Language/Tagalog/Vocabulary/Idiomatic-Expressions

Tagalog Vocabulary - Idiomatic expressions

Hi Tagalog learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will go through some of the most common Tagalog idiomatic expressions that you can use in your everyday conversations. These expressions are not only useful but also give a glimpse into the Filipino culture. Remember that the best way to learn any language is to practice it with native speakers. You can find native speakers on Polyglot Club and ask them any questions!

Once you've mastered this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Science and Technology & Asking for Directions.

Basic Tagalog idiomatic expressions

As a beginner to idiomatic Tagalog expressions, it is essential to get acquainted with some basic expressions.

To Eat One's Words

This expression means to regret something that you have said, done, or promised. In Filipino, it is "kainin mo na lang ang sinabi mo." Pronunciation: /kay-neen moh nah lahng ahng see-nah-bee moh/.

Here's a dialogue:

• Person 1: Hindi ko talaga magagawa ang project na ito sa loob ng tatlong araw. (I really can't do this project within three days.)
• Person 2: Kainin mo na lang ang sinabi mo. (Eat your words.)

To Be On Cloud Nine

This expression means to be extremely happy or delighted. In Filipino, it is "nasa kaligayahan ng mga Diyos." Pronunciation: /nah-sah kah-lee-gah-ya-hahn ng mah-ngah dyos/.

Here's a dialogue:

• Person 1: Nakapasa ako sa board exam! (I passed the board exam!)
• Person 2: Wow, nasa kaligayahan ng mga Diyos ka ngayon! (Wow, you're on cloud nine right now!)

To Have The Gift Of Gab

This expression means to have the ability to speak eloquently or fluently. In Filipino, it is "may dila ang lolo mo." Pronunciation: /mahy dee-lah ahng loh-loh moh/.

Here's a dialogue:

• Person 1: Nakausap ko siya kanina at ang galing niyang mag-English. (I talked to him earlier, and he's great at speaking English.)
• Person 2: Syempre, may dila ang lolo mo! (Of course, he has the gift of gab!)

To Be Down In The Dumps

This expression means to feel sad or depressed. In Filipino, it is "nasa kalungkutan." Pronunciation: /nah-sah kah-loong-koo-tahn/.

Here's a dialogue:

• Person 1: Hindi ako makapaniwala na hindi kami nakapasa sa contest. (I can't believe that we didn't win the contest.)
• Person 2: Nasa kalungkutan ka pa rin? Huwag kang mag-alala, magkakaroon pa ng iba. (Are you still down in the dumps? Don't worry, there will be others.)

Intermediate Tagalog idiomatic expressions

Are you ready to learn some more advanced Tagalog idiomatic expressions?

To Have A Frog In One's Throat

This expression means to have difficulty speaking or expressing oneself due to nervousness or a sore throat. In Filipino, it is "mabigat ang dila." Pronunciation: /mah-bee-gaht ahng dee-lah/.

Here's a dialogue:

• Person 1: Bakit hindi ka makasagot? (Why can't you answer?)
• Person 2: Mabigat ang dila ko ngayon. (I have a frog in my throat.)

To Beat Around The Bush

This expression means to avoid talking about something directly. In Filipino, it is "pumapatol na parang karate." Pronunciation: /poo-mah-pah-tol nah pah-rahhng karah-teh/.

Here's a dialogue:

• Person 1: Magkano ang presyo ng kotse mo? (How much is the price of your car?)
• Person 2: Bakit, bibili ka? (Why, are you going to buy it?)
• Person 1: Hindi naman. Gusto ko lang malaman kung magkano. (Not really. I just want to know how much.)
• Person 2: Ah, 'yan ang tanong mo pala. Pumapatol na parang karate ka naman kasi. (Ah, that's your question. You beat around the bush like a karate practitioner.)

To Pull Someone's Leg

This expression means to play a practical joke or tease someone in a friendly way. In Filipino, it is "pinagsusuklayan ng buhok." Pronunciation: /pee-nahg-soo-kla-yan ng boo-hok/.

Here's a dialogue:

• Person 1: May bago akong haircut, ano'ng tingin mo? (I have a new haircut, what do you think?)
• Person 2: Ang gwapo/ganda! Bago sa paningin ko 'to ah! (You look handsome/beautiful! This is new to my eyes!)
• Person 1: Ikaw talaga, pinagsusuklayan mo na naman ako ng buhok. (You're trying to pull my leg again.)

Advanced Tagalog idiomatic expressions

Are you feeling more confident with Tagalog idiomatic expressions? Here are some more advanced expressions that you can start using in your conversations.

To Steal Someone's Thunder

This expression means to take credit for someone else's achievements or to take away the limelight from someone else. In Filipino, it is "nanakawan ng eksena." Pronunciation: /nah-nah-kah-wahn ng ehk-seh-nah/.

Here's a dialogue:

• Person 1: Ako talaga ang nag-organize ng party na 'to, pero sinubukan ng iba na nakawan ako ng eksena. (I was the one who organized this party, but someone else tried to steal my thunder.)
• Person 2: Kaya dapat maging maingat ka sa ganitong mga sitwasyon. (That's why you should be careful in these kinds of situations.)

To Kill Two Birds With One Stone

This expression means to achieve two things at once with a single action. In Filipino, it is "magtanim ng buhay, magkabayo pa." Pronunciation: /mahg-tah-neem ng boo-hay, mahg-kah-bah-yoh pah/.

Here's a dialogue:

• Person 1: Kailangan ko nang mag-exercise ngunit wala akong oras. (I need to exercise but I don't have the time.)
• Person 2: Bakit di mo gayahin si Tita Liza, tumatakbo siya sa umaga kasama ang aso niya. Magtanim ng buhay, magkabayo pa. (Why don't you follow Aunt Liza, she runs in the morning with her dog. You'll kill two birds with one stone.)

To Have Butterflies In One's Stomach

This expression means to feel nervous or anxious, especially in romantic situations. In Filipino, it is "nanginginig ang tuhod." Pronunciation: /nahng-geeh-neeg ahng too-hod/.

Here's a dialogue:

• Person 1: Balak ko sana ligawan si Jen, pero nanginginig ang tuhod ko pag naiisip ko siya. (I plan to court Jen, but I have butterflies in my stomach whenever I think of her.)
• Person 2: Kaya mo 'yan! Good luck sa pag-ibig! (You can do it! Good luck in love!)

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Sources

• Idioms in Tagalog: Common Sayings and What They Mean ...
• Tagalog Vocabulary - Idiomatic expressions
• 14 Common Tagalog Idioms Guaranteed To Impress Your Friends ...