bakulaw
/baˈkulaw/
The Tagalog word for "ape" is bakulaw.
bakulaw is a noun used to refer to any primate that is not a human.
Meaning: any such primate other than a human (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/baˈkulaw/
Did you know?
- The word bakulaw is closely related to the Kapampangan word bakulo, which refers to a stick or a club used for hitting.
- The term bakulaw can sometimes carry a connotation of being a 'monster' or a 'beast' in folklore, moving beyond simple biology into the realm of myth.
- While bakulaw is the specific term for 'ape', most Filipinos use the word unggoy for any primate, including monkeys and apes.
Examples in context
- Ang unggoy ay isang uri ng hayop na katulad ng tao.The ape is a type of animal similar to humans.
- Ang talunggoy ay bahagi ng pamilya ng mga primata.The ape is part of the primate family.
Example conversation
Christina and Jose are looking at a book about animals.
- ChristinaJose, tignan mo itong bakulaw.Jose, look at this ape.
- JoseAng laki naman niya!It is so big!
- ChristinaOo, mukhang mabait ang bakulaw na ito.Yes, this ape looks friendly.
- JoseGusto ko rin makakita ng isa.I want to see one too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bakulaw, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bakulaw, CC BY-SA 4.0.
