Lúmpat: To leap down from an elevated
height, jump off a platform, or plunge.
Lúmpon: To gather items together into a
single cluster, bundle, or collective group.
Lúmot: Moss, algae, or soft green lichen
growing on wet rocks, trees, or underwater surfaces.
Lúmut
/ Lumot: To
completely permeating a space with an aroma, or for a crowd to thickly pack an
area.
Lúna: A canvas tarp, sail cloth, or
oilcloth sheet used for protective covering.
Lúnod: To sink a boat, submerge a
vessel, or go down underwater completely.
Lúnop: A major flood, inundation, or
deluge that completely submerges dry land.
Lúnot
/ Dunot: Soft,
overripe, decaying, or mushy.
Lúntay: A long, continuous thread, or an
uninterrupted line.
Lúob
/ Luub: Hidden,
buried underground, or safely concealed inside a secret drawer.
Lúog: Untamed, wild, savage, or living
deep in isolated forests.
Lúok: A bay, cove, gulf, or a deeply
indented recess along a coastline.
Lúom: To suppress one's feelings, choke
back tears, stifle a cough, or contain grief internally.
Lúon: Dependent cohabitation.
Lúong: To beg permission from an owner,
ask leave to depart, or seek a blessing before a trip.
Lúop: Lined or plated.
Lúos: Completely faded, parched, or
sapped of vital color.
Lúot: Inserted deep into a cavity.
Lúoy: Mercy and pity.
Lúpa: Soil or ground.
Lúpig: To overpower, outdo, defeat,
bully, outsmart, or take unfair advantage of someone.
Lúpon: A committee, board, council,
tribunal, or small group appointed to settle disputes or manage affairs.
Lúpot
/ Luput: To smoke
out a hive or burrow, apply heavy dense smudge-smoke to clear pests.
Lúpus: A string of beads, a garland, or
items threaded close together on a line.
Lúsod: To tread on, trample down, step
heavily into a muddy area, or stamp the feet.
Lúsok: A single bead, grain, drop, or
counter.
Lúsong: A traditional large, heavy wooden
or stone mortar used with a pestle for de-husked grain.
Lúsot
/ Losot: To slide
through an opening or find a loophole.
Lútá
/ Luta: Distinct
layers, separate strata, intervals, or steps in a sequence.
Lútáan: A joint of the body.
Lútang: To float on the surface of a
liquid, drift buoyantly, or hover unanchored.
Lútáw: Prominent, highly visible,
clearly outstanding, or rising to the surface.
Lútò
/ Loto: Cooked
food, or mourning attire.
Lútos: To pursue an enemy, hunt down a
fugitive, or chase targets relentlessly.
Lúub: Inside character or core resolve.
Lúwâ: Saliva, spit, or phlegm; to spit
out or eject from the mouth.
Lúwag: A large serving ladle, cooking
spoon, or scoop.
Lúwal: Outside, exterior, or out of
bounds.
Lúwas
/ Luas: To
pronounce distinctly, voice a word, express thoughts, or safely deliver from
danger.
Lúway
/ Maluway: Slow,
gentle, leisurely, or deliberate in pace.
Lúwi: To twist back, sprain a limb, or
bend an object out of its natural alignment.
Lúya
/ Maluya: Weak,
feeble, exhausted, sluggish, or lacking physical strength and vitality.
Lúyag: Pleasure, desire, preference, or
liking.
Lúyong: A cluster of small roots or a
root network.
Lúyo: The back side, behind, the rear,
or the flip side of a card.
Lúyong
/ Loyong: Swaying
or hovering.
M
Ma-: A productive prefix used to form
adjectives, denote ability, or form passive verbs.
Maayo: Good, well, fine, excellent, or
healthy.
Mabaw: Shallow (referring to water or a
container).
Mabdos: Pregnant.
Mabuhi: To live, survive, or an
exclamation meaning "Long live!"
Madali: Quick, fast, or easily done.
Madamo: Many, numerous, or a large
quantity.
Mag-: A prefix indicating actor-focus
verbs or reciprocal relationships.
Magulang: Older sibling, elder, or a person
of advanced age; mature.
Mahalon: Expensive, precious, valuable, or
to hold in high regard.
Mahapdos: Stinging, smarting.
Mahay: To reproach, regret, or express
disappointment in someone.
Mahusay: Orderly, peaceful, settled, or
arranged; a fair trial or settlement.
Maingon: To be able to say, or to be
like/similar to.
Mainit: Hot or warm.
Maitom: Black or dark in color.
Malipayon: Happy, joyful, or pleased.
Malisud: Difficult, hard, or experiencing
hardship.
Malooy: To pity, have mercy, or show
compassion.
Mama: Mother; a respectful term of
address for an older woman.
Mamam: To drink (often used in child
language).
Managat: To fish; a fisherman.
Mananap: Animal or beast (including
insects).
Mani: Peanut.
Manok: Chicken, fowl, or rooster.
Mansanas: Apple.
Mantika: Cooking oil, lard, or grease.
Mapula: Red or reddish.
Marang: A tropical fruit tree similar to
jackfruit but with softer, aromatic flesh.
Masakit: Sick, ill, painful, or aching.
Mata: The eye; also the point of
origin.
Matam-is: Sweet (in taste or disposition).
Matig-a: Hard, firm, tough, or stubborn.
Mato: A marble (for children's games).
Maupay: Good, well, or fine (a term more
common in Waray-Visayan).
May: To have, exist, there is, or
there are.
May-ada: To have or there is
(Waray-Visayan variant).
Mi-
/ Mig-: A prefix
variant for past tense verbs.
Migo
/ Miga: Friend
(male/female).
Mikropono: Microphone.
Minyo: Married or to marry.
Misa: Mass (religious ceremony).
Modo: Manner, way, or behavior (from
Spanish modo).
Molino: Mill (for grinding grain).
Montura: To mount (as in mounting a stone
in jewelry or riding a horse).
Mora: To appear, look like, or
resemble.
Morag: It appears, it seems, or as if.
Mubo: Short or low in height.
Mugna: To create, devise, or invent.
Mula: A mule (rare) or to mock/deride
(as in mulay).
Mulay: To tease, mock, or make fun of.
Multo: Ghost or apparition.
Muna: To start or begin.
Munggo: Mung bean.
Mura: Cheap or inexpensive.
Murag: Same as morag (it appears/seems).
Musika: Music.
