sabi
/ˈsabi/
The Tagalog word sabi means a word used to report what someone else has said.
sabi is used to report what someone else has said. It is also frequently used as a noun meaning a statement or a remark. You will often encounter the phrase Sabi nila to express hearsay or general rumors, or Ang sabi ko when you want to clarify or reiterate your own previous statement.
Which one should you use?
While sabi serves as the root for the verbs say or said, it can also function as a noun meaning a statement or remark depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes based on the tense: sinabi is the past tense (said), sinasabi is the progressive or habitual form (is saying/says) and sasabihin is the future tense (will say). The formal noun form for the act of saying or expressing something is Pagsasabi.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsabi/
Did you know?
- In Filipino culture, the phrase Sabi nila is often used as a linguistic shield to distance the speaker from the truth of a rumor, effectively acting as 'they say'.
- The word sabi is not just limited to Tagalog, as it is also the standard word for 'say' in several other languages like Kapampangan, Bikol, and Hanunoo.
- While some linguists argue sabi is a native word, it is often speculatively linked to the Spanish word sabe, meaning 'he/she knows'.
Examples in context
- Ano ba ang "wabi-sabi"?What is wabi-sabi?This sentence uses the form sabi to ask about the term wabi-sabi.Tatoeba #1858804 by nonong, translation #1812123 by Bah_Dure
- Ang pagsasabi ng katotohanan ay mahalagaSpeaking the truth is important
- Sabihin mo sa kanya ang totooTell him/her the truth
- Ano ang sabi niya?What did he/she say?
- Sabi ni Maria, darating siya mamaya.Maria said she is coming later.
Example conversation
Juan and Jasmine are talking about a meeting.
- JuanSabi ni Boss, may meeting tayo.Boss said we have a meeting.
- JasmineAnong oras daw?What time, he said?
- JuanSabi niya, alas-dos ng hapon.He said it is at two in the afternoon.
- JasmineSige, pupunta ako.Okay, I will go.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sabi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sabi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
