kakaiba
/ˌkakaʔiˈba/
The English word "weird" is translated into Tagalog as kakaiba.
kakaiba is used to describe something that deviates from the normal or is bizarre. While it can be used to describe something strange in a negative sense, it is also frequently used as a compliment to mean something is unique or extraordinary.
Meaning: deviating from the normal, bizarre (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by the reduplication of the first syllable of the root iba (different), which intensifies the meaning to very different or unique.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the marker ang before kakaiba turns the adjective into a noun phrase, such as ang kakaiba, which refers to the specific weird thing or the weird ones being discussed.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌkakaʔiˈba/
Did you know?
- The word kakaiba can be used to describe a 'miracle' or a 'divine sign' because these events are considered extraordinary and deviate from the natural norm.
- In modern street slang, the word iba is often used alone as an exclamation to describe someone who is 'on another level' of skill or weirdness.
- The word kakaiba is built on the concept of 'difference' rather than 'strangeness'. While English 'weird' often implies something unsettling, kakaiba is rooted in the idea of being 'other' or 'distinct'.
Examples in context
- Kakaiba ang mga tao rito.People here are weird.This sentence uses kakaiba to describe people in a specific location.Tatoeba #8638160 by artemio, translation #8614663 by shekitten
- Kakaiba ang mga tao roon.People there are weird.This sentence uses kakaiba to describe people in a different location.Tatoeba #8638161 by artemio, translation #8614657 by shekitten
- Isip kong kakaiba ang pangungusap na Hapon, pero dahil sinulat ng Hapon, akala ko'y tama.I found the Japanese sentence weird, but since it was written by a native, I thought that it was probably correct.This sentence uses kakaiba to describe a Japanese sentence that seemed strange.Tatoeba #1808393 by nonong, translation #1638027 by Christophe
- Ang kanyang sinasabi ay kakaiba.What he/she is saying is weird.
- Unang-una, iyon ay kahanga-hanga ngunit medyo kakaiba.First and foremost, that is admirable but somewhat weird.
- Ang ginagawa niya ay sobrang sabaw.What he/she is doing is incredibly weird.
Example conversation
Angela and Ricardo are walking through a quiet park at night.
- AngelaRicardo, parang kakaiba ang pakiramdam ko rito.Ricardo, I feel something weird here.
- RicardoBakit? May nakita ka bang kakaiba?Why? Did you see something weird?
- AngelaAng kakaiba lang ay sobrang tahimik.It's just weird that it's so quiet.
- RicardoHuwag kang mag-alala, maayos naman ang lahat.Don't worry, everything is fine.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kakaiba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
