bakal
/ˈbakal/
The English phrase metal translates to Tagalog as bakal. Wiktionary also lists metal and kansa.
Meaning: atomic element or material made of such atoms (noun)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| bakal | /ˈbakal/ (Standard Tagalog) /baˈkal/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| metal | /meˈtal/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| kansa | /kanˈsa/ (Standard Tagalog) |
The term metal refers to an atomic element or a material made of such atoms.
Which one should you use?
In everyday conversation, bakal is the most common word for metal, but in a practical context, it specifically refers to iron or steel. The word kansa is also a form of the word, while Tanso refers to copper.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The loanword metal is used in technical, scientific or formal contexts to refer to the chemical category of metals. In formal or academic contexts, the term metal is also acceptable. In a formal context, bakal specifically refers to iron and steel.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbakal/
Did you know?
- The common word for metal, bakal, might not have originally meant a material at all, but instead referred to a 'spear' used in warfare.
- The word kansa likely traces its roots back to Sanskrit, where it referred to 'bell-metal' or 'metal vessels'.
Examples in context
- Yari sa bakal ang barya.Coins are made of metal.This sentence is useful for seeing how to say coins are made of bakal.Tatoeba #13882938 by qwertzu, translation #10281921 by sundown
- Yari sa bakal ang kahong ito.This box is made of metal.This sentence is useful for saying this box is made of bakal.Tatoeba #13882965 by qwertzu, translation #10281862 by sundown
- Gawang bakal ang kastilyo niya.His castle was made of metal.This sentence is useful for saying his castle was made of bakal.Tatoeba #5763771 by nonong, translation #5995433 by ichivivi20
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mark is helping Maria fix a broken gate.
- MariaMark, kailangan ba natin ng bagong bakal?Mark, do we need new iron?
- MarkOo, kailangan nating palitan ang sirang bakal.Yes, we need to replace the broken iron.
- MariaBibilhin ko na ba ang mga ito?Should I buy these now?
- MarkSige, Maria, bilhin mo na ang mga ito.Okay, Maria, go ahead and buy them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “metal” translations and entries bakal, metal, kansa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bakal, kansa, metal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
