tawag
/ˈtawaɡ/
In Tagalog, the word for 'call' is tawag.
tawag is used as a verb meaning to contact someone by telephone, and it also functions as a noun meaning a telephone conversation.
Meaning: to contact by telephone (verb)
Which one should you use?
While tawag is the root for both calling and a telephone conversation, the specific verb form changes based on your intent. Use tawagan when the focus is on the person being called on the phone, and use tawagin when you are summoning someone or calling them by their name.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb undergoes changes depending on the focus of the sentence. tumawag is used to express the act of making a call, such as in 'I called'. tawagan is used when the focus of the verb is the person being called on the phone. tawagin is used when the focus is on the person being called, often implying summoning them or calling their name.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtawaɡ/
Did you know?
- The root tawag is used in the expression tawag-pansin, which literally means 'calling attention' but is used to describe someone who is acting out to get noticed.
- The word tawag is used not only for phones but also to describe the act of naming something. To ask 'What is this called?' in Tagalog, you use a form of tawag.
- When someone is being summoned for a legal matter or a formal meeting, the phrase tinawag is used, which carries a weight of authority that 'calling on the phone' does not have.
Examples in context
- Tawagin mo si Tom.Call Tom.This sentence shows how to use the verb to tell someone to call a specific person.Tatoeba #4560643 by kanlaon, translation #2203855 by CK
- Tawagan mo siya bukas.Call her tomorrow.This sentence demonstrates how to use the verb to request a call tomorrow.Tatoeba #8654627 by England, translation #323070 by CK
- Tawagin mo si Ishmael.Call Ishmael.Tatoeba #11268402 by qwertzu, translation #1074934 by Scott
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ricardo and Maria are talking about making a phone call.
- RicardoMay tawag ba para sa akin?Is there a call for me?
- MariaWala namang tawag ngayon.There are no calls right now.
- RicardoSige, maghihintay ako ng tawag.Okay, I will wait for a call.
- MariaSige, Ricardo.Okay, Ricardo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tawag, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
