kamay
/kaˈmaj/
The Tagalog word for hand is kamay.
Kamay is a noun used to refer to the part of the fore limb.
Meaning: part of the fore limb (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use kamay specifically for the hand, whereas paa is used for the foot.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make kamay plural, add the marker mga before it, resulting in mga kamay.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈmaj/
Did you know?
- While kamay refers to the hand, the word palad specifically refers to the palm, and it is also the Tagalog word for 'fate' or 'destiny'.
- The word kamayan is a verb meaning 'to eat with the hands', which refers to the traditional Filipino style of eating without utensils.
- In the Philippines, it is a common custom for children to take the kamay of an elder and press it to their own forehead as a sign of respect, a gesture called 'pagmamano'.
Examples in context
- Makati ang kamay ko.My hand itches.This sentence is useful for describing an itchy kamay.Tatoeba #13890143 by qwertzu, translation #3363723 by CK
- Masakit ang kamay ko.My hand hurts.This sentence is useful for describing a hurting kamay.Tatoeba #13890156 by qwertzu, translation #8916495 by CK
- Kunin mo ang kamay ko.Take my hand.This sentence is useful for requesting someone to take your kamay.Tatoeba #13890168 by qwertzu, translation #2250057 by CK
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Angela and Jose are eating dinner together.
- AngelaMalinis ba ang kamay mo?Are your hands clean?
- JoseOo, naghugas na ako.Yes, I already washed them.
- AngelaSige, gamitin mo ang kamay mo sa pagkain.Okay, use your hands to eat.
- JoseSalamat, Angela.Thanks, Angela.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hand” translations and entries kamay, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
