tanghalian
/taŋhaˈliʔan/
The English phrase 'lunch' is translated into Tagalog as tanghalian.
The word tanghalian refers to a meal eaten in the middle of the day. In casual daily conversation, many Tagalog speakers use the English loanword 'lunch' instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb form magtanghalian can be used to express the act of eating lunch together with others.
How do you pronounce it?
/taŋhaˈliʔan/
Did you know?
- In the Philippines, the midday meal is often the largest and most important of the day. It is common for families to take a long break for tanghalian before resuming work.
- The term tanghalian is closely related to the Malay phrase tengah hari, meaning 'middle of the day'. This shows the shared Austronesian roots of the language.
- The suffix '-an' in tanghalian functions as a locative or object-forming suffix, turning the concept of 'noon' into the 'place' or 'time' for a meal.
Examples in context
- Kailangan nating mag-meeting sa tanghalian.We need to have a meeting at lunchtime.
- Kumain tayo ng masarap na pananghalian ngayon.Let's eat a delicious lunch today.
- Masarap ang tanghalian natin.Our lunch is delicious.
- Kailan ang tanghalian?When is lunch?
- Naghanda ako ng tanghalian para sa iyo.I prepared lunch for you.
Example conversation
Juan and Jasmine are talking at the office.
- JuanJasmine, oras na para sa tanghalian.Jasmine, it is time for lunch.
- JasmineSige, Juan. Saan tayo kakain?Okay, Juan. Where shall we eat?
- JuanDoon tayo sa labas.Let's go outside.
- JasmineSige, tara na!Okay, let's go!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tanghalian, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tanghalian, CC BY-SA 4.0.
