masamang salita
The Tagalog phrase for "bad word" is masamang salita.
If you are referring specifically to a curse word or profanity, the more precise noun to use is mura.
Meaning: vulgar word (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of masama (bad) and salita (word).
Which one should you use?
While masamang salita is a descriptive phrase for a bad word, the specific noun for a curse word or profanity is mura.
How does it change in a sentence?
The linker -ng is attached to masama to connect the adjective to the noun salita.
Did you know?
- The word mura meaning 'curse word' is a homonym for another common Tagalog word that means 'cheap'.
- In many Filipino households, instead of saying masamang salita, elders might simply say bastos, which describes something 'rude' or 'disrespectful' rather than just the word itself.
- The Sanskrit root of salita refers to 'behavior' or 'way of life', meaning your 'words' are linguistically tied to your 'actions'.
Examples in context
- Huwag mong gamitin ang masamang salita na iyan.Don't use that bad word.
- Marami siyang alam na masamang salita.He knows many bad words.
- Ano ang ibig sabihin ng masamang salita na ito?What does this bad word mean?
Example conversation
Jasmine and Mark are talking about a movie they just watched.
- JasmineMay narinig akong masamang salita sa pelikula.I heard a bad word in the movie.
- MarkTalaga? Marami ngang masamang salita doon.Really? There are many bad words there.
- JasmineHindi ko nagustuhan ang paggamit nila ng masamang salita.I didn't like their use of bad words.
- MarkTama ka, Jasmine, masyado na silang OA.You're right, Jasmine, they are being too much.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries salita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
