Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| halik | /haˈlik/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| humalik | /humaˈlik/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| maghalikan | /maɡhaˈlikan/ (Standard Tagalog) |
halik is a noun meaning 'a touch with the lips'. It also serves as the root for various verb forms used to describe the act of kissing.
Which one should you use?
halik is the noun form. To express the action of kissing, you must use different verb forms such as humalik, halikan or maghalikan depending on the grammatical focus and the intent of the sentence.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb forms change based on the focus of the sentence: use humalik when the focus is on the person performing the kiss (actor-focused), and use halikan when the focus is on the person being kissed (object-focused). To express the reciprocal action of kissing each other, use maghalikan.
How do you pronounce it?
/haˈlik/
When do people say it?
Among friends, it is common to use the term Beso or the phrase Hi/halika na, beso-beso tayo to suggest a friendly cheek kiss.
Did you know?
- The root of the word halik is actually related to the sense of smell rather than just touch. It stems from an ancient word meaning 'to smell' or 'to sniff'.
- The word halik belongs to a vast family of Austronesian languages, meaning its distant relatives can be found across the Pacific islands.
- In the Philippines, the custom of beso-beso is a social greeting that involves touching cheeks rather than a literal lip kiss.
Examples in context
- Halikan mo si Tom.Kiss Tom.This sentence shows how to use the form halik to command someone to kiss Tom.Tatoeba #4560618 by kanlaon, translation #2203863 by CK
- Halikan mo ako.Kiss me.This sentence shows how to use the form halik to command someone to kiss me.Tatoeba #8635254 by artemio, translation #565931 by Fish
- Gusto kitang halikan.I'd like to kiss you.This sentence shows how to use the form halik to express a desire to kiss someone.Tatoeba #11641003 by qwertzu, translation #1043833 by CK
- Nais kong halikan ang iyong mga mata.I want to kiss your eyes
- Halika na, beso-beso tayo pagkatapos ng mahabang araw.Come on, let's give each other a cheek kiss after a long day
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Angela and Mark are saying goodbye.
- AngelaBigyan mo ako ng halik.Give me a kiss.
- MarkSige, heto na.Okay, here it is.
- AngelaSalamat, Mark.Thank you, Mark.
- MarkIngat ka, Angela.Take care, Angela.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kiss” translations and entries halik, humalik, maghalikan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries halik, humalik, maghalikan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
