maanghang
/maʔaŋˈhaŋ/
The Filipino word for spicy is maanghang.
Maanghang is an adjective used to describe food or substances that provide a burning sensation, typically caused by the presence of chilies or other spices.
Meaning: providing a burning sensation due to chilies and other spices (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed using the prefix ma-, which is a common adjective-forming prefix in Filipino used to indicate possessing a certain quality, combined with the noun anghang, which means heat or spiciness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective maanghang is invariant in terms of number. It does not change its form to indicate plurality in the subject it describes.
How do you pronounce it?
/maʔaŋˈhaŋ/
Did you know?
- A person who likes very spicy food might be described as having a 'matapang' palate, which literally means 'brave' rather than 'spicy'.
- The word anghang can also be used figuratively to describe a person's sharp, biting, or sarcastic way of speaking.
- The iconic Filipino condiment siling labuyo is the primary source of anghang in local cuisine, known for being significantly hotter than common jalapeños.
Examples in context
- Maanghang ba ito?Is this spicy?This sentence is useful for asking if a specific food item is spicy.Tatoeba #11273365 by qwertzu, translation #6532436 by CK
- Hindi ka dapat kumain ng kahit anong maanghang.You shouldn't eat anything spicy.This sentence is used to give advice about avoiding spicy foods.Tatoeba #1125045 by ratatat, translation #269840 by CK
Example conversation
Angela and Juan are eating lunch at a local restaurant.
- AngelaMaanghang ba ang sili?Is the chili spicy?
- JuanOo, maanghang talaga ito.Yes, it is really spicy.
- AngelaAy, mahilig ako sa maanghang!Oh, I love spicy food!
- JuanIngat ka, baka mapaso ang dila mo.Be careful, your tongue might burn.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spicy” translations and entries maanghang, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
