Shapes can be an integral part of conversation, making them necessary in one’s language repertoire. Shapes make it easier to describe something or someone, allowing conversations to run more smoothly. Let’s take a look at the different shapes in Tagalog.
Basic and Common Tagalog Shapes
Different shapes are observed within the Filipino culture. Some are more commonly seen than others. Here are the basic and common Tagalog shapes:
1. Circle - Bilog
- The circle is often associated with longevity or luck. This is especially true during New Year when it is customary for Filipinos to buy different circular fruits for luck.
2. Square - Parisukat, Kuwadrado
- Kuwadrado is mostly used for measurements.
- Example:
| Tagalog | English |
|---|---|
Ang bakuran nina Alyssa ay sampung metro kuwadrado. | Alyssa’s backyard is ten meters squared. |
- Meanwhile, parisukat is mostly for the shape itself, with or without hugis (shape) added before it.
- Example:
| Tagalog | English |
|---|---|
Ang panyo ni Noel ay parisukat. | Noel’s handkerchief is square. |
Ang panyo ni Noel ay hugis parisukat. | Noel’s handkerchief is square-shaped. |
- To make it easier to remember, you can read parisukat as “parehas ang sukat” (same measurements), referring to the shape’s equal length and width.
3. Rectangle - Parihaba
- Just like the haba (long) in the name implies, it’s longer than a square.
- Just like with parisukat, you can read parihaba as “parehas ang haba” (same length), referring to the parallel lines which are longer than the other pair in a rectangle.
4. Triangle - Tatsulok
- Tatsulok came from the words “tatlong sulok” (three corners), which refers to a triangle’s three points.
- The triangle is a common sacred symbol in the Philippines, often found in indigenous clothing designs and amulets or anting-anting.
5. Oval - Habilog, Obalo
- Habilog and obalo are not commonly used. Local folks instead say hugis itlog [egg-shaped].
6. Oblong - Bilohaba
- Bilohaba comes from the words “bilog na mahaba” (a long circle).
Expanding Your Vocabulary: More complicated Shapes
As you advance in your Tagalog learning journey, you might encounter more specific shapes. Here are additional shapes to enhance your vocabulary:
1. Star - Bituin
- The star is a common shape seen as Christmas draws near in the form of parol or Christmas lanterns. In the Philippines, preparations may even start as early as September.
2. Diamond - Diyamante
- The diamond shape is also a common motif in indigenous clothing.
3. Heart - Puso
- Puso can be used as is to describe a heart shape or hugis (shape) can be added before the word to be more specific.
- Example:
- Puso can be used as is to describe a heart shape or hugis (shape) can be added before the word to be more specific.
| Tagalog | English |
|---|---|
Gumuhit si Alina ng puso. | Alina drew a heart. |
Gumuhit si Alina ng hugis puso. | Alina drew a heart-shaped figure. |
4. Crescent - Gasuklay
- Gasuklay comes from the word suklay (comb) due to the crescent shape resembling a Filipino comb.
- The Visayan creation myth of Tungkung Langit and Alunsina involves the latter’s comb turning into the moon.
5. Cylinder - Silindro
- Silindro is not a frequently used term. Instead, locals say hugis lata (can-shaped).
6. Cone - Kono, Tagilog, Apa
- Apa is specifically used to refer to ice cream cone. To make it more specific that you are referring to the cone shape, add hugis (shape) before the word. Apa or hugis apa are commonly used terms.
- Kono and tagilog are not often used.
7. Sphere - Espera, Timbulog
- Both espera and timbulog are not commonly used terms. What Filipinos use to describe a spherical shape instead is bola (ball) or hugis bola (ball-shaped).
8. Cross - Krus
- As a mostly Christian-leaning country, the cross shape is common in Filipino households, particularly in the form of the rosary and religious statues.
9. Pyramid - Tagilo
- Pyramids are not a common shape in the Philippines, and so tagilo is not a commonly used word. Locals usually just say parang tatsulok (like a triangle), tatsulok, or straight up just say pyramid.
Other Shapes
1. Pentagon - Pentagono
2. Hexagon - Eksagono
3. Octagon - Oktagono
Shaping Your Words
Mastering all shapes in Tagalog is a fundamental step in your language-learning journey. By familiarizing yourself with both basic and advanced shapes and appreciating the cultural context, you can enhance your Tagalog skills effectively.
Whether you are learning for travel, work, or personal enrichment, these words will undoubtedly prove useful in everyday conversations and deepen your connection to Filipino culture.
To learn more about Tagalog, why not give Turing Wika a try?
Turong Wika is a free Tagalog learning app that focuses on the conversational aspect. It breaks down the basics of word and sentence construction, coupled with common Tagalog examples that can greatly help in learning relevant vocabulary.
The app supports you all the way, providing a cheat sheet for quick lesson refreshers and a Practice feature to test your knowledge. Simply choose a topic and the number of items you want to answer, and voila–an interactive quiz that helps retain the lessons you’ve learned.
Keep your Tagalog skills in shape. Scan the code below to download the app now!
Keep your Tagalog skills in shape. Click on the button below to download the app now!
