matuto
/maˈtuto/
In Tagalog, the English phrase 'learn' is translated as matuto.
Matuto is used to express the acquisition of knowledge or a new ability.
Meaning: to acquire knowledge or ability (verb)
Which one should you use?
Matuto is an actor-focus verb, which means the grammatical focus of the sentence is on the person performing the act of learning.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes based on the aspect (tense) of the action. The completed aspect (past tense) is natuto, the progressive aspect (present tense) is natututo and the contemplative aspect (future tense) is matututo. Additionally, when you want to say 'to learn how to' followed by another verb to express learning a skill, you often attach the linker -ng to the word, resulting in matutong.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈtuto/
Did you know?
- The word matuto is often used in a disciplinary sense to mean 'learning a lesson' after making a mistake or being punished.
- Because Tagalog is an Austronesian language, matuto shares deep ancestral roots with words for 'learning' in languages spoken across Indonesia and Malaysia.
- While matuto focuses on the learner's ability, Filipinos use the verb mag-aral to describe the act of studying or attending school.
Examples in context
- Kailangan mong matutong mangabayo.You have to learn how to ride a horse.This example shows how to use matuto to express learning a specific skill like riding a horse.Tatoeba #11809083 by qwertzu, translation #2821149 by CK
- Nahirapan si Tom na matutong bumasa.Tom struggled to learn how to read.This example uses matuto to describe the struggle of learning how to read.Tatoeba #11474559 by qwertzu, translation #8130262 by Hybrid
- Kailangan mong matutong magbisikleta.You need to learn how to ride a bike.This example uses matuto to express the need to learn how to ride a bike.Tatoeba #11809148 by qwertzu, translation #2821168 by CK
- Mag-aaral ako ng Tagalog.I will learn Tagalog.
- Kailangan kong matuto ng mga pangunahing salita sa Tagalog.I need to learn basic words in Tagalog.
- Magkakabisado ako ng mga kantang Tagalog.I will learn Tagalog songs by heart.
- Dapat matuto nang husto para maging magaling na manlalaro.You should learn thoroughly to become a skilled player.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Ricardo are talking about their new hobby.
- MariaGusto kong matuto ng gitara.I want to learn the guitar.
- RicardoMabilis ka bang matuto?Do you learn quickly?
- MariaSana ay matuto ako agad.I hope I learn quickly.
- RicardoTutulungan kita para matuto ka.I will help you so that you learn.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry matuto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
