wala
/waˈlaʔ/
The English word 'nothing' is translated to Filipino as wala.
Wala is used to express that there is no thing, no quantity or that someone/something is absent. It can function as a noun meaning 'nothing' or 'none', or as an adjective meaning 'absent'. A common idiomatic phrase is Wala lang, which is used to say 'It's nothing' or 'Just because' when dismissing a question or explaining that an action was done for no particular reason.
Meaning: not any thing (pron)
Which one should you use?
While wala means 'nothing' or 'none', it is distinct from hindi, which is the particle used to negate verbs or adjectives.
How does it change in a sentence?
Wala can function as both a noun meaning 'nothing' and an adjective meaning 'absent' or 'none'.
How do you pronounce it?
/waˈlaʔ/
When do people say it?
If someone asks why you did something and you want to indicate there was no specific reason, you can say Wala lang.
Did you know?
- The ancestor of the word wala is believed to have meant 'to be' or 'to exist' in ancient Philippine languages, which is the exact opposite of its modern meaning of 'non-existence'.
- In many Filipino-speaking households, if you are asked what you want to eat and you say Wala, you are not just saying 'nothing', you are actually saying 'I have no preference' or 'anything is fine'.
- In some contexts, wala can be used to describe a lack of emotion or a 'blank' state of mind.
Examples in context
- Walang natira sa ref.There was nothing left in the fridge.This sentence shows how to use wala to indicate nothing is left in a place.Tatoeba #2074280 by nonong, translation #2074273 by _undertoad
- Walang mabasa si Tom.Tom had nothing to read.Tatoeba #10170279 by theSardonyx, translation #1025551 by CK
- Wala na kaming makain.We have nothing to eat.This sentence shows the use of wala to express having nothing available to consume.Tatoeba #8749084 by fishda, translation #6271239 by CK
- Wala akong alam.I don't know anything
- Wala pong anuman, Ginoong Garcia.You're welcome, Mr. Garcia
- Ang pelikulang iyon ay walang kuwenta.That movie is worthless
- 121 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Ricardo are talking about what to eat for dinner.
- MariaAno ang gusto mong kainin?What do you want to eat?
- RicardoWala akong maisip ngayon.I can't think of anything right now.
- MariaMay pagkain pa ba sa kusina?Is there any food left in the kitchen?
- RicardoWala na, kailangan nating bumili.There is nothing left, we need to buy some.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nothing” translations and entries wala, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries wala, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