Muta: Eye discharge or
"sleep" in the eye.
Mutya: Gem, pearl, precious object, or a
beloved person.
Muya: To desire, like, or fancy.
N
Na-: A prefix used to denote completed
action (past tense), accidental occurrence, or a state of being.
Na: Already, now, or a particle
indicating a change of state.
Nabâ: Low, shallow, or decreased in
volume (like water levels).
Nabanhaw: Resurrected, risen from the dead,
or revived.
Nabuang: Became crazy, insane, or foolish.
Nag-: A prefix used to indicate
progressive or completed actor-focus action.
Nagak-ag: To gape, open wide, or exhibit a
large opening.
Nagani: Indeed, exactly, or precisely (an
emphasizing particle).
Nahanaw: Vanished, disappeared, or became
lost.
Nahimo: Became, was made, or was able to
be accomplished.
Nahulog: Fell down, accidentally dropped,
or happened as an occurrence.
Naka-: A prefix indicating ability,
accidental action, or completion.
Nakit-an: Seen, found, or discovered
(passive form of kita).
Nalanay: Melted, dissolved, or fused.
Namaligya: Sold or was selling.
Nami: Good, fine, or pleasant
(frequently used in Hiligaynon/Waray-influenced Visayan; synonymous with
maayo).
Nang-
/ Nam-: Prefixes
used to indicate distributive or plural actor-focus actions.
Nangayo: Asked for, requested, or pleaded.
Nangutana: Asked a question or inquired.
Nani: Peanut (variant spelling of
mani).
Nangka: Jackfruit.
Natawo: Born or came into existence.
Nauga: Became dry or withered.
Naunsa: What happened or what is the
matter.
Nawong: Face or countenance.
Nayan: To drift, float, or be carried by
the current.
Ngalan: Name, title, or designation.
Ngálngal: To chatter incessantly, talk
aimlessly, or complain loudly.
Ngánì: Also, too, as well (a particle
used for agreement or emphasis).
Ngipon: Tooth or teeth.
Ngit-ngit: Dark, gloomy, or lacking
illumination.
Ngô: To stutter or speak with a nasal,
unclear accent.
Nigo: A flat, round winnowing basket
used for cleaning rice or grains.
Ni-: A prefix for past tense, often
used interchangeably with mi- or nag-.
Nimo: Yours (singular, oblique).
Nindot: Beautiful, pretty, nice, or
pleasant to look at.
Nining: A term of endearment for a child
or young person.
Nipa: A species of palm used for
thatching roofs and walls.
Nitawo: Born (variant of natawo).
Niwaya: To become loose, slack, or
untied.
Niya: His, hers, or its (oblique).
Niyog: Coconut palm or the coconut
fruit.
Niya-niya: Each of their own or separately.
Nubo: Short or low (variant of mubo).
Nuga: To scorch or burn slightly
(variant of adpan).
Nukos: Squid or cuttlefish (variant of
lukos).
Nungka: A type of citrus fruit or a
colloquial term for "never."
Nura: To turn pale or lose color.
Nuto: A type of rice pudding (variant
of luto).
O
O: An exclamation used to call
someone's attention (e.g., "Hey!" or "Oh!").
Oas: To be worn out, frayed, or
shredded at the edges (like old fabric or a rope).
Obra: Work, labor, or a task (borrowed
from Spanish obra).
Obréro: A laborer, worker, or manual
worker.
Obispo: A bishop (religious official).
Obrero: A worker or laborer.
Obra-maestra: A masterpiece.
Ocho: The number eight (8).
Odiyong: A type of elongated,
sharp-pointed fish or sometimes used to refer to a long, slender tool.
Oga: To become dry or parched (often
used in the form maugâ).
Ojo: An interjection used to express
caution or warning (from Spanish ojo, meaning "eye" or "watch
out").
Okra: Okra (the vegetable, Hibiscus
esculentus).
Oktubre: October.
Oler: To smell; to give off an odor
(borrowed from Spanish).
Olio
/ Oliyo: Oil
(often used for lubricants or lighting).
Oportunidad: Opportunity or chance.
Opisina: An office (borrowed from Spanish
oficina).
Oración
/ Orasyon: A
prayer, a specific time for prayer (like the Angelus), or an
amulet/incantation.
Oras: Hour, time, or a period of time
(borrowed from Spanish hora).
Orasan: A clock, timepiece, or watch.
Ordinario: Ordinary, common, or regular.
Orégano: Oregano (the medicinal herb used
in soups and for coughs).
Organo: An organ (musical instrument or
body part).
Oríhinal: Original, authentic, or not a
copy.
Ornáminto: Ornament, decoration, or
embellishment.
Oro: Gold (borrowed from Spanish).
Oros: To smooth or polish (sometimes
used for sharpening tools).
Os-os: To slide down, descend, or move
slowly downward (often used for objects moving from a higher position to a
lower one).
Otso: The number eight (8) (common
colloquial pronunciation).
Owa: A particle used to express
realization or emphasis (variant of owa/o).
Oy: An interjection used to get
attention (similar to "Hey!").
P
Pa-: A prefix indicating causative
action, direction, or an intensifier.
Paabót: To wait for, await, or expect
someone/something.
Paad-ad: To move slowly or inch along.
Paak: To bite, snap, or seize with
teeth.
Paalala: A reminder, caution, or notice.
Paamó: To coax, persuade, or calm
someone down.
Paáman: To borrow or lend.
Paantus: To cause to suffer, endure, or
tolerate; to mistreat.
Páan: Bait (used for fishing or
trapping).
Paanggid: To compare, liken, or use as a
metaphor/analogy.
Paanod: To let something drift or float
along with the current.
Paapil: To include, join, or allow
someone to participate.
Páas: Hoarse (in reference to the
voice); also a type of small fish.
Paba-ba: To carry something on the back
(like a child or a sack).
Pabaga: To make thick or thicken.
Pabahaw: To allow freshly cooked food to
cool; leftovers (bahaw).
Pabalik: To send back, return, or ask
someone to come back.
Pabalo: To inform, notify, or make known.
Pabangon: To help someone rise, stand up,
or recover.
Pabaskog: To strengthen, fortify, or make
robust.
Pabug-at: To add weight, burden, or press
down.
Pabuhì: To let live, raise, or breed
livestock.
Pabukal: To boil, let bubble, or bring to
a heating point.
