Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| sobra | /ˈsobɾa/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| talaga | /talaˈɡa/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| talagang | |
| sobrang |
To express that something is occurring to a high degree, you can use various intensifiers. In colloquial Tagalog, sobra is frequently used to intensify adjectives, similar to the English words 'so' or 'really'. Other options include talaga, which emphasizes the truth or certainty of a quality (really/truly) and more formal terms like tunay na or lubos.
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on whether you are emphasizing degree, truth or quantity. Sobra emphasizes the degree of a quality (very), but it also carries the literal meaning of 'excessive' or 'too much' depending on the context. In contrast, talaga emphasizes the truth or certainty of a quality, meaning 'really' or 'truly'. Additionally, the forms talaga and talagang can also function as adjectives meaning 'the same' or 'identical'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the intensifier sobra, you must use the form sobrang if it precedes an adjective or an adverb. The -ng suffix acts as a linker.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsobɾa/
Did you know?
- A curious theory suggests that talaga might be a distant relative of the Sanskrit word for 'pond', suggesting a possible historical connection through Malay.
- The term sobra is used in the Philippines not just for degree, but also to describe 'change' or 'balance' left over after a financial transaction.
- In casual conversation, talaga is often repeated as talaga? with a rising intonation to function as a question meaning 'really?' or 'is that so?'
Examples in context
- Sobrang saya ni Tom.Tom is very happy.This sentence uses sobra to show a high degree of happiness.Tatoeba #11780260 by qwertzu, translation #2044425 by CK
- Sobrang ganda ng nobya.The bride looked very beautiful.This sentence uses sobra to describe beauty.Tatoeba #11868057 by qwertzu, translation #23732 by CK
- Talagang mahal ang biyahe.The trip was very expensive.This sentence uses talaga to emphasize the truth of the price being expensive.Tatoeba #1705515 by nonong, translation #1227089 by tsayng
- Sobrang mabaitVery kind
- Tunay na malungkotVery sad indeed
- Talagang magandaTruly beautiful
- Grabe sa lakiVery big indeed
- Pangit na pangitVery ugly
- Sobrang-sobrang initExtremely hot
- Sobrang-sobrang payatExtremely thin
- Ang bago niyang cellphone ay sobrang ganda.Her new cellphone is very beautiful.
- Nakakalungkot talaga ang kinalabasan ng pangyayari.The outcome of the events was really sad.
- Grabe sa lakas ng ulan kanina!The rain earlier was incredibly strong!
- Ang pangit na pangit naman ng damit na ito.This dress is really ugly.
- 96 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Christina and Jose are talking about a meal they just ate.
- ChristinaSobra ang anghang ng pagkain.The food is very spicy.
- JoseOo, kailangan ko ng tubig.Yes, I need some water.
- ChristinaSobra rin ba ang alat nito?Is this very salty too?
- JoseHindi naman, tama lang ito.Not really, this is just right.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “very” translations and entries sobra, talaga, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sobra, talaga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
