dapat
/ˈdapat/
The Tagalog word for "should" is dapat.
Dapat is used to express obligation. Depending on the context, it can range from a light suggestion ("should") to a stronger sense of necessity or obligation ("must" or "ought to").
Meaning: expressing obligation (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
Dapat is an indeclinable particle, which means it does not change its form based on the person or the tense of the sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdapat/
Did you know?
- The word dapat shares a common root with the Malay word dapat, though in Malay it more commonly means 'can' or 'to be able to'.
- In some dialects, dapat can be used to describe a physical fit, such as a lid that fits perfectly on a jar.
- While dapat means 'should' in a moral sense, it can also mean 'fitting' or 'appropriate' when describing a person's attire or behavior for a specific event.
Examples in context
- Dapat matulog ka na.You should sleep.This sentence shows how to use dapat to give advice about sleeping.Tatoeba #4560295 by kanlaon, translation #1311 by CK
- Dapat puriin si Tom.Tom should be praised.This sentence demonstrates how dapat expresses an obligation for someone to be praised.Tatoeba #11474696 by qwertzu, translation #4501516 by CK
- Sino ang dapat manalo?Who should win?This sentence shows how to use dapat when asking about a deserved outcome.Tatoeba #8658550 by artemio, translation #3818533 by CK
- Dapat mong gawin ang takdang-aralin mo.You should do your homework.
- Dapat siyang pumasok nang maaga.He/She should come early.
- Dapat nating irespeto ang ating mga nakatatanda.We should respect our elders.
- Kailangan mong iayos ang iyong gamit.You should organize your things.
- Kailangan kong umalis nang maaga.I should leave early.
- Maganda na magsimula tayo sa ating proyekto.We should start our project.
- Dapat kong sundin ang tuntunin.I should follow the rules.
- Mag-ingat ka sa pagtawid ng kalsada.You should be careful when crossing the street.
- Dapat mo itong tapusin bago matapos ang araw.You should finish this before the day ends.
- 214 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing what to do about a messy room.
- MariaDapat tayong maglinis ngayon.We should clean up now.
- JoseTama ka, Maria. Dapat nating tapusin ito.You are right, Maria. We should finish this.
- MariaSaan tayo dapat magsimula?Where should we start?
- JoseDapat tayong magsimula sa mesa.We should start with the table.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dapat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dapat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
