matalino
/mataˈlino/
The Tagalog word for smart is matalino.
Matalino is used to describe someone exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books. You can also use the phrase matalas ang isip to describe someone who is sharp-minded or quick-witted, or matalinong pagpapasya to refer to wise decision-making.
Meaning: exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books (adj)
Which one should you use?
While matalino refers to intellectual capacity, it is distinct from wais, which refers to being street-smart or shrewd.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the comparative 'smarter', add the prefix mas to the adjective, forming mas matalino. To express the superlative 'smartest', use the prefix pinaka- before the adjective, forming pinakamatalino.
How do you pronounce it?
/mataˈlino/
Did you know?
- The word wais for street-smart is borrowed from the English word 'wise' but has evolved to specifically mean being shrewd or calculating.
- In some Filipino social contexts, calling someone matalino can be a subtle way of suggesting they are overly academic and lack practical common sense.
- Filipinos may distinguish between matalino, which is book-learned, and marunong, which describes someone who is knowledgeable or knows how to do something.
Examples in context
- Akala mo matalino ka?Do you think you're smart?This sentence is useful for a rhetorical question regarding someone's perceived intelligence using matalino.Tatoeba #11755796 by qwertzu, translation #3172192 by CK
- Si Tom ay matalino at masipag.Tom is smart and hardworking.This sentence uses matalino to describe someone who is both smart and hardworking.Tatoeba #11273022 by qwertzu, translation #1959126 by Spamster
- Matalino siya.He is smart.This sentence uses matalino to state that someone is smart.Tatoeba #5361277 by kanlaon, translation #370559 by saeb
- Ang bata ay matalino.The child is smart.
- Siya ay isang magaling na guro.He/She is a smart teacher.
- Ang kaibigan ko ay may talino.My friend is smart.
- Sya'y mautak na negosyante.He/She is a smart businessperson.
- Ang kanyang matalinong pagpapasya ay nakatulong sa kumpanya.His/Her smart decision-making helped the company.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a classmate's academic achievement.
- MarkMatalino talaga ang kaklase natin.Our classmate is really smart.
- ChristinaOo, laging mataas ang marka niya.Yes, her grades are always high.
- MarkGusto ko ring maging matalino gaya niya.I want to be smart like her, too.
- ChristinaMag-aral ka lang nang mabuti, Mark.Just study hard, Mark.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry matalino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
