mataba-taba
The Tagalog word for chubby is mataba-taba.
Mataba-taba is used to describe a person who is somewhat fat.
Meaning: of a person, somewhat fat (adj)
Which one should you use?
The adjective mataba means fat. By contrast, mataba-taba is used to describe someone as chubby or slightly plump in a less harsh way.
How does it change in a sentence?
Mataba-taba is a reduplicated form of the adjective mataba, which means fat. Reduplicating the root adjective into mataba-taba softens the meaning to imply a more endearing or moderate level of fatness, similar to 'chubby'.
Did you know?
- The word mataba is also used to describe 'fertile' soil, meaning the land is rich and productive.
- Using mataba-taba is a way to utilize 'paglalambing', a Tagalog concept of acting sweet or endearing through speech.
- In some regions, people use the word malusog meaning 'healthy' as a polite euphemism for mataba-taba to avoid mentioning weight entirely.
Examples in context
- Grabe, ang balbon at chubby mo.Wow, you're so hairy and chubby.
- Mataba-taba ang pisngi ng sanggol.The baby has chubby cheeks.
- Mukhang mataba-taba ang batang iyon.That child looks a bit chubby.
- Gusto ko ang mataba-taba mong pisngi.I like your chubby cheeks.
Example conversation
Ricardo and Christina are looking at photos of a relative's child.
- RicardoTingnan mo ang batang ito.Look at this child.
- ChristinaAng cute niya, mataba-taba siya!He is so cute, he's chubby!
- RicardoMukha siyang masigla at malusog.He looks energetic and healthy.
- ChristinaOo, nakakatuwa ang pisngi niya.Yes, his cheeks are amusing.