Pabuto: To fire a gun, cause an
explosion, or set off fireworks.
Pada: To send, transmit, or ship
(borrowed from Spanish dar - to give, or enviar).
Padala: A package, shipment, or item sent
through a third party.
Padayon: To continue, proceed, or carry
on.
Padayonon: Progressive, continuous, or
sustained.
Padulong: Heading towards, destined for, or
arriving at a location.
Padungog: To make audible, broadcast, or
let be heard.
Paeon: A traditional term for a bowl or
vessel (dialectal variant of dulan or panid).
Paga-: A prefix used for future or
passive voice verb markers.
Pagahapon: To roost or perch (variant of
kahapon).
Pagakpak: To clap hands, flap wings, or
strike with a flat surface.
Pagal: Weariness, exhaustion, or fatigue
from physical labor.
Pag-asa: Hope, expectation, or reliance.
Pagaw: Hoarse or husky voice.
Pag-ila: Recognition, acquaintance, or
introduction.
Pag-ingon: Said, stated, or spoken.
Pagsulay: Testing, trial, temptation, or
struggle.
Pag-uswag: Progress, advancement, or
development.
Pahamak: To cause harm, jeopardize, or put
in a dangerous situation.
Pahawa: To depart, leave, or vacate.
Pahimutang: To place, arrange, or put in
order.
Pahinumdum: A reminder or notice.
Pahiyum: A smile; to smile.
Pahulay: To rest, take a break, or relax
after work.
Pahumot: Perfume, cologne, or scented
lotion; to make something fragrant.
Pait: Bitter (in taste); difficult or
painful (in experience).
Pájara
/ Pájaro: A bird
(borrowed from Spanish).
Pako: A fern (edible species); can also
mean a wing.
Pakpak: Wing, fin, or to clap hands.
Paksi: To peel off, strip away, or
detach a layer.
Pala: A shovel or spade.
Palaboy: A wanderer, vagabond, or stray.
Palad: The palm of the hand; also means
fate, destiny, or fortune.
Palag: To object, protest, resist, or
struggle against.
Palanggana: A basin, bowl, or washing tub.
Palarong: Playing, gaming, or athletic
contest.
Palas: A measure of length (a span).
Palata: To delay, procrastinate, or leave
pending.
Palaw: A type of root crop (giant swamp
taro).
Palid: To be blown by the wind, drift,
or flutter.
Palig-on: To reinforce, strengthen, or
stabilize.
Palihog: Please (a standard term for
requesting a favor).
Palinaw: To clarify, calm down, or make
peaceful.
Palingkod: To seat someone or take a seat.
Paliw: To substitute, replace, or take a
shift.
Palo: A mast, pole, or stick.
Palong: To extinguish (a fire or light),
turn off, or dampen.
Palpal: To wipe oneself clean
(traditional).
Paltos: To miss, err, make a mistake, or
fail to hit a target.
Palutaw: To float, buoy up, or make buoyant.
Pama-: A prefix for activities (e.g., pamahaw
- breakfast).
Pamahaw: Breakfast.
Pamalak: Fishing (as a professional
activity).
Pamaligyà: Selling goods (vending).
Pamasin: To try one's luck, take a chance,
or hope for the best.
Pamati: To listen, hear, or feel.
Pamilok: To blink the eyes.
Pamíno: To look out, watch carefully, or
observe from a distance.
Pamintal: To paint.
Pamugon: To harvest/gather.
Pamutang: To place things in order or settle
down.
Pana: Bow and arrow; to shoot with a
bow.
Panahon: Time, weather, season, or era.
Panakop: Catching, hunting, or arresting.
Panalipod: Defense, protection, or to
defend/shield.
Panamastamas: To desecrate, mock, or treat with
irreverence.
Pananghid: To ask permission or seek leave.
Pananom: Farming, planting, or gardening.
Pananglitan: Example, illustration, or
"for instance."
Pang-: A prefix for plural or
distributive action.
Pangabuhian: Livelihood, means of living, or
occupation.
Pangakò: Promise, vow, or oath.
Pangamuyo: Prayer, supplication, or plea.
Pangawat: Theft or stealing.
Pangayò: To ask for, request, or plead.
Panghayhay: To sigh.
Pangidhat: To wink.
Panginabuhi: Livelihood or living.
Pangisdâ: Fishing.
Pangitâ: To search, look for, or seek.
Panglakaton: Traveling, journeying, or walking
around.
Pangulo: A leader, president, or head.
Pangutana: A question or inquiry.
Panid: A page (of a book), leaf, or
sheet.
Paniguro: Assurance, guarantee, or
precautionary measure.
Panimalay: Household or family life.
Paninguha: Endeavor, effort, diligence, or
hard work.
Panit: Skin, peel, hide, or bark.
Paniudto: Lunch.
Panlantaw: Perspective, vision, or outlook.
Panon: A flock, herd, group, or school of
fish.
Pansit: A type of noodle dish.
Pantalan: Pier, dock, port, or wharf.
Panudlo: Teaching, instruction, or
training.
Panulondon: Heritage or inheritance.
Panumpa: To swear, take an oath.
Panun: To herd or flock.
Panungdoy: Wandering or traveling for
pleasure.
Panyo: Handkerchief.
Papa: Father (informal).
Papel: Paper, document, or role/character
in a play.
Pari: A priest.
Paril: A wall.
Parol: A lantern (specifically the
Filipino star-shaped Christmas lantern).
Pasalamat: Thanks or gratitude.
Pasalig: Assurance, promise, or commitment.
Pasalubong: A souvenir or gift brought from a
journey.
Pasaylo: Forgiveness, pardon, or to
forgive.
Paskil: A posted sign, notice, or placard.
Pasko: Christmas.
Paspas: Fast, quick, swift, or rapid.
Pasta: Filling (for teeth) or paste.
Pastil: To mend, repair, or patch up.
Pasyar: To stroll, visit, tour, or take a
walk.
Pata: A leg or foot (usually for
furniture or animals).
Patag: Level, flat, plain, or even.
Patalinghug: To listen attentively or heed
advice.
Patay: Dead, death, or to kill.
Patigayon: Business, trade, or enterprise.
Patigayon-on: Business-minded or enterprising.
Patí-patí: Superstition.
Patô: A duck.
Patok: To explode, crack, or spark;
popular or a hit.
Patrol: Patrol or to patrol.
Patron: Patron, saint, or guardian.
