matamis
/mataˈmis/
The Tagalog word for sweet is matamis.
Matamis is primarily used to describe something having a pleasant, sugary taste. Beyond literal flavors, it is also used metaphorically to describe a person's voice or words as being sweet or pleasant.
Meaning: having a pleasant taste (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by the prefix ma-, which denotes a quality or state and the root word tamis, meaning sweetness.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to multiple sweet things or sweets, the first syllable of the root is reduplicated, changing tamis to matatamis.
How do you pronounce it?
/mataˈmis/
Did you know?
- The root of matamis is also found in the Malay word manis, showing a linguistic link between the two languages that stretches back thousands of years.
- In Filipino culture, matamis na salita or 'sweet words' can be a warning sign for someone who is being insincere or overly flattering to manipulate another.
- While matamis describes taste, Tagalog has a distinct way of describing 'savory' or 'umami' called malinamnam, which is often considered the higher culinary compliment.
Examples in context
- Matamis po ang melokoton.Peaches taste sweet.This sentence is useful for describing the sweet taste of peaches using matamis.Tatoeba #11782716 by qwertzu, translation #279845 by CK
- Matamis ang nilagang bagong pitas na mais.Freshly-picked boiled corn is sweet.This sentence shows how to use matamis to describe the sweetness of boiled corn.Tatoeba #4667297 by saluyot, translation #8748653 by fishda
- Matamis ang pulotpukyutan ngunit nanunusok ang bubuyog.Honey is sweet, but the bee stings.This sentence uses matamis to describe the sweetness of honey.Tatoeba #4517799 by kanlaon, translation #4516031 by Ooneykcall
- Salamat sa iyong magandang mga salita.Thank you for your sweet words.
- Gusto ko yung lambing mo.I like your sweetness/affection.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ricardo and Angela are trying some fruit at a market.
- RicardoAngela, tikman mo itong hinog na papaya.Angela, try this ripe papaya.
- AngelaOo nga, matamis talaga ito!You're right, this is really sweet!
- RicardoMasarap ba para sa iyo?Is it delicious to you?
- AngelaSobrang sarap, Ricardo.It's very delicious, Ricardo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sweet” translations and entries matamis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries matamis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
