wala
/waˈlaʔ/
The Tagalog word for "nothing" is wala.
Wala is used to express that there is nothing or none of something. It can be used as a standalone response to indicate the absence or non-existence of something when asked about availability or presence. For example, if someone asks if there is any food left, you might simply answer Wala. to mean "There is none."
Meaning: not any thing (pron)
Which one should you use?
While wala means "nothing" or "none", it is distinct from hindi, which is the word used to negate verbs or adjectives.
How does it change in a sentence?
When wala is used as a modifier immediately before a noun or an adjective, the linker -ng is attached to the word to form walang.
How do you pronounce it?
/waˈlaʔ/
Did you know?
- The root of wala can be traced back to the Proto-Philippine word *wada, which originally related to the concept of existing or being.
- The word wala is used in the common phrase Walang anuman, which is the standard way to say 'You are welcome' by literally stating 'it is nothing'.
- In certain contexts, saying Wala can be a very blunt or even rude way to end a conversation if you are asked a question. It can sound as final and dismissive as saying 'nothing' with a shrug in English.
Examples in context
- Walang natira sa ref.There was nothing left in the fridge.This sentence shows how to use wala to describe nothing being left in a specific location.Tatoeba #2074280 by nonong, translation #2074273 by _undertoad
- Walang mabasa si Tom.Tom had nothing to read.This sentence demonstrates using wala to indicate there is nothing to read.Tatoeba #10170279 by theSardonyx, translation #1025551 by CK
- Wala na kaming makain.We have nothing to eat.This sentence shows how to use wala to express that there is nothing to eat.Tatoeba #8749084 by fishda, translation #6271239 by CK
- Wala po, salamatNo, thank you.
- 121 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juan and Maria are looking inside a shopping bag.
- JuanAno ang nasa loob ng bag?What is inside the bag?
- MariaWala akong nakita sa loob.I saw nothing inside.
- JuanSigurado ka bang wala talaga?Are you sure there is really nothing?
- MariaOo, wala talaga.Yes, there is really nothing.
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.
