10 Uncommonly Used Filipino Words, Their Meanings and Usages

 So many Filipinos say that Filipino language is inferior to English because it has fewer words, don't they? Let's prove them wrong; all languages are equal. Filipino language is actually brimming with words that, although uncommon, are rich in imagery and musicality. Save our national language and spice up your ever-broadening vocabulary by uncovering rarely used words and using them in your eveeyday speech and writings until you master them. Start with at least ten (10) words a day. Start with this set. Enjoy learning!

1. Adelanto (pangngalan/noun)

Depinisyon (Filipino): paunang bayad

Definition (English): a first payment that you make when you buy something with an agreement to pay the rest later

Usage in a sentence: Ano mare, nagbigay ka na ba ng adelanto para sa hinuhulugan mong kabinet? (Friend, have you already given down payment for the cabinet you loaned?)

2. Balihanda (pangngalan/noun)

Depinisyon (Filipino): lakwatsero

Definition (English): loiterer

Usage in a sentence: Isa talagang balihanda ang anak kong 'yan; akalain mo nalingat lang ako nang sandali, naroon na sa kabilang barangay! (My child is really a loiterer. Can you believe that I was just distracted for a moment and he was already there in the next village!)


3. Kanaghala (pangngalan/noun)

Depinisyon (Filipino): plema

Definition (English):  a thick, yellowish liquid that is produced in the nose and throat especially when a person has a cold

Usage in a sentence: Hindi ako makahinga nang maayos dahil punong puno ng kanaghala ang aking lalamunan. (I can't breathe freely due to the phlegm that fills my throat.)

4. Distrungkado (pang-uri/adjective)

Depinisyon (Filipino): Tungkab

Definition (English): badly damaged that it cannot be repaired

Usage in a sentence: Naluluha ang mga biktima ng bagyo nang makita ang mga distrungkado nilang bahay. (The eyes of the victim of the typhoon misted when they saw their badly-damaged houses.)


5. Eskribyente (pangngalan/noun)

Depinisyon (Filipino): Klerk

Definition (English): a person whose job is to keep track of records and documents for a business or office

Usage in a sentence: Isa siyang eskribyente sa opisina ng Meralco. (He's a clerk in an office of Meralco.)


6. Ganhaw (pang-uri/adjective)

Depinisyon (Filipino): Malabnaw

Definition (English): very thin and similar to water in appearance, taste, etc.

Usage in a sentence: Anna, ano ba itong tinimpla mong gatas— napakaganhaw! (Anna, what is this milk that you have prepared— so watery!)


7. Halibukay (pangngalan/noun)

Depinisyon (Filipino): Alimbukay

Definition (English): the feeling you have in your stomach when you think you are going to vomit

Usage in a sentence: Ayoko nang manood ng pelikulang Texas Chainsaw Massacre dahil nakakaramdam ako ng halibukay! (I don't want to watch the movie Texas Chainsaw Massacre anymore because I feel nauseated!)


8. Imbulog (pangngalan/noun)

Depinisyon (Filipino): Sibad na paitaas

Definition: a sudden upward flight

Usage in a sentence: Nagulat ang bagong kasal sa imbulog ng puting kalapati nang buksan ang pintuan ng kulungan nito. (The newly weds were surprised with the soaring of the white dove when the door of its cage was opened.)


9. Labulabo (pangngalan/noun)

Depinisyon (Filipino): Suntukan

Definition (English): a confused struggle or fight involving many people

Usage in a sentence: Nagkaroon ng labulabo sa kabilang kalsada at marami ang nasugatan. (A melee has happened in the next street and many are injured.)


10. Manananso (pangngalan/noun)

Depinisyon (Filipino): manggagantso

Definition (English): a person who takes money or property from (someone) by using lies or tricks

Usage in a sentence: Kapag mag-aabroad ka, huwag kang maniniwala sa kung sino-sino lang dahil baka mabiktima ka ng mga manananso. (If you'll go overseas, don't believe what anyone says because you can be victimized by swindlers.)

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