kendi
/ˈkendi/
The Tagalog word for "candy" is kendi.
kendi is the standard term used to refer to a piece of candy. In a broader sense, if you are referring to sweets or sugary treats in general, you might hear the word matamis, which literally means "sweet."
Meaning: piece of candy (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
kendi is a loanword from the English word "candy".
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural form "candies", add the marker mga before the word, resulting in mga kendi.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkendi/
Did you know?
- The word kendi can be traced back to the Sanskrit word khaṇḍa, which referred to a 'broken piece' or 'scrap' of sugar.
- While kendi refers to processed sweets, Filipinos use the term kakanin for traditional sticky rice cakes, which are often treated as treats but are not called kendi.
- Some older generations may use the Spanish term caramelo instead of kendi when referring specifically to hard candies or caramels.
Examples in context
- Ako rin, mahilig sa kendi.I, too, like candy.This sentence shows how to express a liking for kendi.Tatoeba #11780022 by qwertzu, translation #2745133 by CK
- Masarap ang tsokolateng kendi ni Dennis.Dennis' chocolate candy is delicious.This sentence describes how delicious someone's chocolate kendi is.Tatoeba #3853655 by nonong, translation #9795936 by eleutherothentes1
- Kinain ni Tom ang kendi mo.Tom ate your candy.This sentence is useful for stating that someone ate your kendi.Tatoeba #2783722 by mervert1, translation #1847700 by CK
- Maaring bumili ka ng ilang pampatamis para sa mga bisita.You can buy some sweets for the guests.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mark and Maria are sitting in a cafe.
- MarkMay extra kang kendi?Do you have an extra candy?
- MariaOo, heto ang isang kendi.Yes, here is one candy.
- MarkSalamat, Maria.Thanks, Maria.
- MariaWalang anuman.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “candy” translations and entries kendi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kendi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
