Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| inom | /ʔiˈnom/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| uminom | /ʔumiˈnom/ (Standard Tagalog) |
The term is used to describe the action of consuming liquid through the mouth. While inom serves as the root, other forms like pag-inom describe the act or process of drinking and inumin or pang-inom refer to the liquid itself.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on whether you are describing an action or a thing. uminom is the verb meaning 'to drink', whereas inumin is the noun referring to a drink or beverage. To describe the process of drinking, use the gerund pag-inom.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The root inom can be used as an imperative or a command in informal speech. The form uminom is the actor-focus infinitive or the completed aspect of the verb, which is used when the person is the one performing the action of drinking.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔiˈnom/
Did you know?
- The phrase tagay is often used alongside inom during drinking parties. It specifically refers to the act of sharing a single glass, which is passed from person to person in a circle.
- In social contexts, the phrase mag-inom is often used as a euphemism for drinking alcohol. If someone invites you to inom, they are likely suggesting a drinking session with beer or liquor rather than water.
- Because of its Austronesian roots, the word for 'drink' in Tagalog shares a common ancestor with the word for 'drink' in Malagasy, the language of Madagascar.
Examples in context
- Uminom ka ng tsa.Drink some tea.This sentence shows how to use uminom to give a simple command to drink tea.Tatoeba #4651053 by nonong, translation #466005 by CM
- Uminom po ng tsa.Please drink tea.This sentence shows how to use uminom to make a polite request.Tatoeba #4651077 by nonong, translation #2366729 by NotApplicable
- Uminom kayo ng salabat.Drink some ginger tea, you guys.This sentence shows how to use uminom to address a group of people.Tatoeba #10064974 by nonong, translation #12049448 by humding3r
- Mayroon ba kayong malamig na inumin?Do you have a cold drink?
- Tara, mag-inom tayo!Come on, let's drink!
- Grabe, ang uhaw ko talaga! Iiinom ako ng malamig na softdrinks.Wow, I'm really thirsty! I'm going to drink a cold soda.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ricardo is offering Jasmine a glass of water in the kitchen.
- JasmineUhaw na uhaw ako.I am so thirsty.
- RicardoMag-inom ka ng tubig, Jasmine.Drink some water, Jasmine.
- JasmineSalamat, Ricardo.Thank you, Ricardo.
- RicardoWalang anuman.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “drink” translations and entries inom, uminom, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries inom, uminom, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
