masamang lalaki
The English phrase "bad boy" is translated into Tagalog as masamang lalaki.
Masamang lalaki refers to a male person who behaves poorly or breaks the rules. In modern conversational Tagalog, speakers often use the English loan phrase "bad boy" itself to describe a man who has a rebellious or seductive persona.
Which one should you use?
Sigang lalaki is used to describe a "tough guy."
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase masamang lalaki, the linker -ng is added to the adjective masama to connect it to the noun lalaki.
Did you know?
- While masamang lalaki is the literal translation, if you call a man masama in a social context, you are not just calling him a 'bad boy', but implying he is 'evil' or 'wicked'.
- The word laki is closely related to the Malay word laki, which means 'husband'.
- The term masama can describe someone who is 'bad' in a moral sense, but it is also used to describe 'bad' weather or 'bad' omens.
Example conversation
Maria and Juan are talking about a rebellious classmate.
- MariaBakit siya laging nag-aaway?Why is he always fighting?
- JuanKasi masamang lalaki talaga siya.Because he is really a bad boy.
- MariaHindi ba siya natatakot sa guro?Is he not afraid of the teacher?
- JuanHindi, wala siyang pakialam.No, he doesn't care.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lalaki, CC BY-SA 4.0.
