saging
/ˈsaɡiŋ/
The English word "banana" is translated into Tagalog as saging. Wiktionary also lists alinsanay.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| saging | /ˈsaɡiŋ/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| alinsanay |
The term is used to refer to the banana fruit.
Which one should you use?
saging is the common term for the banana fruit. In contrast, alinsanay is a more specialized or archaic term used for a specific variety or a specific type of banana plant.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural form "bananas", add the particle mga before the word to get mga saging.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsaɡiŋ/
Did you know?
- In Filipino culture, the puso ng saging or 'banana heart' is the blossom of the plant and is used as a vegetable in savory stews.
- Banana leaves are frequently used as a natural 'plate' or wrapper for food in the Philippines, serving a functional purpose beyond the fruit itself.
- The word saging descends from the Proto-Southern Philippine root *ságiŋ.
Examples in context
- Kumakain ako ng saging.I eat a banana.This sentence shows how to use saging to express the act of eating a banana.Tatoeba #1840649 by nonong, translation #1143111 by AlanF_US
- Kumakain ng saging si Tomas.Tom is eating a banana.This sentence demonstrates using saging to describe what Tomas is eating.Tatoeba #5807607 by nonong, translation #3618496 by CK
- Ito akong kumakain ng saging.This is me eating a banana.This sentence illustrates using saging when identifying oneself while eating a banana.Tatoeba #1700241 by nonong, translation #1098570 by cntrational
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juan and Angela are in the kitchen.
- JuanAngela, may saging ba tayo?Angela, do we have any bananas?
- AngelaMeron pa akong isang saging.I still have one banana.
- JuanSige, kainin natin iyan.Okay, let's eat that.
- AngelaSige, Juan, kain na tayo.Okay, Juan, let's eat now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “banana” translations and entries saging, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries saging, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
