Tara
/taˈɾa/
The Filipino phrase Tara means "Let's go" or "Come on."
Tara is used as a casual invitation to suggest that someone go somewhere with you right now. You can increase the urgency or emphasis of the invitation by adding particles. For example, Tara na means "Let's go now," and Tara na talaga! means "Let's go right now!"
Which one should you use?
While Tara is a suggestion to go somewhere together, it is distinct from Sige which is used to give permission or agree to a suggestion.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Tara is an informal way to suggest an immediate action. For a formal setting, you should instead use Pumunta na po tayo, which means "Let's go now, please."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bisaya, a variation used to mean "Let's stroll around!" is Magsuroy kita!
How do you pronounce it?
/taˈɾa/
Did you know?
- In a completely different context, tara is also a Filipino word for the weight of an empty container or vehicle used to calculate the net weight of goods.
- The invitation tara is often accompanied by a subtle chin flick or a slight nod of the head to signal the direction of travel.
- The phrase might be a phonetic shortening of tayo na, which literally translates to 'we are now'.
Examples in context
- Tara, kain tayo!Come on, let's eat!
- Tara, laro tayo.Come on, let's play.
- Tara, punta tayo sa mall.Come on, let's go to the mall.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to do on a sunny afternoon.
- ChristinaTara, mag-kape tayo!Come on, let's grab some coffee!
- AntonioSige, tara na.Okay, let's go.
- ChristinaGusto mo ba ng ice cream din?Do you want some ice cream too?
- AntonioOo, masarap 'yan.Yes, that sounds good.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry tara.
