Language/Tagalog/Vocabulary/Fruits

Tagalog Vocabulary - Fruits

Hi Tagalog learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about different kinds of fruits in Tagalog. Knowing the names of fruits is helpful when you are at the market or ordering something to eat. We will also add some cultural information and interesting facts along the way.

Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: Telling Time & Daily Routine.

Basic Vocabulary

Let's start with some of the basic fruits. Below are some of the most common fruits you can find in the Philippines:

Tagalog	Pronunciation	English
Mango	Mahngo	Mango
Saging	Sah-ging	Banana
Mansanas	Man-sah-nas	Apple
Pakwan	Pak-wan	Watermelon
Bayabas	Bah-ya-bas	Guava
Papaya	Pap-eye-yah	Papaya
Melon	Melon	Melon

Mangoes are called the "king of fruits" in the Philippines. This is because the country produces some of the sweetest mangoes in the world. The island of Guimaras is actually known for having the sweetest mangoes in the world. Mangoes are also used to make different kinds of desserts like mango float, mango ice cream, and mango sticky rice.

Aside from being a delicious fruit, bananas have many health benefits. They are high in fiber and potassium, and can help regulate digestion. Bananas are also one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world. In the Philippines, there are different kinds of bananas that are used for different purposes. For example, "saba" bananas are used for cooking, while "latundan" bananas are eaten fresh.

Apples are not native to the Philippines, but they are still widely consumed. They are usually imported and are more expensive compared to other fruits. In Filipino culture, apples are sometimes given as gifts, especially during Christmas time.

Watermelons are a popular fruit during the summer season. They are often eaten as a refreshing snack or turned into a juice. The Philippines actually holds the Guinness World Record for the largest watermelon pyramid. It measured 18.22 meters tall and was made out of 21,000 watermelons.

Guavas are a tropical fruit that is high in vitamin C. They taste somewhat like a combination of pear and strawberry. In Filipino culture, guavas were believed to have healing properties. Guava leaves were used as a natural remedy for coughs and colds.

Papayas are another tropical fruit that is commonly consumed in the Philippines. They are high in fiber and vitamin C, and are great for digestion. Papaya is often used as an ingredient in Filipino dishes like "atchara" (pickled papaya), "tinola" (chicken soup with papaya), and "mango-papaya salad".

Melons are a type of fruit that are in the same family as cucumbers and squashes. In the Philippines, melons are often eaten during the Christmas season. They are also used as an ingredient in the dessert "cassava cake".

Intermediate Vocabulary

Here are some more fruits that you might encounter:

Tagalog	Pronunciation	English
Chico	Chee-ko	Sapodilla
Langka	Lahng-kah	Jackfruit
Lanzones	Lan-zoh-nes	Lanzones
Durian	Doo-ree-ahn	Durian
Rambutan	Rahm-boo-tahn	Rambutan

Sapodilla, or chico in Tagalog, is a brown fruit with a sweet caramel-like flavor. It is often compared to brown sugar or caramel. Sapodilla is used to make desserts like milkshakes and ice cream.

Jackfruit or langka is a giant fruit with a thorny exterior. It is often used as a meat substitute in vegan cooking because it has a meat-like texture. Jackfruit can be eaten ripe, or unripe and cooked in different ways.

Lanzones is a small fruit that is sweet and slightly sour. It is often described as having a grape-like texture. The fruit is also known for having an effect on the tongue that makes it feel dry after eating too much of it.

Durian is a fruit that is famous for its strong odor. It is often described as smelling like rotten onions or gym socks. Despite its pungent smell, Durian is a beloved fruit in Southeast Asia. It has a rich, creamy texture with a sweet flavor.

Rambutan is a small fruit covered in red hair-like spines. It is similar to lychee in taste and texture. In the Philippines, rambutan is often used to make jams and jellies.

Dialogue

Here's a short dialogue to help you practice using the vocabulary we've learned:

• Person 1: Gusto mo ng mansanas? (Do you want an apple?)
• Person 2: Ayaw ko. Mas gusto ko ng pakwan. (No thanks. I prefer watermelon.)
• Person 1: O sige, bibili ako ng pakwan mamaya. (Okay, I'll buy some watermelon later.)
• Person 2: Pwede bang magdagdag ka ng chico? Gusto ko rin subukan yun. (Can you add some sapodilla too? I want to try that as well.)

Sources

• Fruits In Tagalog Language: 20+ Easy Vocabulary List - Ling App
• Tagalog lessons: Fruits
• Tagalog Vocabulary - Fruits

---

➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Other Lessons

• Shapes
• Days of the Week
• Count to 10
• Counting and Numbers
• Idiomatic Expressions
• Animals
• Animal
• Say Yes
• Feelings and Emotions
• Clothes