tanga
/taˈŋa/
In Tagalog, the English word "stupid" is expressed as tanga. Wiktionary also lists bobo.
Meaning: lacking in intelligence (adj)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| tanga | /taˈŋa/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| bobo | /ˈbobo/ (Standard Tagalog) |
These terms are used to describe someone or something that lacks intelligence.
Which one should you use?
While both terms translate to "stupid," they carry different nuances. bobo is a direct insult to a person's innate intellectual capacity or academic ability, similar to calling someone a "dumb" or a "moron." In contrast, tanga often implies a lack of common sense or describes someone as being clumsy, foolish or careless.
How does it change in a sentence?
To emphasize the degree of stupidity or to suggest a pattern of foolish behavior, you can reduplicate the word to tanga-tanga. Additionally, using the construction Ang [adjective] allows you to express an exclamation of degree, such as "How stupid!" or "So stupid!"
How do you pronounce it?
/taˈŋa/
Did you know?
- The term tanga may have been borrowed from the Hokkien word thâng-á, which means 'little vermin' or 'insect'.
Examples in context
- Ang bobo ng plano mo.Your plan is stupid.This sentence uses bobo to describe a plan.Tatoeba #11610534 by qwertzu, translation #11609103 by CK
- Ang tanga-tanga niya diba?He's very stupid, isn't he?This sentence uses tanga to emphasize a degree of stupidity.Tatoeba #10170264 by theSardonyx, translation #8527297 by CH
- Tanga talaga siguro si Tom.Tom must be really stupid.This sentence uses tanga to express a strong opinion about someone's intelligence.Tatoeba #12990887 by dyuuuuuuuuls, translation #12466028 by CK
- Ang tanga naman ng joke mo!Your joke is so dumb!
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juan and Christina are talking about a mistake someone made in a game.
- ChristinaAng tanga naman ng ginawa niya.What he did was so stupid.
- JuanOo, tanga nga siya sa laro.Yes, he is indeed stupid at the game.
- ChristinaBakit ba siya naging tanga?Why was he being so stupid?
- JuanHindi lang niya alam ang gagawin.He just didn't know what to do.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stupid” translations and entries tanga, bobo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bobo, tanga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
