masama
/masaˈmaʔ/
The English phrase 'nasty' can be translated into Tagalog as masama.
The primary meaning of masama is dirty or filthy. However, it is also used to describe something that is unpleasant, unkind or objectionable.
Meaning: dirty, filthy (adj)
Which one should you use?
While masama is a general term for something unpleasant or dirty, other words can be more specific. Bastos is used to describe rudeness or impoliteness, and the slang term Jologs specifically refers to something being trashy, vulgar or having poor taste.
How do you pronounce it?
/masaˈmaʔ/
Did you know?
- The word masama may be linked to the Sanskrit words viṣama or duḥṣama, suggesting ancient linguistic ties between India and the Philippines.
- If someone says masama ang loob (the inside is bad), they aren't talking about filth, but are expressing that they feel resentful or hurt.
- The word masama shares a root with kasama, which means 'companion' or 'someone you are with'. While masama means 'bad', its base sama can also mean 'joining' or 'inclusion'.
Examples in context
- Ang pag-uugali niya ay masamaHis behavior is nasty
- Ang iyong ginawa ay napakasama.What you did was very nasty.
- Ang sinabi niya ay bastosWhat he said was nasty
- Sobrang bastos 'yung joke na sinabi mo kanina.The joke that you said earlier was really nasty.
Example conversation
Mark and Angela are cleaning the kitchen together.
- MarkAngela, tingnan mo itong masama at maduming kawali.Angela, look at this nasty and dirty pan.
- AngelaYuck, kailangang hugasan iyan agad.Yuck, that needs to be washed immediately.
- MarkGagamit ako ng maraming sabon para malinis ito.I will use a lot of soap to clean this.
- AngelaSige, itapon mo na lang ang tubig pagkatapos.Okay, just throw away the water afterwards.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry masama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries masama, CC BY-SA 4.0.
