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Language captures experiences and culture. For example, Filipinos have no word for snow, but have dozens of terms for rice and coconut—and even special words for feelings and love for food.
There’s no better time than Buwan Ng Wika (or Pambansang Pandiriwang ng Wikang Filipino) to celebrate special Filipino words that defy English translation. Here are the expressions that will make you say: “Basta! If you’re Pinoy, gets mo na.”
Get in Touch with Your Feelings
Any Filipino remake of Inside Out would have larger, more colorful characters. You’re not just happy, you’re kinikilig. You’re not angry, but you’re nagtatampo. So. Many. Feels.
1. Gigil
Gigil is the overwhelming urge to pinch a baby's cheeks or squeeze a toy because they’re too cute to handle. You want to physically express your intense emotions but hold yourself back.
The word can have negative connotations, too. When you try to push out a blackhead even when you’re in pain, that’s gigil. You want to stop but can’t.
2. Kilig
The English equivalent, “romantic excitement,” fails to capture how falling in love can be a full-body reaction. Your heart thumps, you jump around, and shriek at the top of your lungs. Playing it cool—what’s that?
3. Tampo
You’re not angry, but you feel bad. Are you disappointed, frustrated, discouraged? You can’t put a finger on it, but you’re upset, and it shows in your body language.
Tampo also means withdrawing from someone who hurts your feelings. If your significant other gives you the silent treatment but says, “I’m fine!” when you ask what’s wrong, that’s tampo.
4. Pikon
Have you ever met someone who can’t take a joke or gets worked up after losing a game? They’re pikon. But it’s not just about being sensitive—it's taking things too seriously when they should be having fun.
5. Sayang
This word (along with related terms like hinayang) expresses disappointment or regret over missed opportunities. It can refer to big life choices or our very Pinoy habit of hoarding plastic containers and gift bags. “Baka pwede pang gamitin ulit, sayang naman.”
6. Hugot
This means drawing raw feelings from personal experiences or heartache and sharing them through words, art, or music. Do you remember these classic hugot lines from Filipino movies?
“She loved me at my worst. You had me at my best. At binalewala mo lang lahat ‘yon. ” – Popoy, One More Chance
“I was never your partner. I’m just your wife.” – Mariel, Madrasta
"Huwag mo akong mahalin dahil mahal kita. Mahalin mo ’ko dahil mahal mo ‘ko, because that is what I deserve.” – Mia, Barcelona: A Love Untold
Haven’t seen these movies yet? Use your Globe subscription to sign up for top streaming channels, including our homegrown iWantTFC.
Celebrate Our Love for Food
Food is a big part of our culture and bonding rituals, so it’s not surprising that many words revolve around the joy (and pain) of eating.
1. Takam
This is the intense craving you get for delicious food. Your mouth starts watering just from thinking about it! Unlike lihi (pregnancy cravings), you can’t blame hormones—you’re just hungry.
2. Papak
We often eat our main dishes with rice, noodles or bread. Papak means devouring or indulging in ulam so enthusiastically, you’re willing to forego carbs. You're enjoying the flavor to the fullest!
3. Umay
The problem with papak is that it’s often closely followed by umay: the queasy feeling after eating rich food or becoming sick of the same food. Think of the holidays, when you feast on lechon and creamy macaroni salad—and get stuck with leftovers for days.
4. Bundat
Closely related to umay, bundat means a gorged or bloated belly after a heavy meal.
You may recall the nursery rhyme, “What’s that? Kabayong bundat!” It refers to a pregnant horse, an unflattering but fairly accurate description of how you feel after an eat-all-you-can buffet.
5. Tutong
Traditionally, Filipinos slow-cooked rice in clay pots. The scorched rice at the bottom of the pot, is called tutong. You either love or hate the crunchy texture—but either way, this word captures a food staple and your lola’s cooking methods. But really, you can make anything tutong by toasting it.
Learn the Meaning Behind Everyday Expressions
You probably don’t even notice when you say these words—just like reaching for the tabo, it’s part of instinct and our cultural DNA.
1. Po/Opo
Filipinos use po and opo to show respect when talking to someone older or in a position of authority. It’s a simple way of being polite or showing good manners. Po is contracted from “Ano, apo, iyon?” and opo from “Oo, apo.”
2. Basta
Pinoys use this to end arguments. It means, “Just listen to me.” Its origins lie in the Spanish word basta, which means to stop.
The word isn’t necessarily confrontative. You can share product recommendations and say, “Basta, it worked for me!” You’ve made your point—take it or leave it.
3. Bahala na
Bahala na, derived from the Filipino word bathala or deity, conveys a willingness to leave the odds to a higher being. “I didn’t study for the exam. Bahala na!”
It can also mean leaving a decision to somebody else. “Bahala ka na kung saan tayo kakain.”
4. Kwan
The Filipino language has always embraced diversity. Aside from the gender-neutral pronoun siya, the universal noun kwan applies to any object, place, or time. So yes, it works as a replacement word if you forget any of the above. “Kunin mo yung kwan banda diyan sa may ano,” said every Pinoy mom ever.
Don’t know what she means? Check body language (pointing to the object with lips, or pagngunguso) or call the spirits of our ancestors. They’ll show you the way.
5. Hala
This exclamation expresses surprise, disbelief, and urgency when you hear or see something disturbing. Think of it as “wow” but with undertones of concern. The origins are unclear.
6. Usog
Gushing over your friend’s cute baby? Make sure to say, “Pwera usog.” This expression is rooted in the superstition that babies can get sick or distressed if a stranger greets or looks at them.
Some people even rub their saliva on the baby’s forehead to counteract the curse.
Celebrate Buwan ng Wika by enjoying all things Pinoy! Use GFiber Postpaid or GFiber Prepaid to stream the best Filipino hugot and kilig movies, Grab nakakatakam meals whenever cravings hit, or research weird Tagalog words. Basta with Globe, you can celebrate Pinoy culture any time!
