basahan
/baˈsahan/
The Tagalog word for "rag" is basahan.
For example, you can use the phrase malaking basahan to mean "big rag".
Meaning: piece of cloth (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a combination of the root basâ (wet) and the suffix -han, which implies a cloth used for wet cleaning or wiping.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word basahan is used for both the singular "rag" and the plural "rags" without changing its form.
How do you pronounce it?
/baˈsahan/
Did you know?
- In several related languages, such as Tausug and Maranao, words with a similar structure to basahan refer specifically to clothing worn while bathing.
- In Old Javanese, the word basahan referred to a piece of cloth that was not removed during a bath.
Examples in context
- Gamitin mo ang basahan sa mesa.Use the rag on the table.
- Maruming basahan ang hawak niya.He is holding a dirty rag.
- Kumuha ka ng basahan para sa dumi.Get a rag for the dirt.
Example conversation
Jose and Angela are cleaning the dining table.
- JoseAngela, nasaan ang basahan?Angela, where is the rag?
- AngelaNasa tabi lang ng lababo, Jose.It is just beside the sink, Jose.
- JoseSalamat, gagamitin ko na ito.Thanks, I will use this now.
- AngelaPakilaba na lang ang basahan pagkatapos.Please just wash the rag afterwards.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry basahan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries basahan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
