タガログ語
Tagarogu-go[ta̠ɡa̠ɾo̞ɡɯ̟ɡo̞]
In Japanese, the English phrase "tagalog" is translated as タガログ語 (Tagarogu-go).
Meaning: language (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the katakana transcription of 'Tagalog' followed by the suffix 語 (go), which means 'language'. This suffix is appended to the name of a country or ethnic group to indicate their language.
How does it change in a sentence?
The name of the language is formed by combining the katakana transcription of 'Tagalog' with the suffix 語.
How do you pronounce it?
Tagarogu-go
Did you know?
- While 'Tagalog' uses an 'l' sound, the Japanese version タガログ uses a single 'r' sound that is closer to a quick tap of the tongue, similar to the 'd' in 'ladder'.
- While タガログ語 refers to the specific language, Japanese speakers often use the term フィリピン語 ('Filipino language') interchangeably in casual conversation.
- The visual structure of タガログ語 uses two different scripts, which allows a Japanese reader to instantly distinguish the foreign loanword from the native Japanese suffix.
Examples in context
- ローマカトリックの英語での祈りは、スペイン語やタガログ語のように優雅なものではない。Roman Catholic prayers in English are not as elegant as in Spanish or Tagalog.Tatoeba #10906876 by SomeHungryBois, translation #10621330 by nonong
- タガログ語の本を読んでいる。I am reading a book in Tagalog.Tatoeba #9028057 by nonong, translation #10094156 by krodo
- タガログ語を話せますか？Can you speak Tagalog?
- タガログ語を勉強しています。Tagarogu-go o benkyou shite imasu.I am studying Tagalog.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their language studies at a cafe.
- 陽太 Yota美咲さんは何語を学んでいるの？Misaki-san wa nanigo o manande iru no?Misaki, what language are you learning?
- 美咲 Misaki今はタガログ語を学んでいます。Ima wa Tagarogu-go o manande imasu.I am studying Tagalog right now.
- 陽太 Yotaそれは難しいの？Sore wa muzukashii no?Is it difficult?
- 美咲 Misaki陽太君、少し難しいけど面白いよ。Youta-kun, sukoshi muzukashii kedo omoshiroi yo.Youta, it's a little difficult, but interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tagalog” translations and entries タガログ語, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
