mabaho
/maˈbahoʔ/
The English word "stinky" is translated to Tagalog as mabaho.
mabaho is an adjective used to describe something that has a strong, unpleasant smell.
Meaning: having a strong, unpleasant smell (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix ma-, meaning "having a certain quality" and the root baho, meaning "bad smell".
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something is "very stinky", you can add the prefix napaka- to the root, resulting in napakabaho.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈbahoʔ/
Did you know?
- In Filipino culture, mabaho is often used metaphorically to describe a 'stinky' or rotten situation, such as a corrupt political deal or a scandalous secret.
- To describe a smell that is specifically 'stinky' in a pungent or sharp way, Filipinos might use maanghit, which is distinct from the general foulness of mabaho.
- While mabaho is generally negative, some traditional Filipino delicacies, like the fermented fish bagoong, are described as having a strong smell that is desirable rather than offensive.
Examples in context
- Ang tiyan ng tupa na hindi nalilinis ay masangsang.The uncleaned lamb's stomach is stinky.
- Ang sapatos ko ay masangsang.My shoes are stinky.
- Ang banyo ay mabaho na parang patay na daga.The bathroom smells stinky like a dead mouse.
- Mabaho ang basura.The garbage is stinky.
- Huwag kang lumapit, mabaho ang pawis mo.Don't come near, your sweat is stinky.
Example conversation
Mark and Maria are standing in the kitchen.
- MarkMaria, mabaho ba ang kusina?Maria, is the kitchen stinky?
- MariaOo, Mark, mukhang may bulok na pagkain.Yes, Mark, it looks like there is some rotten food.
- MarkSige, ilabas ko na ang basura.Okay, I will take the trash out now.
- MariaSalamat, sobrang mabaho na kasi.Thanks, because it is already very stinky.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stinky” translations and entries mabaho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
