umupo
/ʔumuˈpoʔ/
To sit down in Tagalog is to say umupo. Wiktionary also lists lumuklok.
Meaning: to assume a sitting position from a standing position (verb)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| umupo | /ʔumuˈpoʔ/ (Standard Tagalog) /ʔuˈmupoʔ/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| lumuklok | /lumukˈlok/ (Standard Tagalog) |
The verb describes the action of moving from a standing position to a sitting position.
Which one should you use?
While umupo is the standard word used for the general action of sitting, lumuklok is used specifically for the act of sitting on a throne or ascending to a position of authority.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form umupo can function as both the infinitive 'to sit down' and the completed aspect 'sat down' depending on the context of the sentence. To express the future tense 'will sit down', the first syllable of the root is reduplicated to form uupo. For the progressive aspect 'sitting down', the first syllable of the root is reduplicated and the prefix um- is added to create umuupo.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔumuˈpoʔ/
Did you know?
- The root word of umupo, which is upo, also refers to a type of legume known in English as a bottle gourd or squash.
- In the Philippines, the gesture of pointing with the lips while saying umupo is a common non-verbal cue to indicate where a guest should sit.
- In traditional Filipino etiquette, inviting an elder to umupo first is a mandatory sign of respect known as 'paggalang'.
Examples in context
- Sa tingin ko gugustuhin mong umupo.I think you're going to want to sit down.This sentence shows how to use the form umupo to express a desire.Tatoeba #11273248 by qwertzu, translation #2026905 by CK
- Umupo ka.Sit down.This sentence shows a direct command using the form umupo.Tatoeba #4554902 by kanlaon, translation #1553397 by CK
- Maupo po kayo.Please have a seat.
- Umupo ka muna sa silya.Sit on the chair for a moment.
Example conversation
At a coffee shop during a break.
- RicardoAngela, umupo ka na rito.Angela, please sit down here.
- AngelaSalamat, Ricardo.Thanks, Ricardo.
- RicardoGusto mo bang umupo sa loob?Do you want to sit inside?
- AngelaOo, mas maganda doon.Yes, it is better there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sit down” translations and entries umupo, lumuklok, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