Patsada: Facade.
Patuo: To believe, obey, or trust.
Pawa: Light, brightness, or clarity.
Pawikan: A sea turtle.
Paya: A coconut shell (used as a bowl).
Payag: A hut, shack, or small cottage.
Payaw: A species of prawn.
Paypay: A fan (hand-held) or the comb of a
rooster.
Pintal: Paint or painting.
Pintok: To point at, mark, or indicate.
Pintor: A painter.
Pinulongan: Language or dialect.
Pinya: Pineapple.
Piong: To close the eyes.
Pista: Festival or feast day.
Pito: The number seven (7).
Pito-pito: A medicinal herbal tea.
Pitaka: Wallet or purse.
Pitik: A heartbeat, tick, throb, or
pulse.
Pobre: Poor.
Pobreha: Poverty.
Pozo: A well (water source).
Probisyon: Provision or supply.
Propetá: Prophet.
Proyektó: Project.
Púasa: To fast (abstain from food).
Púgo: Quail.
Pugong: To restrain, control, hold back,
or suppress.
Pugos: To force, compel, or coerce.
Pula: Red.
Pulan: To be bored, fed up, or tired of
something.
Pulang: To return or go home.
Pulgas: A flea.
Pulido: Polished, refined, or
well-finished.
Pulis: Police.
Pulo: The number ten (10); an island.
Pulong: A word, speech, or gathering.
Pungko: To sit.
Pungot: Anger, fury, or rage.
Punit: To pick up or gather something
from the ground.
Punô: Full, filled, or complete.
Punò: A tree.
Pung-as: To wipe or clean the face.
Punta: A point, tip, or end.
Puntil: A small chisel or pointed tool.
Puntod: A mound, hillock, or burial mound.
Purga: To purge, de-worm, or cleanse.
Pusil: A gun or firearm.
Puso: A heart; a traditional way of
cooking rice in a woven pouch.
Pusté: A post, pillar, or stake.
Puti: White.
Puto: A steamed rice cake.
Putol: To cut, sever, or snap off.
Puyô: To live, dwell, or reside; a pouch
or container.
Puy-anan: Residence, home, or dwelling
place.
Puy-ot: To choke, suffocate, or feel
stuffed.
Q
Q-: Used as a variant spelling for
words originally written with K in Spanish loanwords.
Queso: Cheese.
Queja: A complaint, grievance, or
protest.
Querido
/ Querida: A
lover, sweetheart, or paramour.
Quiero: I want, I desire.
Quilogramo: Kilogram.
Quilo: Kilogram (colloquial).
Quina: Quinine.
Quinto: The fifth; sometimes refers to a
draft lottery.
Quisap: A blink of an eye or a sudden
flash.
Quita: To see, look, or observe.
Quito: To be quiet or still.
Quiz: A short examination or test.
R
Rá-: A prefix sometimes used in
loanwords or archaic literary forms.
Rabanos: Radish.
Rada: A harbor, bay, or roadstead where
ships anchor.
Radiyo: Radio.
Raha: A chief, traditional ruler, or
royal figure.
Raja: A traditional title for a king or
monarch (Rajah).
Rámo: A branch or cluster.
Rápido: Fast, rapid, or swift.
Rarô: To be rare, uncommon, or
infrequent.
Rása: Race, lineage, or family descent.
Rásada: Array, order, or arranged in a
row.
Rástro: A trace, track, or path left
behind.
Ráta: Rate, percentage, or tax
assessment.
Ratón: A rat or mouse.
Ráya: A line, stripe, or streak.
Rayá: To rule or reign (as a monarch).
Re-: A prefix used in loanwords
indicating repetition or backwards motion.
Rebáha: To discount, lower a price, or
reduce.
Rebáho: A flock, herd, or crowd of people.
Rebisa: To revise, check, or examine
again.
Rebólo: A revolver or handgun.
Recibo: A receipt.
Reclamar: To complain, protest, or claim.
Reclamo: A complaint or formal protest.
Reconocer: To recognize, acknowledge, or
honor.
Red: A net.
Redondo: Round, circular, or spherical.
Refinar: To refine, process, or purify.
Regalo: A gift or present.
Regla: A rule, regulation, ruler; a
woman's menstrual cycle.
Rehíon: A region or district.
Reina: A queen.
Religíon: Religion.
Reló: A watch, clock, or timepiece.
Remediyo: A remedy, cure, or solution.
Repasár: To review, study, or go over
again.
Repórté: A report or news account.
Resbál: To slip, slide, or skid.
Respeto: Respect, honor, or high regard.
Respuesta: An answer, reply, or response.
Retrato: A portrait, photograph, or
picture.
Reunion: A meeting, gathering, or assembly.
Reúma: Rheumatism or body aches.
Rico: Rich, wealthy, or affluent.
Ríga: To irrigate or water.
Rígo: A row or line.
Río: A river.
Rísa: To laugh.
Ríto: A ritual, ceremony, or rite.
Ríval: A rival or opponent.
Róba: To steal or rob.
Róda: A wheel.
Ródilyo: A rolling pin or roller.
Rópa: Clothing, garments, or attire.
Rósa: A rose or rose-colored tint.
Róto: Broken, fractured, or destroyed.
Rúbo: A ruby or reddish gemstone.
Rúdo: Rude, uncouth, or unrefined.
Rúgá: To wrinkle, crease, or fold.
Rúga: A wrinkle or crease on the skin or
fabric.
Rúmbo: Direction, course, or path.
Rúta: A route, itinerary, or journey
path.
S
Sá: A particle used to introduce a
location, direction, or time.
Saba: Noisy, loud, or talkative.
Sabaw: Broth, soup, or liquid from
cooking meat/vegetables.
Sabay: To go along with, accompany, or
perform action simultaneously.
Sabil: To be entangled, caught, or
involved in a problem.
Sabit: To hang, hook, or catch on
something.
Sabo
/ Sabot: To
understand, grasp, or comprehend; an agreement or pact.
Sabuk: To sow seeds, scatter, or
broadcast grain by hand.
Sabwag: To scatter, disperse, or throw
widely.
Sadyâ: Joyful, merry, cheerful, or
festive.
Sagi: To work repeatedly or continue
doing something.
Saguí: To mix, blend, or stir together.
Saha: A sprout, shoot, or sucker of a
plant.
Sakit: Pain, ache, illness, disease, or
suffering.
