halik
/haˈlik/
In Tagalog, the English phrase "kisses" is translated as halik.
The word halik is a noun that refers to the act of touching someone with the lips to show love or affection.
Which one should you use?
While halik is the general noun for a kiss, you can use the phrase halik sa pisngi when you want to specify a "kiss on the cheek".
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun halik (kiss) can be transformed into the verb halikan, which means "to kiss (someone)". The past tense of this verb form is naghalik, meaning "kissed".
How do you pronounce it?
/haˈlik/
Did you know?
- The root of halik actually traces back to the concept of smelling or sniffing. It comes from a Proto-Austronesian word that meant 'to smell'.
- In many Philippine cultures, the physical expression of affection through 'kisses' is often replaced by 'mano', where one presses an elder's hand to their forehead.
- In some traditional contexts, a kiss on the forehead is seen as a sign of protection and guardianship rather than romantic love.
Examples in context
- Salamat po sa inyo! *beso* *beso*Thank you! *kisses* *kisses*
- Bakit hindi mo ako binigyan ng halik?Why didn't you give me a kiss?
- Ang halik niya ay matamis.His kiss is sweet.
- Binigyan niya ako ng halik sa noo.He gave me a kiss on the forehead.
Example conversation
Maria and Mark are saying goodbye.
- MariaKailangan ko na pong umalis.I have to go now.
- MarkHumingi muna ako ng halik.Let me ask for a kiss first.
- MariaSige, halik lang sa pisngi.Okay, just a kiss on the cheek.
- MarkSalamat, Maria. Ingat ka.Thank you, Maria. Take care.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry halik, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries halik, CC BY-SA 4.0.
