isa
/ʔiˈsa/
The English number one is isa in Tagalog. Wiktionary also lists uno.
Meaning: cardinal number 1 (num)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| isa | /ʔiˈsa/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| uno | /ˈʔuno/ (Standard Tagalog) |
isa is the cardinal number 1. It can also function as a noun meaning a digit or figure. You can use the phrase Isa lang to mean "just one".
Which one should you use?
isa is the native Tagalog word used for general counting and in most everyday contexts. uno is a Spanish-derived loanword used primarily in specific contexts such as card games or when following Spanish-influenced numbering systems.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When isa is used as an adjective immediately before a noun, it often takes the linker -ng to become isang.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔiˈsa/
Did you know?
- The word isa is a direct descendant of the Proto-Austronesian word for 'one'. This means it shares a linguistic root with languages spoken as far away as Madagascar and Taiwan.
- In the Philippines, people often mix isa and uno within the same conversation. They might use isa for counting objects but switch to Spanish-derived numbers when talking about time or money.
- The Tagalog word isa can be used in a way that implies 'single' or 'alone', similar to how English uses 'one' in the phrase 'one of a kind'.
Examples in context
- Ayaw mo ba ng isa?Don't you want one?This sentence shows how to use isa when offering a single item.Tatoeba #8653126 by England, translation #6062357 by CK
- Bumili ako ng isa.I purchased one.This sentence demonstrates using isa to indicate a single item purchased.Tatoeba #11473949 by qwertzu, translation #2873499 by Amastan
- Kumanta ako ng isa.I sang one.This sentence illustrates the use of isa to refer to a single song performed.Tatoeba #10295582 by JuliaRamos, translation #2873463 by Amastan
- Pwede bang humiram ng isa lang na libro?Can I borrow just one book?
- 329 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a menu in a cafe.
- JoseGusto ko ng isa.I want one.
- AngelaIsa lang ba?Just one?
- JoseOo, isa lang.Yes, just one.
- AngelaSige, Jose.Okay, Jose.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one” translations and entries isa, uno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries isa, uno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
