bilang
/ˈbilaŋ/
To count in Tagalog is bilang.
The word is used to enumerate or determine a number.
Meaning: to enumerate or determine number (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say you are counting a specific object or a specific number of things, use the transitive form bilangin. To describe the act of counting in a general sense or as an activity, use the intransitive form magbilang. The progressive form binibilang is used when the counting is currently in progress. For the completed aspect, indicating that the counting has already been finished, use binilang. The contemplative aspect, used to indicate that the counting will happen in the future, is bibilangin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbilaŋ/
Did you know?
- The phrase bilang na can be used idiomatically to mean that someone is 'already doomed' or their time has run out.
- The word bilang is used in Tagalog as a preposition meaning 'as' or 'in the capacity of' when describing someone's role.
- In ancient Proto-Austronesian, the ancestor of bilang didn't just mean 'to count' but also meant 'to hold something valuable'.
Examples in context
- Huwag mong kalimutang bilangin kung ilang tao ang dadalo.Don't forget to count how many people attend.This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to use bilang.Tatoeba #11774038 by qwertzu, translation #321148 by CK
- Ilan pa ang kailangan kong bilangin?How many more must I count?This sentence shows how to use bilang.Tatoeba #2911947 by mervert1, translation #1103026 by jamessilver
- Bilangin mo ang mga piso.Count the pesos.
- Makikisabay lang ako sa 'yo sa pagbilang ng mga bituin.May I join you in counting the stars?
- Bilangin mo ang mga kahon sa sulok.Count the boxes in the corner.
- Apat na tao ang bilang ko sa opisina.I count four people in the office.
- Bilangin mo ang mga barya sa mesa.Count the coins on the table.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ricardo and Angela are checking the inventory of a small shop.
- RicardoAngela, paki-bilang ang mga lata ng gatas.Angela, please count the cans of milk.
- AngelaSige, Ricardo. May sampu ba dapat dito?Okay, Ricardo. Should there be ten here?
- RicardoOo, iyon ang nakasulat sa listahan.Yes, that is what is written on the list.
- AngelaSampu nga ang bilang ko.My count is indeed ten.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bilang, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bilang, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
