santo
/ˈsanto/
The Tagalog word for saint is santo.
santo refers to a person proclaimed as a saint.
Meaning: person proclaimed as saint (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, add the marker mga before the word to get mga santo. When using santo as a modifier for a following noun, it often takes the linker -ng, such as in santong tao (saintly person).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsanto/
Did you know?
- Filipinos may use the phrase nagpapaka-santo to describe someone who is acting overly pious or pretending to be a saint to impress others.
- In some traditional Filipino households, santo figures are 'dressed' in real fabric clothing that is changed according to the liturgical calendar.
- The word santo is part of a broader category of religious objects called anting-anting, which are amulets often inscribed with the names of saints.
Examples in context
- Siya ay isang santo sa ating simbahan.He is a saint in our church.
- Maraming santo ang iginagalang dito.Many saints are respected here.
- Binigyan siya ng titulong santo.He was given the title of saint.
Example conversation
Jasmine and Ricardo are talking about a religious festival at a local church.
- JasmineRicardo, kilala mo ba ang santo sa estatwang ito?Ricardo, do you know the saint in this statue?
- RicardoOo, siya ang tanyag na santo ng bayan.Yes, he is the town's famous saint.
- JasmineAng ganda ng kuwento tungkol sa kanya.The story about him is beautiful.
- RicardoTotoo, inspirasyon siya sa maraming tao.True, he is an inspiration to many people.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “saint” translations and entries santo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
