sorpresa
The English word "surprise" is sorpresa in Tagalog.
sorpresa is a noun referring to the feeling that something unexpected has happened. You may also encounter sorpresang when the word is used as an adjective or a modifier to describe another noun.
Meaning: feeling that something unexpected has happened (noun)
Which one should you use?
sorpresa is the standard noun, whereas sorpresang is used specifically when the word functions as a modifier for a following noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the word as a modifier, the linker -ng is attached to the end of the word, turning sorpresa into sorpresang. For instance, you would say sorpresang regalo for "surprise gift".
Did you know?
- The word sorpresa is a loanword that traveled from French to Spanish and finally into Tagalog. This reflects the long period of Spanish colonial influence on the Filipino language.
- In Filipino culture, a sorpresa is often tied to the concept of pakikisama, or getting along with others. Planning a surprise for a friend is seen as a strong gesture of social harmony and affection.
- When someone is caught by surprise in a funny or embarrassing way, Filipinos might use the slang term nabuking. While it literally means 'to be exposed', it is used when a 'surprise' secret is revealed.
Examples in context
- Ayaw kong sirain ang sorpresa.I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise.This sentence shows how to express the idea of not wanting to spoil the sorpresa.Tatoeba #11476536 by qwertzu, translation #2033717 by CK
- Taga-ibang bansa ako, kaya gulat ako sa ganda ng Pilipinas.I'm from another country, so I'm surprised by the beauty of the Philippines.
- Nagulat ako nang makita ko siya.I was surprised when I saw her.
- Binigla ako nang biglang sumigaw siya.I was caught off guard when she suddenly yelled.
- Sobrang gulat ko nang biglang nagyaya sila sa outing.I was so surprised when they suddenly invited me to go on an outing.
- Sobrang gulat ko nang itinuro niya ako bilang nanalo.I was so surprised when he pointed at me as the winner.
- Isang malaking sorpresa ang kanyang pagdating.His arrival was a big surprise.
- Hindi ko inaasahan ang sorpresa na ito.I did not expect this surprise.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Christina and Ricardo are planning a party.
- ChristinaHanda na ba ang sorpresa para kay Tatay?Is the surprise for Dad ready?
- RicardoOo, tapos na ang lahat, Christina.Yes, everything is finished, Christina.
- ChristinaSana magustuhan niya ang sorpresa.I hope he likes the surprise.
- RicardoSigurado akong matutuwa siya, Ricardo.I'm sure he will be happy, Ricardo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sorpresa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
