itim
/ʔiˈtim/
In Filipino, the word for black is itim.
The word itim can function as an adjective meaning the color black, or as a noun referring to the color itself. It can also be used as a noun to refer to a dark-skinned person, in which case negro is a related term.
Meaning: absorbing all light (adj)
Which one should you use?
While itim can be used as a predicate adjective, the form maitim is more commonly used when describing the quality of being black, such as in the phrase maitim na buhok for black hair.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Bicolano language, urak is an alternative term for black.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word itim is often used as a noun or a predicate adjective. To describe an object or person as being black, you should use the adjective form maitim.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔiˈtim/
Did you know?
- In Filipino culture, the color itim is traditionally associated with mourning and is frequently worn during wakes and funerals.
- The root of itim can be traced back thousands of years to a common ancestor shared by many Austronesian languages, known as Proto-Malayo-Polynesian.
- In the Philippines, the term itim can be used to describe a person's complexion without the negative connotations often associated with 'black' in English.
Examples in context
- Itim ang mga uwak.Crows are black.This sentence shows how to use itim to describe the color of crows.Tatoeba #8635144 by artemio, translation #2549571 by CK
- Bagay sa 'yo ang itim.Black suits you.This sentence uses itim to show how a color can suit someone.Tatoeba #8635150 by artemio, translation #3140021 by Marissa
- Mas gusto ko ang itim.I prefer black.This sentence uses itim to express a preference for the color.Tatoeba #8635156 by artemio, translation #5222698 by AlanF_US
- Itim ang t-shirt niya.Her shirt is black.
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Christina and Juan are choosing a new-looking shirt in a store.
- ChristinaItim ba ang kulay ng damit na ito?Is the color of this shirt black?
- JuanOo, itim ang kulay nito.Yes, the color of this is black.
- ChristinaBagay sa iyo ang itim na damit.The black shirt looks good on you.
- JuanSalamat, kukunin ko na ito.Thanks, I will take this one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “black” translations and entries itim, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries itim, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
