How to Say “Dessert” in Ilocano

By Gregory Jackson • Updated September 29, 2026

merienda

The Ilocano word for dessert is merienda.

merienda refers to a sweet confection served as the last course of a meal.

Meaning: sweet confection served as the last course of a meal (noun)

Did you know?

In the Philippines, a merienda can be savory, such as rice cakes or noodles, and is not strictly limited to sweet confections.
The word merienda is actually a Spanish loanword, originally used to describe a light snack taken between meals.
While it translates to 'dessert' in some contexts, in Ilocano-speaking households, merienda often refers to a specific mid-afternoon snack time rather than just a sweet course.

Example conversation

Ricardo and Cristina are finishing their dinner.

Ricardo

Cristina, adda pay merienda?
Cristina, is there any dessert left?
Cristina

Wen, adda pay cake ditoy.
Yes, there is still cake here.
Ricardo

Ipayapa ti merienda kaniak.
Give the dessert to me.
Cristina

Sige, Ricardo, sabsabaliem.
Okay, Ricardo, take some.

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About The Author

Gregory Jackson

Kumusta! I'm Gregory, your friendly guide to the Filipino language, Tagalog. My passion for languages, especially Tagalog, propels me into writing posts filled with formal and informal ways of expressing yourself in this vibrant language. From everyday greetings like "Good Evening", to unusual phrases such as "pak" or "nga", I've got you covered! I also have an obsession with food which often reflects in my posts — from "cereal" to "spaghetti", expect a dash of yummy in my content. I also write about Ilocano, the language of northern Luzon, sharing how everyday words are said in it. Mabuhay!

Gregory JacksonHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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