balewalain
/ˌbalewalaˈʔin/
To disregard in Tagalog is balewalain.
The word balewalain is used for both the literal act of ignoring a rule or instruction and for the emotional act of dismissing someone's feelings or importance.
Meaning: to ignore (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb balewalain is derived from the noun balewala, which means nothing / zero / of no value.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form balewalain uses the -in suffix, which indicates that the object being disregarded is the direct object of the verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌbalewalaˈʔin/
Did you know?
- The etymology of balewalain traces back to the Proto-Philippine root *wada, linking the concept of disregard to ancient Austronesian languages.
- While balewalain can mean to ignore, the noun balewala can also be used as a way to say 'no problem' or 'it is nothing' when someone is thanked.
- Because the root implies 'zero' or 'nothingness', saying 'balewalain' can metaphorically mean to treat a person as if they do not exist.
Examples in context
- Ipagsawalang-bahala mo ang mga negatibong komento.Disregard the negative comments.
- Iwasan na lang ang negatibong vibes.Just disregard the negative vibes.
- Huwag mong balewalain ang payo ko.Do not disregard my advice.
- Balewalain mo na lang ang sinabi niya.Just disregard what she said.
Example conversation
Mark and Christina are talking about a misunderstanding.
- MarkPasensya na, mali ang sinabi ko kanina.I'm sorry, what I said earlier was wrong.
- ChristinaOkay lang, balewalain na lang natin iyon.It's okay, let's just disregard that.
- MarkSalamat, Christina. Mabait ka talaga.Thanks, Christina. You are really kind.
- ChristinaWalang anuman, Mark.You're welcome, Mark.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry balewalain, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries balewalain, CC BY-SA 4.0.
