magkayakap
The English word 'cuddle' is translated to Tagalog as magkayakap.
The term describes the state of two people embracing or lying together snugly.
Meaning: intransitive: embrace, lie together snugly (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix mag-, which indicates a reciprocal relationship and the root yakap, meaning embrace. Literally, it means 'to be in an embrace with each other'.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between being in a state of cuddling and the act of hugging. magkayakap describes the state of two people cuddling together, whereas the transitive verb yakapin is used when one person performs the action of hugging another.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form magkayakap is a stative verb. This means it describes the state of being in an embrace rather than the act of moving into one.
Did you know?
- The word lambing describes a specific kind of tenderness that is often paired with magkayakap, but it has no direct English equivalent.
- In Tagalog, you can turn yakap into yakap-yakap through reduplication to describe someone who is being particularly clingy or tight in their embrace.
- The root yakap is used metaphorically to describe being under someone's protection, similar to the English phrase 'under someone's wing'.
Examples in context
- Magkayakap ang dalawang magkasintahan sa parke.The two lovers are cuddling in the park.
- Masarap magkayakap habang nanonood ng sine.It feels good to cuddle while watching a movie.
- Nakita ko silang magkayakap sa ilalim ng puno.I saw them cuddling under the tree.
Example conversation
A cozy living room on a rainy evening.
- JoseChristina, ang lamig ng panahon.Christina, the weather is cold.
- ChristinaOo, Jose. Gusto mo bang magkayakap tayo?Yes, Jose. Do you want to cuddle?
- JoseSige, mas mainam iyon.Sure, that would be better.
- ChristinaHalika rito sa tabi ko.Come here beside me.
