Cover Brandi Redd | Unsplash
Brandi Redd | Unsplash
1 / 1
Filipino is such a beautiful language. For this piece, Team Tatler picks their favourite Filipino words:
The Filipino language consists of many beautiful and meaningful words. Most of these evoke emotions and bring to mind vivid memories, while others have deep meaning and etymology. Some words just roll off the tongue! And there are few that are so unique to our culture and collective experience that it makes them untranslatable to other languages.
Here, team Tatler shares our favourite Filipino words and why.
Read more: National Artist Gémino Abad: "Language is the Supreme Invention of the Human Consciousness"
Above Soroush Karimi | Unsplash
Soroush Karimi | Unsplash
1 / 1
"While it literally translates as 'home' or 'house', I enjoy the deeper meaning to be found from it. Its root word, 'tahan', means to stop crying or to cease one’s worry. So, when one says tahanan, it also carries the deeper notion that a home is where you give up your burdens; a home is where your tears may find end. It’s a simple almost archaic word (not most young people use it these days), but I still enjoy its romantic etymology."
Dowee Untivero, Digital Director
See also: Bahay Na Bato: The Parts Of A Stately Filipino House During The Spanish Colonial Period
Above Andreas Wagner | Unsplash
Andreas Wagner | Unsplash
1 / 1
"It’s a phrase that can be translated into 'may your dream come true'. Ever since I was a kid, I have loved this phrase because it’s a title of a defunct television program that showcases Filipino morals and values that I would tune into every weekend. But now, the phrase speaks to me more than ever because as a young adult. I feel like I am straddling between my youthful hopes and dreams, as well as the responsibilities I have as an adult. The phrase keeps me grounded to do what is for the common good and achieve goals in life by doing what is right and kind."
Franz Sorilla IV, Art & Culture Editor
See also: F Sionil Jose's Open Letter To Writers: Advice From A National Artist for Literature
Above Tanaphong Toochinda | Unsplash
Tanaphong Toochinda | Unsplash
1 / 1
"My favourite Filipino word is 'anak'! It’s a very sentimental word for me because that’s what my mum always uses to refer to me and my sister. It comes off as a very sweet term of endearment for your child, and I find that the English translation of 'anak' lacks the affectionate undertone that’s usual in its Tagalog counterpart."
Ryanne Co, Features Writer
See also: I Love Being a Mother, But It’s Not for Everyone—And That’s Okay
Above Jade Stephens | Unsplash
Jade Stephens | Unsplash
1 / 1
"I’ve never been that adept at visual art myself but I’ve always admired creativity—how an artist is able to translate their passion into something tangible and present it unabashedly to others. In itself, I think that the word ‘likha’ is such a euphonious representation of this. It almost seems to rival the act of merely making something (‘pag-gawa’) and goes just a touch deeper."
Mac Fabella, Branded Content Writer
See also: Meet the Filipino Creatives on the Gen.T List 2021
Above Eric Alves | Unsplash
Eric Alves | Unsplash
1 / 1
"I fell in love with the word when I first heard an Up Dharma song titled 'Tadhana'. There’s just something beautiful about fate and destiny."
Christie Andas, Features Writer
See also: Up Dharma Down: 8 Of The Band's Most Heart-Wrenching Lyrics
1 / 1
"There is no direct English translation for the feeling that you get when you see something so cute that you gain the irresistible urge to pet it, squeeze it, pinch its cheeks, etc. You're so overwhelmed with emotions that your hands tense with the desire to touch, your jaw clenches from the desire to scream how purely adorable it is."
Alex Alcasid, Assistant Digital Editor
NOW READ
5 Things You Should Know About 'Lupang Hinirang' (The Philippine National Anthem)
When Jio is not creating content for Tatler Philippines' social media channels or covering style-related stories, he's probably binge-watching David Attenborough-narrated documentaries or nursing his vintage shopping fixation. He plans on using fashion criticism as a force for good. Follow him @hijowho or send him an email at jio@tatlerphilippines.com.