Saklô: To fetch water or scoop up a
liquid.
Sakop: A member, follower, subject, or
part of a group; to belong to membership.
Sakto: Correct, exact, right, or
sufficient.
Saku: A sack, bag, or jute container.
Sakwà: To climb, mount, or ascend.
Salà: A sin, fault, error, or mistake.
Salag: A nest.
Salampati: A pigeon or dove.
Salapi: Money, currency, or a specific
silver coin denomination.
Salamat: Thanks or gratitude.
Salay: To hang or suspend something over
a line or rod.
Salog: Floor or flooring.
Salop: To set (as the sun) or to sink
below the horizon.
Salu-salo: A social gathering, feast, or
shared meal.
Sama: Same, similar, or like.
Samad: A wound, cut, or injury.
Sama-samâ: Equal, identical, or gathered
together.
Sambog: To mix or blend different things.
Samok: Disturbing, noisy, chaotic, or
troublesome.
Sampa: To ascend, climb, or go up.
Sampinit: A thorny vine or brier patch.
Samtang: While, meanwhile, or during the
time that.
Sanag: Bright, shining, or illuminated.
Sanay: Accustomed, familiar, or trained
in a skill.
Sandig: To lean against or rely on
someone/something.
Sang: A particle marking a possessive or
object.
Sanga: A branch.
Sangpit: To call upon, invoke, or summon.
Sangkà: A fight, match, conflict, or
contest.
Sánglì: To borrow, or a temporary
substitute.
Sang-sang: To hang in rows or multiple
layers.
Santô: Fitting, appropriate, or in
harmony with.
Sapa: A creek, stream, or brook.
Sapak: To care about, pay attention to,
or acknowledge.
Sapat: Animal, beast, or creature.
Sápot: Clothing, attire, or garments; to
get angry or irritated.
Sapsap: A species of slipmouth fish; to
whittle or pare down wood.
Sarap: A small net for fishing or
gathering.
Sari: A variety, kind, or type.
Sari-sari: Diverse, various, or a general
goods store.
Sasa: To tear down or dismantle.
Sasakyan: A vehicle, transport, or
conveyance.
Sat-sat: To talk incessantly or chatter
emptily.
Sawa: A large snake, python, or boa.
Sawan: To have a seizure, convulsion, or
lose consciousness.
Saw-saw: To dip food into a sauce or
condiment.
Sayaw: A dance; to dance.
Sayod: Clear, understood, or known.
Sayop: A mistake, error, or incorrect
action.
Sibak: To split wood or cleave.
Sibaw: Sound, resonance, or echo.
Sibing: To walk side-by-side or move
alongside.
Sibug: To move backward, retreat, or
shift position.
Sig-: A prefix for distributive action.
Sigarilyo: Cigarette.
Siging-siging: Continuous, incessant movement or
sound.
Sigla: Vigor, energy, or enthusiasm.
Sigurado: Sure, certain, or secure.
Siguro: Maybe, perhaps, or probably.
Sila: They.
Silak: Sunshine, bright light, or rays of
the sun.
Silhig: A broom; to sweep.
Siling: To say, tell, or declare.
Silip: To peek, look through a narrow
opening.
Silong: The space beneath a house.
Silot: Punishment or penalty.
Siloy: A type of bird or bird-trap.
Silya: A chair.
Sima: The barb or hook on a fishhook or
spear.
Simba: To worship, attend Mass, or go to
church.
Simba-simba: To respect or treat with
reverence.
Simhot: To smell or sniff.
Simod: The snout, muzzle, or mouth area.
Simpan: To store, keep, or put away in a
safe place.
Simpil: To tip over, capsize, or spill.
Simpol: Simple or easy.
Simpo: To fold or tuck in.
Sin: A marker for object focus or
genitive.
Sina: Theirs.
Sinaw: Shiny, polished, or gleaming.
Sinina: A dress, shirt, or garment.
Sino: Who.
Sintá: Ribbon, cord, or lace.
Sintab: To hit, strike, or impact.
Sintido: Sense, judgment, or temple.
Sinto: A hundred.
Sinturon: A belt.
Sinyal: A signal, sign, or marker.
Sipa: A kick; a traditional game using a
woven rattan ball.
Sipak: A split, crack, or fracture.
Sipat: Naughty, mischievous, or restless.
Sip-on: Nasal mucus or a cold.
Sira: To close, shut, or lock;
broken/crazy.
Sirado: Closed, locked, or shut.
Sirbito: To serve or service.
Sirko: A circus or acrobatics.
Siro: To strain, filter, or sift.
Sisi: A type of small edible shellfish
or barnacle.
Sita: To cite, quote, or call out.
Sitio: A small village, settlement, or
administrative subdivision.
Siya: He, she, or it.
Siyam: The number nine (9).
Sobra: Excess, surplus, extra, or too
much.
Sokol: To fit, match, or be equal to.
Solbad: Solution, resolve, or answer to a
problem.
Solo: Alone, single, or solo.
Solok: To insert, push in, or wedge.
Sona: A zone or area.
Sonata: A musical composition or
performance.
Sopas: Soup.
Soro: To borrow or share.
Sotana: A cassock or robe worn by priests.
Su-: A prefix indicating movement or
direction.
Suay: To disagree, oppose, or argue.
Suba: A river or major watercourse.
Subay: To trace, follow a path, or track.
Subo: To dip, plunge, or put into.
Subok: To test, try, or experiment.
Sudsud: To plow, till, or scratch the
earth.
Sugalan: A gambling house or den.
Sugal: To gamble.
Sugat: To meet, encounter, or welcome.
Sugat-sugat: To meet repeatedly or coincide.
Sugbo: To jump into water, rush into, or
head toward a destination.
Sugid: To tell, relate, recount, or
narrate a story.
Sugo: An order, command, or instruction.
Sugod: To start, begin, or commence.
Sugpo: To suppress, stop, or combat.
Suhay: To support, prop up, or hold in
place.
Suhit: Expert, knowledgeable, or skilled.
Suki: A regular customer or loyal
patron.
Suko: Angry, mad, or enraged.
Suksok: To insert, tuck in, or place
inside.
Sulat: A letter, writing, or to write.
Sulay: A trial, temptation, test, or
struggle.
Suldado: A soldier.
Sulod: Inside, interior, or to enter.
Sulok: A corner or hidden place.
Sulong: To advance, push forward, or
attack.
