mangahulugan
The English verb 'mean' is translated into Tagalog as mangahulugan. Wiktionary also lists ipakahulugan.
Meaning: of a word: to signify (verb)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| mangahulugan | |
| ipakahulugan | /ʔipakahuluˈɡan/ (Standard Tagalog) |
When referring to what a word, sign or symptom signifies, use the verb forms of 'mean'.
Which one should you use?
Use mangahulugan for the general concept of what something signifies. In contrast, use ipakahulugan when the focus is on the specific interpretation of something or the act of assigning a specific meaning to it.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ipakahulugan is used when the focus is on the object being meant or the act of interpreting a specific meaning.
Did you know?
- While mangahulugan describes what a word means, the word ibig is used for personal intention. To say 'I mean' as in 'What I intend to say is' requires a completely different root than the one used for definitions.
- The root of mangahulugan is hulog, which literally means 'to fall' or 'a drop'. This suggests that a meaning is something that 'falls' or is dropped into a word.
- The prefix ipa- in ipakahulugan functions to change the focus from the meaning itself to the act of interpreting or assigning that meaning.
Examples in context
- Maaari itong mangahulugan ng kahit anong gusto mo.It can mean whatever you want.This sentence shows how mangahulugan can be used to describe something that can represent various different things.Tatoeba #10560653 by nonong, translation #10560601 by DJ_Saidez
- Ang pananakit ng kasukasuan sa may balakang ay maaaring mangahulugan ng bursitis.Pain over the hip joint could mean bursitis.This sentence demonstrates how mangahulugan is used to express what a physical symptom might signify.Tatoeba #11646493 by qwertzu, translation #8983314 by mccarras
- Siya ay malupit na magulang.He/She is a mean parent.
- Hindi magiliw ang kanyang pagtrato sa amin.His/Her treatment of us is unkind.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ricardo and Christina are studying a Filipino textbook together.
- RicardoChristina, hindi ko alam ang salitang ito.Christina, I don't know this word.
- ChristinaAno ba ang dapat nitong mangahulugan sa pangungusap?What is it supposed to mean in the sentence?
- RicardoHindi ko rin alam, tingnan natin sa diksyunaryo.I don't know either, let's look it up in the dictionary.
- ChristinaSige, Ricardo, hanapin mo na lang.Okay, Ricardo, just look for it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mean” translations and entries ipakahulugan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ipakahulugan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
