Ang Pinaka: Untranslatable Pinoy Words

In the spirit of Buwan ng Wika, CMMA Awardee “Ang Pinaka” listed down some of the most commonly used Filipino words that simply defy English translation in the top ten “Ang Pinaka: Untranslatable Pinoy Words.” 

 

10. Pambahay

 

Pambahay refers to a set of comfy clothes usually worn inside the house. This includes the sando or a worn-out shirt, shorts, and trusty tsinelas.

 

9. Naalimpungatan

 

Naalimpungatan describes that moment when you wake up suddenly and go back to sleep right after. it’s also used to describe that state of being half-asleep or half-awake.

 

8. Alimuom

 

Alimuom refers to the vapor or the smell rising from the ground after a downpour.

 

7. Namatanda

 

Namatanda means you have disturbed or angered old spirits, elementals, or unseen entities in the environment who are out to get back at you. 

 

6. Daw

 

 

Daw is used to indicate that you are not sure about something or that you just heard it from somebody. 

 

5. Gigil

 

 

Gigil is that indescribable urge to pinch or squeeze something. 

 

4. Torpe

 

 

Torpe is a word used to describe a guy madly in love with a girl yet doesn’t know how to express his feelings or is too shy to make a move.

 

3. Usog

 

 

Usog is a Pinoy superstition and a term used when a person, usually a child, gets sick or develops a fever after being greeted by a stranger or visitor. 

 

2. Kilig

 

 

Kilig is that feeling of warmth, shiver, an expression of tingly excitement as if you’re on cloud nine when you see your idol or crush, or when you hear a cheesy line or watch a romantic movie. 

 

1. Pasma

 

Pasma is a Filipino folk illness not recognized by mainstream medicine. It is attributed to the sudden interaction of hot and cold in the body, as when you wash your hands after ironing your clothes or cooking

 

 

- Compiled by the Ang Pinaka team/Illustrations by Den Fajardo, GMA News