hangal
The Tagalog word for foolish is hangal.
Which one should you use?
While hangal is the formal way to express this concept, you will often encounter the informal terms Tanga and Engot in everyday conversation to convey the same meaning.
Did you know?
- Tagalog has a distinct way of intensifying these words by adding sobrang before them, but saying tanga-tanga by repeating the word indicates a habitual or chronic state of foolishness.
- While hangal is strictly a heavy insult, the word engot can undergo a complete social transformation, moving from a mild jab to a term of endearment between very close friends.
- Because hangal is a literary term, it is often used in Tagalog translations of the Bible or religious texts to describe the 'fool' in a spiritual or moral sense.
Examples in context
- Ang kanyang mga desisyon ay tunay na hangal.His decisions are truly foolish.
- Huwag kang maging hangal.Don't be foolish.
- Masyado siyang hangal para maniwala sa kanya.He is too foolish to believe him.
Example conversation
Ricardo is giving Maria bad advice about her money.
- RicardoIbigay mo na lang ang pera sa kanya.Just give the money to him.
- MariaHangal ka ba, Ricardo?Are you foolish, Ricardo?
- RicardoBakit? Tutulungan ka niya.Why? He will help you.
- MariaHindi ako hangal.I am not foolish.
