salamin
/salaˈmin/
In Tagalog, the English phrase "glasses" is translated as salamin.
The word salamin refers to a pair of lenses worn to correct vision or to protect the eyes. Because this term is used broadly, you may add sa mata (meaning "on the eyes") to the phrase to clarify that you are talking about eyewear rather than a mirror.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, salamin means "mirror".
Which one should you use?
While salamin is the standard term, you can use the specific phrase salaming de grado when you want to refer specifically to prescription glasses.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify that there are multiple pairs of glasses, place the plural marker mga before the word to form mga salamin.
How do you pronounce it?
/salaˈmin/
Did you know?
- The word salamin refers to the material of glass in general, meaning it can be used for windows and mirrors as well as eyewear.
- The word salamin is borrowed from the Malay word cermin.
- The phrase salaming de grado uses the Spanish word grado for 'degree', reflecting the historical influence of Spain on Filipino medical and technical terms.
Examples in context
- Hubarin mo ang salamin mo.Take off your glasses.This sentence shows how to tell someone to take off their salamin.Tatoeba #11459948 by qwertzu, translation #3735815 by CK
- Nawala ni Tom ang salamin niya.Tom has lost his glasses.This sentence demonstrates how to say someone has lost their salamin.Tatoeba #11807516 by qwertzu, translation #10777124 by CK
- Sino ang nakaimbento ng salamin?Who invented glasses?This sentence is used when asking about the invention of salamin.Tatoeba #8658505 by artemio, translation #2254854 by CK
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mark and Jasmine are at home looking for something.
- MarkJasmine, nakita mo ba ang salamin ko?Jasmine, did you see my glasses?
- JasmineNasa ibabaw lang iyan ng lamesa, Mark.They are just on top of the table, Mark.
- MarkAh, heto na, salamat!Ah, here they are, thanks!
- JasmineWalang anuman.You're welcome.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry salamin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries salamin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
