tumulong
/tuˈmuloŋ/
The English verb help is translated into Ilocano as tumulong. Wiktionary also lists manulong and tulungan.
Meaning: transitive: provide assistance to (someone or something) (verb)
Ways to say it
| Ilocano | IPA |
|---|---|
| tumulong | /tuˈmuloŋ/ |
| manulong | |
| tulungan |
The phrase is used to describe the action of providing assistance to someone or something.
What does it mean word for word?
The root word tulong functions as both the base for the verbs and the noun for 'help' or 'assistance'.
Which one should you use?
The noun form, which refers to the actual assistance given, is tulong.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase tumulongka, the suffix -ka is the second-person singular pronoun 'you' attached to the verb to mean 'you help'.
How do you pronounce it?
/tuˈmuloŋ/
Did you know?
- In many Northern Luzon communities, the concept of 'tulong' is deeply tied to the cultural practice of 'bayanihan', or communal helping without expectation of pay.
- While tumulong means to provide assistance, Ilocano speakers may use the word salakan when asking for help specifically to protect or shield someone from a danger.
- While 'tulong' is the root for 'help', it is also the root for 'assistance' in many other Philippine languages, making it a widely recognized concept across the archipelago.
Examples in context
- Kayat ni Tom ti tumulong.Tom wants to help out.This sentence shows how to express the desire to help out using tumulong.Tatoeba #4658934 by saluyot, translation #2011713 by CK
- Inkarim kaniak a tumulongka.You promised me that you would help.This sentence demonstrates the use of tumulong in the context of a promise.Tatoeba #4688885 by saluyot, translation #4664068 by CK
- Sursuruen ti tumulong iti sabali.Learn to help others.This sentence uses tumulong to describe the act of learning to help others.Tatoeba #4695380 by jyarold, translation #4571600 by abburns
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ricardo and Rowena are cleaning the house together.
- RicardoKayatko ti tumulong kenka, Rowena.I want to help you, Rowena.
- RowenaSalamat, Ricardo. Isal setback daytoy.Thanks, Ricardo. Put this aside.
- RicardoAnia pay ti mabalin ko a tumulong?What else can I help with?
- RowenaTulonganka laeng itoy a lamesa.Just help me with this table.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “help” translations and entries tumulong, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
