daga
/daˈɡaʔ/
The Tagalog word for "rat" is daga.
daga refers to the rodent.
Meaning: rodent (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural "rats", add the marker mga before the word to get mga daga. When daga is followed by a modifier or is used as an adjective for a noun, the linker -ng is attached to form dagang.
How do you pronounce it?
/daˈɡaʔ/
Did you know?
- Despite referring to a rodent, the word daga is also the Spanish-derived word for a 'dagger' in Tagalog.
- In Filipino culture, the phrase daga sa dibdib literally means 'rat in the chest' but is used to describe a feeling of nervousness or anxiety.
- In many Tagalog-speaking regions, a distinction is made between a daga, which is a smaller rat, and an ilaga, which refers to a larger species.
Examples in context
- Biglang umiyak ang dagang akala'y aso.The rat who thought himself a dog, suddenly cried.Tatoeba #10042611 by nonong, translation #10044355 by Jondel
- Huwag kang matakot sa mga daga.Don't be afraid of rats.
- May nakita akong daga sa kusina.I saw a rat in the kitchen.
- Mabilis tumakbo ang malaking daga.The big rat ran fast.
Example conversation
Juan and Angela are checking the pantry at home.
- JuanAngela, may nakita akong daga sa loob.Angela, I saw a rat inside.
- AngelaNasaan ang dagang iyon?Where is that rat?
- JuanDoon sa likod ng mga lata.Over there, behind the cans.
- AngelaKailangang hulihin natin ang daga.We need to catch the rat.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rat” translations and entries daga, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries daga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
