mura
/ˈmuɾa/
The English phrase 'curse words' is translated into Tagalog as mura.
The word mura refers to curse words. You can use the related verb magmura to describe the act of cursing. Other expressions used to convey different levels of frustration include Ano ba 'yan? to express disappointment or disapproval, similar to 'What the heck?' Bwisit as an informal way to say something is 'annoying' or 'exasperating'. And the stronger curse word Punyeta, which is similar to the English expletives 'Damn it' or 'F***'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the word mura plural to mean 'curse words', you add the marker mga to create mga mura.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmuɾa/
Did you know?
- There is a linguistic contrast between mahal, which means both 'expensive' and 'love', and mura, which means both 'cheap' and 'curse words'.
- The word mura might be a cognate of the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian word muda, which refers to fruits that are 'young' or 'immature'.
Examples in context
- Bwisit na trapiko!This traffic is so frustrating!
- Bwisit na kuryente!The electricity is acting up again, how annoying!
- Punyeta! Nasira na naman ang kotse ko.Damn it! My car broke down again.
- Hindi ako gusto ng boss ko. Punyeta talaga!My boss doesn't like me. F***! It's frustrating!
- Huwag kang magpaka-gaga!Don't act like an idiot!
- Ang gaga mo talaga!You're such a fool!
- Maraming mura ang lumabas sa bibig niya.Many curse words came out of his mouth.
- Ayaw kong makarinig ng mga mura.I don't want to hear curse words.
Example conversation
Christina is scolding Juan for his language.
- ChristinaJuan, bakit ka nagmumura?Juan, why are you using curse words?
- JuanNagalit lang ako sa laro.I just got angry at the game.
- ChristinaBawal ang mura sa bahay.Curse words are not allowed in the house.
- JuanPasensya na, Christina.I am sorry, Christina.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mura, CC BY-SA 4.0.
