dalampasigan
/dalampaˈsiɡan/
The Tagalog word for beach is dalampasigan.
dalampasigan refers specifically to a sandy shore. While it is the standard term for a beach, other words like baybayin can be used to describe the coastline or the edge of the sea, often emphasizing the shoreline itself rather than a recreational area.
Meaning: sandy shore (noun)
Which one should you use?
dalampasigan is the formal term for a sandy shore. In contrast, tabing-dagat is a common, colloquial way to refer to the beach or the area by the sea. baybayin focuses more on the coast or the shoreline rather than the beach as a destination.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
dalampasigan is the formal term, whereas tabing-dagat is a much more colloquial expression used in everyday conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
/dalampaˈsiɡan/
Did you know?
- The word baybayin, which refers to the coast, is also the name of the ancient pre-colonial writing system of the Philippines.
- In Filipino culture, the 'beach' experience often involves boodle fight meals, where food is spread on banana leaves and eaten with hands.
- The formal word dalampasigan may be related to the Sanskrit word dhāra, which means 'to hold' or 'to support'.
Examples in context
- Kakaunti ang tao sa dalampasigan.There were few people on the beach.This sentence is useful for describing the number of people on the dalampasigan.Tatoeba #4654846 by saluyot, translation #22178 by CK
- Nagbabakasyon ako sa dalampasigan.I am taking a holiday at the beach.This sentence is useful for describing a holiday taken at the dalampasigan.Tatoeba #1599990 by nonong, translation #22154 by shekitten
- Bumagyo nang malakas sa dalampasigan.The storm is strong in the beach.This sentence is useful for describing a storm occurring at the dalampasigan.Tatoeba #13407326 by nonong, translation #13583262 by mexicanhere
- Ang mga bata ay naglalaro sa tabing-dagat.The kids are playing on the beach.
- Naghahanda na kami para sa aming picnic sa tabing-dagat bukas.We are preparing for our beachside picnic tomorrow.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juan and Angela are planning their weekend trip.
- JuanGusto mo bang pumunta sa dalampasigan?Do you want to go to the beach?
- AngelaOo, gusto kong maglakad sa dalampasigan.Yes, I want to walk on the beach.
- JuanMagdadala ako ng pagkain sa dalampasigan.I will bring food to the beach.
- AngelaSige, magkita tayo doon bukas!Okay, let's meet there tomorrow!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beach” translations and entries dalampasigan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dalampasigan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
