luma
/ˈlumaʔ/
The Tagalog word for old is luma.
luma is an adjective used to describe things that are old, such as houses, clothes or clocks. It is specifically used for inanimate objects and is not the word used to describe the age of living beings.
Meaning: of a living being: having lived for relatively many years (adj)
Which one should you use?
While luma is used for objects, you should use matanda when referring to people or animals. For a more intense description meaning very old, you can use Tandang-tanda. Additionally, Gulang can be used to mean mature or of age.
How does it change in a sentence?
When luma is used as an adjective directly before a noun, you must attach the linker -ng to the end of the word, turning it into lumang.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlumaʔ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using luma to describe an old person. Although it translates to 'old' in English, in Tagalog it only refers to objects. For people, use matanda instead.
Did you know?
- Calling a person luma instead of matanda can sound like you are describing them as a piece of worn-out equipment or an old rag.
- The word matanda comes from the root tanda meaning 'mark' or 'sign'. This implies that an old person is someone who has acquired the marks of time.
- The Tagalog word luma shares a common ancestor with the Malay word lama, which also means 'old' or 'long-standing'.
Examples in context
- Sinira nila ang lumang bahay.They destroyed the old house.This sentence shows how to use luma to describe a house.Tatoeba #13891792 by qwertzu, translation #3608065 by panamicua
- Ginagamit pa ang lumang orasan.The old clock is still in use.This sentence demonstrates using luma to describe a clock.Tatoeba #1820545 by nonong, translation #48156 by CK
- Ang isa'y bago't ang iba'y luma.One is new, the other is old.This sentence shows the contrast between something new and something luma.Tatoeba #1802466 by nonong, translation #1490285 by niceguydave
- Ang matandang lalakiThe old man
- Ang matandang babaeThe old woman
- Siya ay may edad naHe/She is old
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mark and Jasmine are looking at a family photo album.
- MarkSino itong luma na litrato?Who is in this old photo?
- JasmineLolo ko iyan, Mark.That is my grandfather, Mark.
- MarkMukhang luma na talaga ang papel.The paper looks really old.
- JasmineOo, kailangang ingatan iyan.Yes, that needs to be taken care of.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry luma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries luma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
