boto
/ˈboto/
The English phrase "vote" translates to Tagalog as boto.
The word boto refers to a formalized choice as a noun. When you want to describe the act of voting, such as a poll or an election, the noun form botohan is used.
Meaning: formalised choice (noun)
Which one should you use?
While boto is the noun for a vote, different verb forms are used depending on the grammatical focus: bumoto focuses on the person performing the action, whereas iboto focuses on the person being voted for. To describe the completed action of having voted for someone, use binoto.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb bumoto is the actor-focus version, used when the person performing the action is the subject. The form iboto is the object-focus version, used when the person being voted for is the grammatical object of the sentence. To indicate that the act of voting for a specific person has already occurred, use the completed aspect form binoto.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈboto/
Did you know?
- The word boto is a doublet of the word boda, which means 'wedding'. Both terms entered Tagalog from Spanish roots that originated from the Latin word for a promise or vow.
- The act of voting in the Philippines is often associated with the custom of sample ballot, where candidates distribute unofficial slips to guide voters on how to mark their boto.
- In Filipino political culture, the phrase boto ng masa refers to the 'masses' vote', reflecting a deep social divide between the elite and the common people in electoral language.
Examples in context
- Boto ka na?Did you vote already?
- Ibigay ang iyong boto sa amin.Give your vote to us.
- Mahalaga ang bawat boto sa halalan.Every vote is important in the election.
- Sino ang nakuha ng iyong boto?Who got your vote?
Example conversation
Mark and Maria are discussing a local election.
- MarkMaria, nakapagbigay ka na ba ng boto mo?Maria, have you given your vote already?
- MariaOo, Mark. Kanina pa ako bumoto.Yes, Mark. I voted a while ago.
- MarkSino ang pinili mong bigyan ng boto?Who did you choose to give your vote to?
- MariaSecret ang boto ko, Mark.My vote is a secret, Mark.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vote” translations and entries boto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
