Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| sinungaling | /sinuˈŋaliŋ/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| echosera | /ʔet͡ʃoˈseɾa/ (Standard Tagalog) /ʔetsoˈseɾa/ |
| charotera | /t͡ʃaɾoˈteɾa/ (Standard Tagalog) /tsaɾoˈteɾa/ |
The term sinungaling is a general way to describe someone who tells lies. It can be used as a direct exclamation, such as Sinungaling!, to call someone a liar.
Which one should you use?
While sinungaling is the general term, there are specific slang terms for different types of lying. Echosera describes someone who exaggerates or makes up stories to get attention or to sound more interesting. Charotera is a slang term derived from charot (just kidding). It refers to someone who frequently says things they do not mean as a joke or is perceived as being untruthful in a playful, non-malicious way.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Tagalog, sinungaling is versatile and can function as both a noun (a liar) and an adjective (lying or untruthful).
How do you pronounce it?
/sinuˈŋaliŋ/
Did you know?
- The slang term echosera is a linguistic artifact of Filipino gay slang, often referred to as Swardspeak.
- The suffix '-era' used in echosera and charotera is borrowed from Spanish, used to turn a concept into a person.
- While sinungaling is a serious accusation, the word charotera is often used affectionately between friends.
Examples in context
- Sinungaling!Liar!This sentence shows how to use sinungaling as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #11268358 by qwertzu, translation #1532901 by Spamster
- Sinungaling si Tom.Tom's a liar.This sentence uses sinungaling to identify a person as a liar.Tatoeba #4560467 by kanlaon, translation #2549742 by CK
- Ikaw ay sinungaling.You are a liar.This sentence uses sinungaling to state that someone is a liar.Tatoeba #2792289 by mervert1, translation #2197116 by muatik
- Sinungaling ka!You are a liar!
Example conversation
Ricardo and Maria are arguing about a broken vase.
- RicardoHindi ko ginawa iyan, Maria.I didn't do that, Maria.
- MariaSinungaling ka, Ricardo!You are a liar, Ricardo!
- RicardoBakit mo ako tinatawag na sinungaling?Why are you calling me a liar?
- MariaNakita kita kanina.I saw you earlier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “liar” translations and entries sinungaling, echosera, charotera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