Sulu: A torch or lamp.
Sulud: Inside.
Sulut: To wear, dress, or put on.
Suma: A total, sum, or addition.
Sumala: According to, based on, or as
stated.
Sumpa: An oath, vow, or
curse/counter-curse.
Sumpay: A connection, continuation, or
extension.
Suna: To resemble, look like, or
imitate.
Sungay: A horn.
Sungkod: A cane, staff, or walking stick.
Sungo: To tease, mock, or annoy.
Sungot: A protrusion, snout, or tip.
Supak: To oppose, disobey, or violate a
rule.
Susi: A key; to investigate, check, or
verify.
Sustansya: Nutrition, substance, or vitamins.
Suta: To examine, verify, or
investigate.
Sutla: Silk or smooth fabric.
Suway: To try, attempt, or test.
Suwero: Serum, IV fluid, or intravenous
solution.
Suwerte: Luck, fortune, or good chance.
Suwito: Expert, knowledgeable, or
experienced.
Suya: To envy, covet, or dislike.
Suyu: A comb.
Suyop: To suck, inhale, or absorb.
T
Ta-: A prefix used to indicate mutual
or reciprocal action.
Taas: Long, tall, high, or elevated.
Taba: Fat, grease, or suet.
Tabang: Help, aid, assistance, or
cooperation.
Tabako: Tobacco or a cigar.
Tabangon: To assist or help.
Tabas: To cut, trim, or shape fabric or
materials.
Tabi: Excuse me, pardon, or move aside.
Tabî-tabî: Gossiping, idle chatter, or
storytelling.
Tabon: To cover, veil, or hide.
Tabon-tabon: A lid, cover, or cap.
Taboan: A marketplace, meeting place, or
plaza.
Tabok: To cross over.
Tadtad: To chop, mince, or cut into small
pieces.
Tag-: A prefix indicating distribution,
ownership, or time.
Tagad: To wait for, attend to, or pay
attention to.
Tagalog: Referring to the Tagalog people or
language.
Tagan: To give or allocate a share.
Tagay: To pour a drink (often for sharing
alcohol).
Tag-iya: Owner or proprietor.
Tagpuan: Meeting place or rendezvous.
Tagtag: To distribute, share, or divide
among many.
Tagud: A piece or segment.
Tagui: To hide, store away, or conceal.
Tagum: Indigo (a dye plant).
Taga-: A prefix indicating origin or
place of residence.
Tágâ: A hook (for fishing).
Taga: To hack, chop, or strike with a
bolo.
Tahô: To report, tell, or notify.
Tahod: Respect, honor, or reverence; the
spur of a rooster.
Taho: Soybean curd or a specific
soy-based snack.
Taklob: A cover, lid, or shutter.
Takna: Hour, time, or specific moment.
Takus: To measure, capacity, or size.
Tak-tak: To tap, shake out, or remove
contents.
Tala: To list, record, or write down.
Talagsa: Rare, seldom, or infrequent.
Talamdan: Instructions, guidelines, or
guide.
Talapaw: To reach, exceed, or go over the
top.
Talaw: Cowardly, fearful, or timid.
Talidhay: To laugh softly or giggle.
Talinis: Pointed, sharp, or tapered.
Talinga: Ear.
Taló
/ Talu: To lose,
be defeated, or give up.
Talsik: To splash, spray, or fly off.
Tam-is: Sweet (flavor).
Tampipi: A traditional woven container or
small chest.
Tampo: To contribute, join in, or share.
Tampok: The highlight, centerpiece, or
main feature.
Tam-ok: To cram, pack, or overfill.
Tampus: To conclude, finish, or end
completely.
Tana: Come on! Let's go!
Tan-aw: To look, see, watch, or observe.
Tanan: All, everyone, or everything.
Tanom
/ Tan-om: Plant;
to plant or cultivate.
Tansan: Bottle cap.
Tansô: Copper or bronze.
Tangkô: To nod.
Tangla: To look up or gaze upward.
Tangnan: All, the total, or everything.
Tangtang: To remove, detach, take off, or
dismantle.
Taning: A deadline, term, or specific time
limit.
Tansô: Bronze or copper.
Tantô: Completely, thoroughly, or
absolutely; a hundred.
Tanyaga: To offer, propose, or present a
deal.
Tao: Person, human, or man.
Taon: Year.
Tapa: Dried meat, jerky, or smoked meat.
Tapad: Beside, adjacent, or side-by-side.
Tapas: To harvest (specifically
sugarcane).
Tapat: Honest, sincere, or truthful.
Tapok: To gather, meet, or assemble in a
group.
Tapos: To finish, complete, or end.
Taptap: To cover lightly or apply a patch.
Tarabaho: Work, labor, or job.
Taraw: A species of tree or plant.
Tarong: Straight, upright, honest, or
righteous.
Tarongon: To straighten out or correct.
Tas: Cup or glass.
Tata: To stutter or speak unclearly.
Tátay: Father.
Tatlo: The number three (3).
Tawag: To call, name, or summon.
Tawhay: Peaceful, calm, orderly, or
well-arranged.
Taw-on: To place, put, or set.
Tay: A prefix for relationships.
Tayâ: To bet, wager, or place a stake.
Tay-ab: To yawn.
Tayhop: To blow (air) through the mouth or
a tube.
Taytay: A bridge, walkway, or ladder.
Tig-: A prefix for time, season, or
periodic action.
Tigayon: To succeed, manage, or achieve.
Tigbas: To strike, chop, or cut with a
heavy blade.
Tigom: To save, gather, or collect.
Tigulang: Old person, elder, or aged.
Tika-: A prefix for progressive change.
Tikang: To start, begin, or take a step.
Tiklop: To fold.
Tikod: Heel (of the foot).
Tig-a: Hard, solid, or firm.
Tila: Tongue.
Tilap: A type of fish (Tilapia).
Tig-as: To harden or solidify.
Tilimad-on: A sign, omen, or premonition.
Tilok: To consume everything, finish off.
Tim-os: Genuine, sincere, or pure.
Timpla: To mix, season, or prepare.
Tin-aw: Clear, transparent, or pure.
Tingali: Maybe, perhaps, or possibly.
Tingog
/ Ting-og: Voice,
sound, or tone.
Tingub: Together, collective, or unified.
Tini-: A prefix indicating "made
of" or "consisting of."
