bastos
/basˈtos/
The English word rude translates to Tagalog as bastos.
Bastos is used to describe behavior that is offensive, vulgar or indecent.
Meaning: bad-mannered (adj)
Which one should you use?
Depending on the specific nuance of rudeness, other terms may be more appropriate. Balasubas conveys being disrespectful, impudent or ill-mannered. The phrase walang modo specifically describes someone who has no manners. For a much stronger and more obnoxious connotation, the slang term kupal is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe the act or quality of being rude or vulgar, you can use the noun kabastusan. If you want to express the experience of being treated rudely or being insulted by someone, use the verb mabastos.
How do you pronounce it?
/basˈtos/
Did you know?
- In the Philippines, the verb mabastos can specifically imply being sexually harassed or treated with indecent familiarity.
- In traditional Filipino culture, failing to use 'po' or 'opo' when speaking to elders is considered bastos regardless of the actual words used.
- The word bastos originally comes from the Spanish word for 'coarse' or 'rough', referring to low-quality materials like raw cloth.
Examples in context
- Sobrang bastos ni Rima.Rima was so rude.This sentence shows how to use bastos to describe a person's character.Tatoeba #11570265 by qwertzu, translation #11430924 by Agestur
- Paano mo maipapaliwanag ang bastos mong pag-uugali?How can you justify your rude behavior?This sentence uses bastos to describe a person's behavior.Tatoeba #11827980 by qwertzu, translation #38358 by CM
- May mga Hapong mahiyain namang hanggang namamasdang parang bastos.Some Japanese are shy even to the point of appearing rude.This sentence illustrates how certain behaviors might be perceived as bastos by others.Tatoeba #1855722 by nonong, translation #281722 by CM
- Ang pangit ng pinakita niyang asal.His/her behavior was rude.
- Ang bastos ng mga sinabi mo kanina.What you said earlier was rude.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mark is reprimanding a customer who was disrespectful to Angela.
- AngelaBakit siya naging bastos sa akin?Why was he rude to me?
- MarkBastos talaga ang ugali ng lalaking iyon.That man's behavior is truly rude.
- AngelaHindi ko deserve ang ganoong trato.I do not deserve that kind of treatment.
- MarkHayaan mo na siya, Angela.Just leave him alone, Angela.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rude” translations and entries bastos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bastos, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
