Guide: How to Say “Drunk” in the Philippines

Whether you’re planning a trip to the Philippines or simply interested in learning about the local language and culture, knowing how to say “drunk” can come in handy. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to express this term, while also providing tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary. So, let’s dive in and explore the different ways to discuss drunkenness in the Philippines.

Formal Ways to Say “Drunk”

1. Ito ay lasing – This is the basic translation for “drunk” in the formal Filipino language. It is a direct way to describe someone’s state of intoxication.

2. Ito ay nalalasing – Similar to the previous phrase, this also represents someone who is drunk or becoming intoxicated.

Informal Ways to Say “Drunk”

1. Siwá – This is a popular colloquial term used to describe being drunk in the Philippines. It’s commonly used in casual conversations among friends.

2. Lasenggo or Lasengga – This slang term is derived from the English word “lasenggo,” which is a phonetic representation of “drunk.” It is frequently used to describe someone who is heavily intoxicated.

Regional Variations

While Filipino is the national language of the Philippines, there are several regional languages and dialects spoken throughout the country. Here are a few regional variations on how to say “drunk”:

Ilocano

Nalas-as – This term is commonly used in the Ilocano language spoken in Northern Luzon to refer to being drunk.

Bicolano

Suwáy – Used in the Bicol region, this term signifies being drunk after consuming alcohol.

Cebuano

Gikapoy – In Cebuano, one of the major languages spoken in the central part of the Philippines, “gikapoy” means being drunk or intoxicated.

Tips and Examples

To help you better understand and use these phrases, here are a few tips and examples:

Tips:

• Pay attention to the context and relationship with the person you’re speaking to when choosing which term to use – formal or informal.
• Remember regional variations if you find yourself traveling to specific parts of the Philippines.
• Using hand gestures or expressions while saying these terms can help convey your message more effectively.
• Always be respectful and consider cultural differences when discussing sensitive topics.

Examples:

Here are a few examples of how to use these phrases in everyday conversations:

Example 1: “Hindi ako lasing, konti lang ang ininom ko.” (I’m not drunk, I only had a few drinks.)

Example 2: “Grabe na siya, lasenggo na naman siya ngayon.” (He’s gone too far, he’s drunk again.)

Example 3: “Abi nako tuod, nalas-as na siya.” (I thought so, he’s already drunk.)

Conclusion

Now you have a comprehensive guide on how to say “drunk” in the Philippines. Whether you need to communicate formally or informally, you can use the provided translations and variations to express the concept of being drunk. Remember to consider the context, regional variations, and cultural sensitivities when using these phrases. So, next time you find yourself in the Philippines or engaging in a conversation with Filipino friends, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss and understand the topic of drunkenness.