It’s finally August and you know what that means here in the Philippines! Maligayang buwan ng wika sa lahat!
August and Buwan ng Wika are all about celebrating the beauty and the rich history of our multiple Filipino languages. We here at Metroscene Mag will be doing that with a couple of articles that dive deeper into our native languages so that you can get to know them more.
What you are about to read is a list of words in different local languages with beautiful meanings. They will probably amaze you, make you smile, or maybe even make you go “aww!” Whatever the case may be, we hope that you pick up some new knowledge and get to appreciate just how colorful, beautiful, and meaningful Filipino languages can be.
Aligriya - a Chavacano word for happiness
Aruga - nurture, tender care
Dalisay - pure
Dilaab - a Cebuano word for a strong, brightly-lit flame
Gigil - a barely contained emotion caused by anger, frustration, or finding something cute or adorable
Harana - a serenade / to serenade
Kadasig - a Waray word for bravery
Kadlaw - a Hiligaynon word that means to laugh
Kahangtoran - a Cebuano word that means time without end
Kahidlaw - a Cebuano word for a feeling of deep longing
Kamingaw - a Hiligaynon word for a feeling of loneliness and nostalgia brought about by missing someone
Kilig - a combination of giddiness and the feeling of butterflies in your stomach
Kundiman - love song
Linung - a T’boli word for peace
Maharlika - a nobleman
Marahuyo - to enchant, fascinate
Muni - to ponder, reflect, or even daydream
Pagsamo - a plea, appeal
Rongrong - a Maranao word for a song being crooned
Saug - a Karay-a word that means against the flow
Sinta - love, beloved
Tadhana - destiny, fate
Tua - A Kapampangan word for age, coming of age, or maturity
Ulayaw - a close or intimate companion
Yuhum - a Hiligaynon word for a smile or an expression of happiness
Iliw - a word in Ilokano that means to be homesick (for someone or something, to be nostalgic, or to be lonesome for.
Do you know of other words in any of the Philippine languages that have beautiful meanings? Let us know in the comments!
Read: Nas Daily takes down 'Whang-od' course, as he should
━━ Art By Metroscene Mag
