pangalan
/paˈŋalan/
The English word 'name' is translated into Tagalog as pangalan. Wiktionary also lists ngalan.
Meaning: word or phrase indicating a particular person, place, class or thing (noun)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| pangalan | /paˈŋalan/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| ngalan | /ˈŋalan/ (Standard Tagalog) |
Both pangalan and ngalan refer to a word or phrase that indicates a particular person, place, class or thing.
What does it mean word for word?
The word pangalan is formed by the prefix pang-, which denotes an instrument or tool used for a specific purpose and the root ngalan, meaning 'name'.
Which one should you use?
pangalan is the standard, everyday word for 'name'. In contrast, ngalan is a more archaic or poetic form of the root often found in literature or formal compound words.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, pangalan does not change its form to indicate number. To express plurality, such as 'names', you add mga before it.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈŋalan/
Did you know?
- In the Philippines, some people avoid saying the pangalan of certain animals or spirits to avoid attracting them or causing bad luck.
- The root ngalan is an ancient word shared across a vast region, appearing in related forms in languages as far apart as Javanese 'aran' and Tetum 'naran'.
- While pangalan is the standard word for 'name', the prefix pang- technically classifies the name as a tool or instrument used for identifying someone.
Examples in context
- Ang pangalan ko ay Shu.My name is Shu.This sentence is useful for introducing your name using pangalan.Tatoeba #11606536 by qwertzu, translation #1460042 by piksea
- Wala pa akong pangalan.I have no name yet.This sentence shows how to express that you do not have a name yet using pangalan.Tatoeba #13820925 by kangkong, translation #7982415 by trochal
- Hindi Tom ang pangalan ko.My name isn't Tom.This sentence is useful for stating what your name is not using pangalan.Tatoeba #11731274 by qwertzu, translation #2396297 by CK
- Magandang umaga, Ginoong Santos. Ako po ay si (Your Name).Good morning, Mr. Santos. I am (Your Name).
- 122 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jasmine and Juan are meeting for the first time at a workshop.
- JasmineAno ang pangalan mo?What is your name?
- JuanJuan ang pangalan ko.My name is Juan.
- JasmineIkinagagalak kitang makilala, Juan.Nice to meet you, Juan.
- JuanIkinagagalak din kitang makilala, Jasmine.Nice to meet you too, Jasmine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “name” translations and entries pangalan, ngalan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ngalan, pangalan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