Tino-od
/ Tin-o / Tô-od:
True, real, or factual.
Tinta: Ink.
Ting-u: Season or time of.
Ting-ulan: Rainy season.
Ting-init: Dry season or summer.
Tin-in: To keep, store, or save.
Ting-ad: To glance up or look up; to chirp
or squeak.
Tintal: To tempt.
Tipak: A piece, fragment, or chunk.
Tipasi: Unhusked rice grain.
Tipid: To save, be thrifty, or economize.
Tirá: To shoot, strike, or punch.
Tirada: Strategy, approach, or action
taken.
Tirô: To aim or target.
Titi: To drip, leak, or drain.
Ti-ti: To be exhausted or drained; a
small cup or nipple; to suckle or breastfeed.
Tiyabaw: To wail, scream, or cry out in
pain.
Tiyan: Belly, stomach, or abdomen.
Tiyanggi: Market or trading place.
Tiyempo: Time, occasion, or timing.
Tiyô: Uncle.
Tiyop: To inhale or suck.
Tiyô-tiyô: To trick or deceive.
To: There.
Tô: An interjection used to scold or
warn.
Tô-ô: Right (direction).
Tô-o: To believe or trust.
Tó-o: To obey or listen.
Tó-os: To light a lamp or ignite.
Tó-ot: To squeeze, cram, or fit into.
Tó-yô: Soy sauce.
Trak: Truck.
Trabaho
/ Tarabaho: Work,
job, or labor.
Trato: Agreement, treaty, or
sweetheart/partner.
Trato-trato: To deal with or negotiate.
Trigo: Wheat.
Tril: To trill or vibrate (musical).
Trincherá: Trench.
Trintá: The number thirty (30).
Trista: Sad or sorrowful.
Troso: Log or timber.
Tuba: Coconut wine or sap.
Tubag: Answer, reply, or response.
Tubâ: To uproot or fell a tree.
Tubâ-tubâ: A medicinal plant.
Tubig: Water.
Tubod: Spring (water source).
Tubon: To pay, settle, or compensate.
Tubo: To grow, sprout, or increase.
Tudlo: Finger or toe; to teach or point.
Tudluan: Teacher or instructor.
Tugâ: To give, offer, or grant.
Tugbang: Equivalent, equal, or opposite.
Tugkad: Depth or bottom of a body of
water.
Tug-an: To tell, confess, or reveal.
Tugob: Full, filled, or abundant.
Tugot
/ Túgut: To allow,
permit, or grant.
Tugpo: To land or descend.
Tugsok: To stab, pierce, or stick into.
Tugtug: To play music or perform.
Tuhô: To believe or trust.
Tuhod: Knee.
Tui: Right side.
Tukâ: To peck.
Tukib: To search, investigate, or
inquire.
Tukod: To build, erect, establish, or set
up.
Tuktok: To knock (on a door).
Tula: A soup dish (fish stew).
Tulay
/ Tulong: Bridge;
Three.
Tuli: Circumcision.
Tulo: To leak, drip, or fall (liquid);
the number three (3).
Tulon: To swallow.
Tumâ: To fit exactly or land on target.
Tumang: Great, severe, extreme, or
absolute.
Tumpok: A pile, stack, or group.
Tuna: Ground or earth.
Tunaw: To melt or dissolve.
Tunga: To divide in half, middle, or
center.
Tungod
/ Tung-od: Because
of, due to, or nearby.
Tung-a: Middle or halfway.
Tung-an: To meet in the middle.
Tung-ol: To choke or feel blocked.
Tung-tung: To stand on or climb up to.
Tung-tunga: To share equally or halve.
Tuo: Right side or to believe.
Tupi: Haircut.
Tupong: Equal, level, or matching.
Turas: To leak or drain.
Turista: Tourist.
Turo: A drip or leak.
Tuslok: To poke or pierce.
Tutâ: To swallow.
Tuto: To teach or instruct.
Tutu: To feed or nurse.
Tutul: To tell or narrate.
Tutunlan: Throat.
Tuwâ: To cut or slice.
Tuwang: To carry on the shoulder.
Tuwad: To turn upside down or invert.
Tuway: A type of bivalve shell.
Tuyâ: To swing or sway.
Tuyô: Purpose, goal, intent, or soy
sauce.
Tuyok: To turn, rotate, or spin.
Tuyô-tuyô: To pretend or play-act.
U
U-: A prefix indicating a state of
being or verbal marker.
Ubâ: To lower or drop something.
Uban: Gray hair; a companion/associate.
Ubos: Below, under, or bottom; to lower
or descend.
Ubug: To wade through water.
Ugyon: To agree, cooperate, or work in
harmony together.
Uha: To cry.
Ulan: Rain.
Ulahi: Late, behind, or the latter.
Ulayan: Rainy season.
Ulay: Pure, chaste, or virgin.
Ulitawo: A bachelor, young man, or
unmarried male.
Ulo: Head.
Ulod: A worm, larva, or maggot.
Ulot: To intervene, be between, or
partition.
Ulug-ulog: To flatter, tease, or cajole.
Ulung: To nod.
Uma: A farm, field, or agricultural
land.
Umagad: A son-in-law or daughter-in-law.
Uman: To do again, repeat, or iterate.
Umapid: To join, participate, or be
included.
Umay: A type of rice or food supply.
Umi: To be thirsty; a respectful term
for an older woman.
Umin: To drink.
Umo: To make, create, or form.
Unâ: First, ahead, or initial.
Unang-una: The very first.
Unay: To do something personally,
directly, or on one's own.
Unggoy: A monkey.
Ung-ot: A stopper, plug, or something
blocking an opening.
Unglù: A supernatural entity, spirit, or
ghost.
Unód: Flesh, meat, or content.
Unsa: What.
Unsâ: A type of bird or forest spirit.
Unta: A particle expressing a wish,
hope, or condition.
Untog: To strike, bump, or collide.
Unu: To do.
Unum: The number six (6).
Upa: Rice husk or chaff.
Upi: To cover, fold, or wrap.
Upô: A bottle gourd.
Upos: A cigarette butt or the end of a
candle.
Ura: To be excited or agitated.
Uring: Charcoal.
Urok: To be firm, solid, or fixed.
Usa: One (number 1) or a deer.
Usab: To change, alter, or do again.
Usap: To chew.
Usig: To scold, blame, or criticize.
Usik: To waste or squander.
Uswag: To advance, progress, or move
forward.
