Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| marumi | /maɾuˈmi/ (Standard Tagalog) | alternative form |
| madumi | /maduˈmi/ /ˌmaduˈmi/ |
|
| makalat | /maˈkalat/ (Standard Tagalog) |
These words are used to describe something covered with or containing dirt. While madumi and marumi refer to physical filth, you might use maputik specifically if something is muddy or covered in mud. If you are describing a person who looks visibly grimy or soot-covered, the more specific term madungis is often used.
What does it mean word for word?
In the word madumi, the prefix ma- is a common way to form adjectives in Tagalog to indicate the possession of a certain quality, which in this case is dirt.
Which one should you use?
Madumi and marumi both refer to physical filth or dirt. However, makalat should be used instead if you want to describe something that is messy, cluttered or disorganized. For a more specific description of a person being grimy or soiled, use madungis.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Marumi is an alternative spelling of madumi.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɾuˈmi/
Did you know?
- The word dumi is not just an adjective for 'dirt', but also the common Tagalog noun for 'feces'.
- The linguistic root of makalat traces back to Proto-Malayo-Polynesian structures, showing the deep historical connections between Tagalog and other island languages in Southeast Asia.
- Calling someone's mind marumi (dirty) is a common way to tease a friend who is thinking about something inappropriate.
Examples in context
- Marumi ang mga daan.The roads are dirty.This sentence illustrates how to say the roads are dirty using marumi.Tatoeba #1666748 by nonong, translation #1506780 by marco87
- Marumi ang platong ito.This plate is dirty.This sentence shows how to say a specific plate is dirty using marumi.Tatoeba #11447831 by qwertzu, translation #10739371 by Cabo
- Marumi ang tinidor na ito.This fork is dirty.This sentence demonstrates how to say a specific fork is dirty using marumi.Tatoeba #11420874 by qwertzu, translation #2516418 by CK
- Nakakalat ang mga gamit sa bahay, kailangan linisin para hindi maging marumi.The things in the house are scattered, they need to be cleaned to avoid becoming dirty.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jose and Maria are cleaning their living room.
- JoseMaria, marumi ang sahig sa kusina.Maria, the kitchen floor is dirty.
- MariaOo, kailangan ko itong linisin.Yes, I need to clean it.
- JoseTulungan kita para matapos agad.I will help you so we can finish quickly.
- MariaSalamat, Jose.Thank you, Jose.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dirty” translations and entries marumi, madumi, makalat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries madumi, makalat, marumi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
