kati
/kaˈti/
The English word itch is kati in Tagalog.
kati is the noun used to describe the sensation felt on an area of the skin that causes a person or animal to want to scratch.
Meaning: a sensation felt on an area of the skin that causes a person or animal to want to scratch (noun)
Which one should you use?
While kati is the noun for the sensation, mangati is the verb used to describe the sensation occurring. To describe a body part as being itchy, the common adjective used is makati.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈti/
Did you know?
- In Tagalog, makati is not only used for an 'itchy' feeling but is also a common slang term for someone who is flirtatious or promiscuous.
- The word kati is a homonym with several unrelated meanings, including 'low tide' and a traditional unit of weight.
- The word kati is a cognate of the Malagasy word hatina, showing a linguistic connection between Tagalog and the language of Madagascar.
Examples in context
- Nararamdaman ko ang kati sa balat ko.I feel an itch on my skin.
- Grabe ang kati-kati ng anit ko ngayon!My scalp is incredibly itchy right now!
- Kailangan ko ng gamot para sa pangangati ng balat.I need medicine for my skin itchiness.
- Grabe, sobrang makati ng mga kagat ng lamok dito!Wow, mosquito bites here are really itchy!
- Ilang araw na akong makati sa sobrang init ng panahon.I've been itchy for several days due to the intense heat.
- May matinding kati ang aking braso.My arm has an intense itch.
- Hindi ko mapigilan ang kati sa aking likod.I cannot stop the itch on my back.
Example conversation
Juan and Maria are sitting on a sofa together.
- JuanMaria, may matinding kati ang binti ko.Maria, my leg has an intense itch.
- MariaBaka dahil iyan sa kagat ng lamok.That might be because of a mosquito bite.
- JuanAng kati talaga, hindi ako makapag-concentrate.The itch is really something, I can't concentrate.
- MariaGamutin mo na para mawala ang kati.Treat it now so the itch goes away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “itch” translations and entries kati, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kati, CC BY-SA 4.0.
