kalaguyo
/kalaˈɡujoʔ/
In Tagalog, the word for lover (as a sexual partner) is kalaguyo.
The term kalaguyo is used specifically to refer to a sexual partner or someone with whom one shares physical intimacy.
Meaning: sexual partner (noun)
Which one should you use?
While kalaguyo emphasizes physical intimacy, other Tagalog terms carry different nuances. Kasintahan is the standard romantic term for a sweetheart, boyfriend or girlfriend. In contrast, kabiyak, which literally means 'other half', is a respectful term used for a legal or long-term life partner or spouse.
How do you pronounce it?
/kalaˈɡujoʔ/
Did you know?
- While English speakers might use 'lover' poetically, calling someone your kalaguyo in a Filipino household would likely cause a scandal. It carries a heavy social stigma of infidelity that 'lover' lacks in English.
- The prefix ka- in kalaguyo and kabiyak is used across Tagalog to denote an equal partner, such as kaklase for a classmate or kalaro for a playmate.
- The root word laguyo is extremely rare in modern Tagalog and does not appear in everyday conversation outside of this specific term. This makes the word feel ancient or specialized to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- Ang aking minamahalMy beloved or my loved one
- Sumama ka ba sa pagdiriwang kasama ang iyong kasintahan?Did you go to the celebration with your lover?
- Kasama ko siya kahapon, ang aking syota.I was with my lover yesterday.
- Ang gwapo/ganda ng jowa mo!Your lover looks handsome/beautiful!
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a secret relationship.
- JasmineMay kalaguyo ka ba ngayon, Ricardo?Do you have a lover right now, Ricardo?
- RicardoWala, Jasmine. Single ako.No, Jasmine. I am single.
- JasmineAkala ko ay may kalaguyo ka na.I thought you already had a lover.
- RicardoHindi pa ako nakahanap ng gusto ko.I haven't found someone I like yet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kalaguyo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
