agek
/ʔaˈɡɛk/
The English word "kiss" is agek in Ilocano.
agek is a noun used to describe a touch with the lips.
Meaning: a touch with the lips (noun)
Which one should you use?
agek is the noun for a kiss, while ungngo is the verb meaning to kiss or to touch with the lips.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔaˈɡɛk/
Did you know?
- In traditional Filipino culture, a kiss on the forehead or hand is often replaced by mano, where a younger person touches an elder's hand to their own forehead.
- The word agek descends from the Proto-Austronesian root *Sajək, linking the Ilocano word to languages spoken across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
- While agek refers to the act of kissing, the verb ungngo can sometimes describe the act of nuzzling or rubbing the nose, similar to how some animals show affection.
Example sentences for Ilocano are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Antonio and Angel are saying goodbye at the door.
- AntonioAngel, maysa a bassit nga agek man.Angel, a little kiss, please.
- AngelSige Antonio, daytoy nga agek para kenka.Okay Antonio, this kiss is for you.
- AntonioAgyamanak iti napintas nga agekmo.Thank you for your beautiful kiss.
- AngelAgannad ka, Antonio.Take care, Antonio.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kiss” translations and entries agek, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries agek, CC BY-SA 4.0.