Uta: To vomit or regurgitate.
Utaw: To iron (clothes).
Uto: Simpleton, idiot, or foolish
person.
Utod: A sibling.
Utok: Brain or intellect.
Utol: To cut, sever, or break off.
Utong: To hold one's breath or strain.
Uto-uto: To fool, trick, or gull someone.
Uway: Rattan.
Uya: To be ashamed or embarrassed.
Uyang: To play, wander, or loaf around.
Uyap: A type of small fish or shrimp.
Uyat: To hold or grasp.
Uyon: To agree, consent, or favor.
Uyog: To shake, tremble, or vibrate.
Uyok: The center, core, or pith.
Uyu: An expression of endearment or
term for a young child.
V
Vakuna: Vaccine; to vaccinate or
inoculate.
Vakante: Vacant, empty, or unoccupied.
Vakasyon: Vacation, holiday, or time off.
Valyente: Brave, courageous, valiant, or
bold.
Vano: Vain, useless, or futile.
Vapor: A steamship, steamer, or
steamboat.
Vasta: Vast, large, or extensive.
Vaya: A particle used to express
surprise or to tell someone to go.
Vente: The number twenty (20).
Ventana: A window.
Ventaha: An advantage, benefit, or gain.
Verdád: Truth, reality, or certainty.
Verde: Green (the color).
Verdadéro: True, genuine, or real.
Vergonza: Shame, embarrassment, or shyness.
Verso: A verse, poem, or stanza.
Vestido: A dress, garment, or clothing.
Viahe: A trip, voyage, or travel journey.
Viha: To age or grow old.
Vihána: An old woman.
Viháno: An old man.
Vihil: A vigil, wake, or watch.
Vihila: To keep watch, guard, or stay
awake.
Vihilante: A vigilante, guard, or watcher.
Vihór: Vigor, energy, or strength.
Vila: A villa, country house, or
mansion.
Vilag: A village.
Vinagri: Vinegar.
Violin: A violin.
Virhin: A virgin or chaste person.
Virhinsita: A small virgin or a title for the
Blessed Virgin Mary.
Virtud: Virtue, merit, or power.
Visita: A visit or a small village chapel.
Visita-iglesia: A religious tradition of visiting
churches.
Vista: A view, sight, or prospect.
Votó: A vote or ballot.
Votár: To vote, cast a ballot, or choose
in an election.
W
Wa: A negative particle meaning
"no," "none," or "not."
Wala: Nothing, none, empty, or absent;
left (direction).
Walay: None, there is no, or devoid of.
Walay-pili: Indiscriminate, impartial, or
choosing without preference.
Walis: A broom.
Walo: The number eight (8).
Wara: None or not.
Wara-wara: To wave.
Waras: To scatter, disperse, or throw
loosely.
Wasi: To waste or squander.
Wasiwas: To swing, whip, or lash something
back and forth.
Wata: A flag, banner, or standard.
Wataw: To hang loose or sway.
Wati: An earthworm.
Wawang: A hollow, echoing, or
reverberating sound.
Way-sapayan: An expression meaning "don't
mention it" or "you're welcome."
Wili: To be enamored, fond of, or deeply
attached; "hooked."
Wili-wili: A source of constant amusement or
favorite hobby.
Wini: To win.
Wirit: To scribble, draw messy lines, or
write illegibly.
Wisi-wisi: A light sprinkle, spray, or
drizzle.
Wong: An exclamation for a loud,
booming, or sudden engine noise.
Y
Ya-: A prefix sometimes used in verb
forms.
Yabâ
/ Yabâ-yabâ / Yaya:
To be shaky, unstable, wobbly, or tremulous.
Yabo: To spill accidentally.
Yabog
/ Yabog: To be
muddy or clouded.
Yága
/ Yága-yága: To
tease, mock, or make fun of.
Yágak: To limp or walk with an uneven
gait.
Yagayag: To scatter, disperse, or spread
out messily.
Yagaw: Noisy, chaotic, or bustling with
confused activity.
Yágit: Dirt, grime, or filth.
Yagyag: To shake out, or to scatter
things.
Yaka: To sit down.
Yakap: To embrace or hug.
Yak-yak: To chatter incessantly or talk
aimlessly.
Yama-yama: To look haggard, messy, or worn
out.
Yambong: Lush, thick, or abundant.
Yamo: To be messy, tangled, or confused.
Yang: A particle used for emphasis.
Yanga: To look up or gaze at the sky.
Yano: Simple, plain, ordinary, or
unaffected.
Yantok: Rattan; a thick vine.
Yapyap: To talk rapidly, chatter, or
prattle.
Yawyaw: To grumble, complain loudly, or
speak in a continuous, annoying manner.
Yaya: A nanny, babysitter, or caregiver.
Yé: An exclamation of surprise or
emphasis.
Yelo: Ice or ice cream.
Yenyen: A sound of buzzing or humming.
Yera
/ Zera: To be
ruined, destroyed, or devastated.
Yô: An exclamation or term of address
for an older man.
Yôkô
/ Yukû: To bow the
head or bend downward.
Yôpô: To be exhausted or worn out.
Yôyô: To dangle or hang loosely.
Yugyug: To shake, jiggle, or vibrate
something.
Yukbo: To bow respectfully or prostrate.
Yupyup: To suck or sip.
Yuta
/ Tuna: Land,
earth, soil, or ground.
Yutâ-yutâ: Soil-like, or small patches of
land.
Yuyu: To hang down or dangle.
Z
Zaballero: A horseman or knight.
Zafiro: Sapphire.
Zambale: Referring to the Zambales region
or its people.
Zampan: To eat greedily or stuff one's
mouth.
Zandía: Watermelon.
Zapato: Shoe or footwear.
Zapatéro: A shoemaker or cobbler.
Zaragoza: Referring to the Spanish city or
zarzuela theater troupes.
Zarzuela: A traditional Spanish-influenced
Filipino musical theater.
Zay: An archaic particle.
Zebollas: Onion.
Zelador: A supervisor, watchman, or
monitor.
Zelibato: Celibacy.
Zelo: Jealousy or zeal.
Zenk: Zinc.
Zero: Zero.
Zigzag: Zigzag, crooked, or winding.
Zinco: Zinc or corrugated iron sheets.
Zonas: Zones or designated areas.
Zumbá: To buzz, hum, or make a continuous
vibrating sound.