barkada
In Tagalog, the English phrase 'gang' is translated as barkada.
The word barkada is used to describe a group of friends or an entourage. If you specifically want to refer to a criminal gang or a violent group, the English loanword gang is used in Tagalog.
Meaning: group of criminals who band together for mutual protection (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'gang' often implies a criminal group, the Tagalog word barkada is most commonly used to mean a close-knit group of friends. For a literal or formal description of a criminal gang, you may also use the loanword gang.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Barkada is an informal term used to describe a group of friends. If you need to refer to a criminal gang or a syndicate in a formal context, the term Sindikato is used.
Did you know?
- The word barkada is actually a descendant of a word for a boatload of people. It comes from the Spanish term barcada, which originally referred to a cargo or a group of people traveling together on a boat.
- In Filipino culture, a barkada is often considered a second family, providing emotional and financial support that mirrors kinship ties.
- The distinction between barkada and gang is so strong that calling someone's group of friends a gang in the Philippines can be taken as a serious insult.
Examples in context
- Mahuli natin ang sindikato na nag-ooperate sa lungsod na ito.Let's apprehend the gang operating in this city.
Example conversation
Ricardo and Maria are talking about a dangerous neighborhood.
- RicardoMay barkada ba rito sa lugar na ito?Is there a gang in this area?
- MariaOo, kaya mag-ingat ka, Ricardo.Yes, so be careful, Ricardo.
- RicardoNakakatakot ang barkadang iyon.That gang is scary.
- MariaTama, iwasan natin silang lahat.Correct, let's avoid them all.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries barkada, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
