bati nga mga pulong
The English phrase "bad words" is translated into Bisaya as bati nga mga pulong.
In natural conversation, you will often hear the plural marker placed before the adjective, resulting in the variation mga bati nga pulong.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bati nga mga pulong is composed of bati (bad), nga (a linker), mga (plural marker) and pulong (word).
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single bad word instead of multiple, remove the plural marker mga to get bati nga pulong.
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, the word bati can also mean 'to feel' or 'to hear', making the phrase's meaning entirely different without the correct context.
- Some of the strongest bati nga mga pulong in Bisaya are borrowed from Spanish, reflecting the long period of colonial influence in the Philippines.
- To describe someone who is habitually using bati nga mga pulong, a speaker might use the term law-ay og baba, which literally means having an 'ugly mouth'.
Examples in context
- Pesti!Darn!
- Ayaw og gamit og bati nga mga pulong.Don't use bad words.
- Daghan kaayo og bati nga mga pulong sa internet.There are many bad words on the internet.
Example conversation
Jose is correcting Maria's behavior in front of a child.
- JoseMaria, ayaw og sulti og bati nga mga pulong.Maria, don't say bad words.
- MariaSorry, Jose, wala ko kabantay.Sorry, Jose, I didn't notice.
- JoseKinahanglan magmatngon ta sa atong gisulti.We need to be careful about what we say.
- MariaSakto ka, maningkamot ko.You are right, I will try.
