ganda
/ɡanˈda/
The English word beauty translates to ganda in Filipino. Wiktionary also lists kagandahan.
Meaning: quality of pleasing appearance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Filipino | IPA |
|---|---|
| ganda | /ɡanˈda/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| kagandahan | /kaɡanˈdahan/ (Standard Tagalog) /kaɡandaˈhan/ (Standard Tagalog) |
The term refers to the quality of a pleasing appearance. To refer specifically to physical beauty, one might use the phrase panlabas na kaanyuan, which translates to outward appearance.
Which one should you use?
While ganda can mean beauty, kagandahan is the more formal and abstract noun used to refer to the concept of beauty itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the noun ganda into the adjective beautiful, the prefix ma- is added to form maganda.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡanˈda/
Did you know?
- The word ganda originally comes from the Sanskrit word for 'aroma' or 'fragrance'. Over time the meaning shifted from how something smells to how it looks.
- In Filipino culture, ganda is often paired with the concept of loob (inside). A person with kagandahang-loob is not physically beautiful but possesses a beautiful heart or kindness.
- Filipino distinguishes between ganda (general beauty) and kisig (handsomeness or poise), which is specifically reserved for a masculine or sharp kind of beauty.
Examples in context
- Iyon ang iyong kagandahan.That is your beauty.This sentence uses kagandahan.Tatoeba #5214056 by kanlaon, translation #3570954 by Ugr
- May mata siya para sa kagandahan.She has an eye for beauty.Tatoeba #2202017 by nonong, translation #388449 by CK
- Nahumaling siya sa kanyang kagandahan.He became obsessed with her beauty.Tatoeba #11893692 by qwertzu, translation #11937403 by zSCRAM
- Ang kagandahan ng kanyang ngiti ay kumikislap sa kanyang mukha.The beauty of her smile sparkles on her face.
- Gandang-ganda ako sa napakagandang tanawin sa dagat.I'm really amazed by the beautiful view of the sea.
- Hindi lang naman panlabas na kaanyuan ang dapat bigyang halaga kundi pati na rin ang kalooban.It's not just physical beauty that should be valued, but also one's character.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Antonio and Maria are walking through a park.
- MariaAntonio, ang ganda ng langit ngayon!Antonio, the sky is beautiful today!
- AntonioOo, Maria, ang ganda talaga.Yes, Maria, it really is beautiful.
- MariaMasaya ako na kasama kita.I am happy to be with you.
- AntonioAko rin, Maria.Me too, Maria.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beauty” translations and entries ganda, kagandahan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ganda, kagandahan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
