multo
/mulˈto/
The English phrase ghost is multo in Filipino. Wiktionary also lists aparisyon and pantasma.
Meaning: spirit appearing after death (noun)
Ways to say it
| Filipino | IPA |
|---|---|
| multo | /mulˈto/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| aparisyon | /ʔapaɾisˈjon/ (Standard Tagalog) /ʔapaɾisˈjon/ |
| pantasma |
The term refers to a spirit appearing after death. Idiomatically, the phrase mukhang multo is used to describe someone who looks pale, sickly or extremely startled.
Which one should you use?
While multo is the most common and everyday term for a ghost, aparisyon is a more formal or religious term, often used to describe a supernatural manifestation or apparition. The form pantasma is also available.
How do you pronounce it?
/mulˈto/
Did you know?
- Filipino ghost stories often involve multo that are not scary but are instead nagpaparamdam, a verb meaning 'making one's presence felt' through smells or temperature changes.
- In Filipino folklore, a multo is often distinguished from other supernatural beings like the aswang or tiyanak, as the multo is specifically the spirit of a deceased human.
- While multo is the standard word for ghost, it is a linguistic doublet of muwerto. This means the same Spanish root entered the language twice, creating two different words with related meanings.
Examples in context
- Mukhang multo si Yanni.Yanni looks like a ghost.This sentence shows how to use multo to describe someone's appearance.Tatoeba #11270309 by qwertzu, translation #8849758 by Amastan
- Hindi nagtagal, naglaho ang multo sa makapal na hamog.Before long, the ghost disappeared into a thick fog.This sentence demonstrates the disappearance of a multo into fog.Tatoeba #11743190 by qwertzu, translation #326652 by CM
- Sa kwento, laging nagpapakita ang multo sa lumang tahanan.In the story, the ghost always appears in the old house.
- Ang multo ay nananatiling misteryoso.The ghost remains mysterious.
- May nakita akong multo sa lumang bahay.I saw a ghost in the old house.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a spooky story at night.
- JuanNaniniwala ka ba sa multo?Do you believe in ghosts?
- MariaHindi ako naniniwala sa mga multo.I don't believe in ghosts.
- JuanBaka nakakita ka ng multo sa kanto.Maybe you saw a ghost on the corner.
- MariaHuwag mo akong takutin, Juan.Don't scare me, Juan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ghost” translations and entries multo, aparisyon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aparisyon, multo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
