sumuka
/suˈmuka/
The Tagalog phrase for "throw up" is sumuka.
sumuka is used to describe the act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth.
How do you pronounce it?
/suˈmuka/
Did you know?
- The root word suka is a homonym that also means 'vinegar' in Tagalog. While context usually prevents confusion, it is a linguistic quirk that the word for vomiting and the word for a common condiment are identical.
- In some traditional folk healing practices, the act of sumuka is viewed as a way for the body to expel 'bad air' or hangin that causes illness.
- Because suka means both 'vinegar' and 'vomit', some Filipino jokes rely on the ambiguity of asking someone if they want suka on their food.
Examples in context
- Hindi ako kumakain nang marami baka magsuka ako.I am not eating too much to avoid throwing up.
- Sumuka siya kagabi.She threw up last night.
- Parang gusto kong sumuka.I feel like I'm going to throw up.
- Bakit ka sumuka?Why did you throw up?
Example conversation
Ricardo looks sick while talking to Jasmine.
- RicardoJasmine, parang sasumuka ako.Jasmine, I feel like I'm going to throw up.
- JasmineBakit? Ano ang kinain mo?Why? What did you eat?
- RicardoHindi ko alam, biglang sumuka ang tiyan ko.I don't know, my stomach suddenly threw up.
- JasminePunta na tayo sa banyo, Ricardo.Let's go to the bathroom, Ricardo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sumuka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
