sampal
/samˈpal/
The English word 'smack' is translated to Tagalog as sampal.
The term sampal is often associated with a slap or a lighter blow, typically delivered with the hand.
Meaning: to slap someone (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of slapping a specific person (the object of the action), use the verb form sampalin. If you want to indicate that the slap has already occurred, use the completed aspect form sinampal.
How do you pronounce it?
/samˈpal/
Did you know?
- In Tagalog culture, the physical act of sampal is often viewed as a massive loss of 'face' or social standing, far beyond just the physical sting.
- In Filipino soap operas, the sampal is a dramatic trope often used as a climactic turning point in a scene, usually accompanied by a sharp sound effect to emphasize the shock.
- While sampal refers to a slap on the face, the term batok refers to a hit on the back of the neck, which is a culturally distinct form of reprimand in the Philippines.
Examples in context
- Huwag mo siyang sampalin.Don't slap her.
- Parang gusto siyang sampalin ng nanay.It looks like the mother wants to slap him.
- Isang sampal lang ang natanggap niya.He only received one slap.
Example conversation
Jasmine is warning Jose about his rude behavior.
- JasmineJose, tumigil ka na sa pagsigaw.Jose, stop shouting.
- JoseHindi ako hihinto!I will not stop!
- JasmineBaka sampal ang makuha mo sa akin.You might get a slap from me.
- JoseSige, subukan mo lang.Go ahead, just try it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sampal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
