Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| matalik na kaibigan | /maˌtalik na kaʔiˈbiɡan/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| beshie | /ˈbeʃi/ (Standard Tagalog) /ˈbesji/ |
| bes | /ˈbes/ (Standard Tagalog) |
The phrase refers to an especially close and trusted friend. Depending on the setting, you might use the formal matalik na kaibigan, the slang beshie or the even more shortened slang bes. Another common colloquialism derived from the English phrase is bespren.
What does it mean word for word?
The term matalik na kaibigan is composed of the word matalik, which means 'intimate' or 'close' and kaibigan, which means 'friend'.
Which one should you use?
matalik na kaibigan is the standard term for a best friend, while beshie and bes are used for casual, playful social interactions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
matalik na kaibigan is appropriate for formal writing or serious contexts. In contrast, beshie is a colloquial slang term used primarily by younger generations or specific social circles, much like the English 'bestie'. bes is a highly informal, shortened version of beshie used in casual conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˌtalik na kaʔiˈbiɡan/
Did you know?
- The slang term beshie is frequently used in the LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines, where it serves as a term of endearment and solidarity.
- The word kaibigan is built from the root ibig, which means 'to like' or 'to love'. In a sense, a friend is someone you have a 'liking' for.
- Using matalik na kaibigan in a casual group of teenagers might sound overly dramatic or like a line from a soap opera.
Examples in context
- Magaling sumayaw ang bespren ko.My best friend dances really well.This sentence shows how to use the form bes to talk about a friend's talent.Tatoeba #1710595 by nonong, translation #971469 by CM
- Si Tom ay matalik na kaibigan ni Mary.Tom is Mary's best friend.This sentence demonstrates the use of the form matalik na kaibigan to describe a relationship.Tatoeba #2796517 by mervert1, translation #1028554 by CK
- Tunay kang kaibigan.You are a true friend.
- Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasabihin sa'yo na ikaw ang aking matalik na kaibigan.I don't know how to tell you that you are my close friend.
- Siya ang aking matalik na kaibigan.He/She is my best friend.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mark and Christina are talking about their childhood friends at a cafe.
- MarkSino ang iyong matalik na kaibigan?Who is your best friend?
- ChristinaSi Maria ang matalik kong kaibigan.Maria is my best friend.
- MarkMatagal na ba kayong magkaibigan?Have you been friends for a long time?
- ChristinaOo, simula pa noong bata kami.Yes, since we were children.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “best friend” translations and entries matalik na kaibigan, beshie, bes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
