orasan
/ʔoɾaˈsan/
The English word clock is orasan in Filipino. Wiktionary also lists relo and taknaan.
Meaning: instrument to measure or keep track of time (noun)
Ways to say it
| Filipino | IPA |
|---|---|
| orasan | /ʔoɾaˈsan/ /ʔoˈɾasan/ |
| relo | /ɾeˈlo/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| taknaan |
All these terms refer to an instrument used to measure or keep track of time.
What does it mean word for word?
The word orasan is derived from oras (time) combined with the suffix -an, which denotes a place or an instrument for a specific purpose, making it literally a "time-instrument".
Which one should you use?
While orasan is a general term for any clock, relo is the common term used specifically for a wristwatch. Relo is a loanword from the Spanish reloj.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔoɾaˈsan/
Did you know?
- The term relo for a wristwatch actually shares a distant ancestry with the English word 'hour', as both trace back to the Ancient Greek word hṓra.
- In the Philippines, the word oras is used not just for 'clock time' but also to describe a specific 'opportunity' or 'turn' in a social sequence.
- Even though orasan is the native-style construction, the Spanish-derived relo is often the first word a Filipino uses when talking about personal timepieces.
Examples in context
- Hindi gumagana ang orasan.The wall clock doesn't work.This sentence is useful for saying that a wall clock is not working.Tatoeba #11291258 by qwertzu, translation #9668418 by DJ_Saidez
- Ginagamit pa ang lumang orasan.The old clock is still in use.This sentence is useful for noting that an old clock is still being used.Tatoeba #1820545 by nonong, translation #48156 by CK
- Magkano ang orasan na ito?How much is this clock?This sentence is useful for asking the price of a clock.Tatoeba #3059759 by mervert1, translation #2852697 by CK
Example conversation
Juan and Angela are in the living room.
- JuanAngela, nasaan ang orasan natin?Angela, where is our clock?
- AngelaNasa dingding ng kusina, Juan.It is on the kitchen wall, Juan.
- JuanAy, tama nga ang orasan.Oh, the clock is correct.
- AngelaMabuti naman at gumagana ito.It is good that it is working.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clock” translations and entries orasan, relo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries orasan, relo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
