asul
/ʔaˈsul/
The English word "blue" can be translated into Tagalog as asul or bughaw.
Meaning: blue-coloured (adj)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| asul | /ʔaˈsul/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| bughaw | /buɡˈhaw/ (Standard Tagalog) |
Both asul and bughaw are used to describe the color blue. Additionally, both words can function as nouns meaning "colour" when referring specifically to the color blue.
Which one should you use?
asul is the more common, everyday term used in daily conversation, while bughaw is a more formal or literary term.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔaˈsul/
Did you know?
- The term asul actually traces its lineage back to the gemstone 'lapis lazuli', via the Persian word lāžvard.
- Unlike English, where 'blue' can mean 'sad', saying asul or bughaw in Tagalog does not convey a feeling of sadness.
- In Filipino culture, bughaw is the word used to describe the 'blue' in the national flag, rather than the more common asul.
Examples in context
- Gusto ko ang asul.I like blue.This sentence shows how to express a preference for the color using asul.Tatoeba #8635128 by artemio, translation #2245933 by CK
- Bakit bughaw ang langit?Why is the sky blue?This sentence uses bughaw to describe the color of the sky.Tatoeba #1653207 by nonong, translation #2595655 by WestofEden
- Asul ang bulaklak na malaki.The large flower is blue.This sentence uses asul to describe the color of a flower.Tatoeba #4858726 by nonong, translation #8748680 by fishda
- Ang langit ay asul.The sky is blue.
- Gusto ko ang damit na asul.I like the blue clothing.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jose and Jasmine are looking at a shirt in a store.
- JoseAsul ba ang kulay ng damit na ito?Is the color of this shirt blue?
- JasmineHindi, ito ay berde.No, it is green.
- JoseGusto ko sana ng asul na damit.I would like a blue shirt.
- JasmineMay asul na nakasabit doon.There is a blue one hanging there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blue” translations and entries asul, bughaw, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asul, bughaw, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
