magsalita
/maɡsaliˈtaʔ/
To speak in Tagalog is to magsalita.
magsalita is used to describe the act of speaking or the ability to communicate in a specific language. If you want to emphasize speaking properly, following correct grammar and pronunciation, you can use the phrase magsalita nang maayos.
Meaning: to be able to communicate in a language (verb)
Which one should you use?
While magsalita refers to the act of speaking or language ability, the term usap (or usapán) is more commonly used when you mean to converse or chat with someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb magsalita changes depending on the aspect of the action. The completed aspect (past tense) is nagsalita, and the contemplative aspect (future tense) is magsasalita.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɡsaliˈtaʔ/
Did you know?
- The root word salita is actually a distant relative of the Sanskrit word carita, which means 'conduct' or 'manner of life'.
- In many Filipino households, if someone tells you to magsalita nang maayos, they might be correcting your volume or tone rather than just your grammar.
- The phrase salitang-kalye literally means 'street word' and is used to describe slang.
Examples in context
- Magsalita ka nang mahinhin.Speak softly.This sentence shows how to use magsalita to give a command to speak in a certain manner.Tatoeba #4560392 by kanlaon, translation #2800093 by CK
- Kanino mo gustong magsalita?Who do you want to speak to?This sentence uses magsalita to ask about the person someone wants to speak to.Tatoeba #1940440 by nonong, translation #37744 by CK
- Mahirap magsalita ng Pranses.To speak French is difficult.This sentence demonstrates using magsalita when discussing the difficulty of speaking a specific language.Tatoeba #1663398 by nonong, translation #34143 by AlanF_US
- Angkop na magsalita nang maayos sa mga pampublikong pagtitipon.It's appropriate to speak properly in public gatherings.
- Dapat magpahayag ka ng iyong saloobin sa takdang panahon.You should express your thoughts at the proper time.
- Magsalita ka! Huwag kang mahiyang magsabi ng iyong saloobin.Speak up! Don't be afraid to express your thoughts.
- Sabihin mo sa akin ang totoo.Tell me the truth.
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mark and Angela are discussing their language skills.
- MarkMarunong ka bang magsalita ng Tagalog?Do you know how to speak Tagalog?
- AngelaKaunti lang, pero gusto kong matuto.Just a little, but I want to learn.
- MarkTutulungan kita para magsalita nang tama.I will help you so you can speak correctly.
- AngelaSalamat, Mark!Thank you, Mark!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry magsalita, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries magsalita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
