oso
/ˈʔoso/
The English word bear is translated into Filipino as oso.
The word oso refers to the large mammal of the family Ursidae. It is derived from the Spanish term for bear.
Meaning: large mammal of family Ursidae (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔoso/
Did you know?
- Although oso is the word for 'bear', you will rarely hear it in casual conversation because there are no native bears in the Philippines.
- The Latin root ursus, which led to the Filipino oso, is the same root used in the English word 'ursa', seen in the constellation 'Ursa Major'.
- In many Philippine dialects, the word for bear might be replaced by local names for specific fauna, as true bears are not native to the archipelago.
Examples in context
- Huwag kalabitin ang oso.Don't poke the bear.This sentence is useful for learning how to use oso in a warning.Tatoeba #11574952 by qwertzu, translation #2773569 by shekitten
- Kita ko ang malaking oso.I see a large bear.This sentence shows how to use oso when describing size.Tatoeba #4890236 by nonong, translation #9795894 by eleutherothentes1
- Kumain ang oso ng mansanas.The bear eats an apple.This sentence illustrates the use of oso in a simple action sentence.Tatoeba #11273071 by qwertzu, translation #10315078 by timur_seber
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jose and Angela are looking at a picture book about animals.
- JoseAno itong hayop na may puting balahibo?What is this animal with white fur?
- AngelaIsa itong polar oso, Jose.That is a polar bear, Jose.
- JoseNakatira ba ang oso sa malamig na lugar?Do bears live in cold places?
- AngelaOo, Angela ang nagsabi na doon sila nakatira.Yes, Angela said that is where they live.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bear” translations and entries oso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
