banta
/banˈtaʔ/
The Tagalog word for menace is banta.
banta is a noun used to describe a perceived threat or danger.
Meaning: perceived threat or danger (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/banˈtaʔ/
Did you know?
- While banta means a threat or menace in Tagalog, it shares a common ancestor with the Malay word bantah, which means to argue or object.
- In Filipino culture, a banta is often associated with 'pagbabanta', the act of making a threat, which is viewed as a significant breach of social harmony.
- Tagalog uses the same word banta to describe both a subtle omen of danger and a direct, explicit threat.
Examples in context
- Ang pagsabog ng bulkan ay nagdulot ng malaking banta sa mga residente.The volcanic eruption posed a significant menace to the residents.
- Ang malalakas na alon ay nagdudulot ng panganib sa mga mangingisda.The strong waves present a menace to the fishermen.
- Isa siyang banta sa seguridad.He is a threat to security.
- May banta ng pandemya sa bansa.There is a threat of a pandemic in the country.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are discussing a recent news report about crime.
- AngelaMay banta ba sa ating lugar?Is there a threat in our area?
- JuanOo, may banta ng nakawan.Yes, there is a threat of robbery.
- AngelaDapat ba tayong mag-ingat, Juan?Should we be careful, Juan?
- JuanOo, maging mapagmatyag tayo.Yes, let us be vigilant.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry banta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries banta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
