naku
/naˈku/
The English phrase "gosh" is translated into Filipino as naku.
naku is used to express mild surprise, alarm or realization.
Meaning: mild expression of surprise or enthusiasm (intj)
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding 'po' to 'naku' makes the expression more polite or emphasizes the intensity of the emotion.
How do you pronounce it?
/naˈku/
Did you know?
- The expression naku is actually a shortened version of ina ko, which means 'my mother'.
- The structure of naku mirrors the Spanish expression madre mía, showing how both cultures use maternal figures to express shock.
- While naku expresses surprise, Filipinos often pair it with a palm-to-forehead gesture or a hand-to-chest motion to signal alarm.
Examples in context
- Grabe! Hindi ko akalain na magagawa mo iyon!Gosh! I never expected you could do that!
- Naku, ang hirap talagang intindihin!Gosh, it's really difficult to understand!
- Grabe talaga, sobrang galing mo!Gosh, you're really amazing!
- Naku, ang laki ng sorpresa!Gosh, what a big surprise!
- Naku, ang ganda ng tanawin.Gosh, the view is beautiful.
- Naku, ang bilis naman ng panahon.Gosh, time flies so fast.
Example conversation
Antonio and Patricia are looking at a very large cake.
- AntonioNaku, ang laki ng cake na ito!Gosh, this cake is so big!
- PatriciaOo, para sa lahat sila yan.Yes, that is for everyone.
- AntonioSana ay masarap ang lasa nito.I hope it tastes good.
- PatriciaSigurado ako na magugustuhan mo ito, Antonio.I am sure you will like it, Antonio.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry naku, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries naku, CC BY-SA 4.0.
