payaso
/paˈjaso/
The Filipino word for clown is payaso.
payaso refers to a performance artist working in a circus.
Meaning: performance artist working in a circus (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /paˈjaso/.
Did you know?
- In traditional Filipino folk theater, characters that fulfill the role of the payaso often serve as social critics who mock the powerful through humor.
- Because it is a loanword from Spanish, the word payaso is instantly recognizable to any Spanish speaker, even though it is part of the Filipino vocabulary.
- The word payaso can be used as derogatory slang for a person who is 'playing' people in social situations.
Examples in context
- Nakakatawa ang payaso sa sirkus.The clown in the circus is funny.
- Gusto ng bata ang payaso.The child likes the clown.
- May suot na maskara ang payaso.The clown is wearing a mask.
Example conversation
Antonio and Patricia are watching a circus performance.
- AntonioTingnan mo ang payaso, Patricia.Look at the clown, Patricia.
- PatriciaAng cute naman ng payaso!The clown is so cute!
- AntonioOo, mahilig siya sa mga bata.Yes, he likes children.
- PatriciaNakakaaliw talaga ang palabas.The show is really entertaining.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clown” translations and entries payaso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries payaso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
