sakay
The Tagalog word for "ride" is sakay.
Sakay is used to describe the act of riding in or on a vehicle or an animal. Depending on the context, the word can also refer to the passenger or the person currently riding.
Meaning: to transport oneself by sitting on and directing a horse, bicycle etc. (verb)
Which one should you use?
While sakay refers to riding in or on a vehicle, do not confuse it with dala, which is the term used for carrying an object.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the specific action of riding, boarding or getting on a vehicle or animal, use the verb form sumakay. If you are referring to a location such as a bus terminal or a station where people board vehicles, use the noun form sakayan.
When do people say it?
In informal situations, such as when catching a ride by holding onto a bike or a jeepney, the term sumabit is used.
Did you know?
- The word sakay is an inheritance from the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian root *sakay, which connects Tagalog to languages spoken across the vast Pacific islands.
- The term sumabit used for catching a ride literally means 'to hook' or 'to hang'. It describes the physical act of clinging to the back of a moving vehicle like a jeepney.
- Because many Philippine public vehicles like jeepneys do not have doors, the act of 'riding' often involves a physical-contact negotiation. You might 'sakay' by literally squeezing into a space that is already full.
Examples in context
- Puwede ba akong sumakay kasama mo?Can I ride with you?
- Gusto ko sumakay sa inyong sasakyan. Pwede ba akong sumakay?I want to ride in your car. Can I join?
- Puwede ba akong sumabit sa bisikleta mo?Can I catch a ride on your bike?
Example conversation
Angela and Jose are at a park with bicycles.
- AngelaJose, gusto mo bang sakay ng bisikleta?Jose, do you want to ride a bicycle?
- JoseOo, Angela, sige.Yes, Angela, okay.
- AngelaTara, sakay na tayo!Come on, let's ride!
- JoseTara na!Let's go!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sakay, CC BY-SA 4.0.
