bakit
/ˈbakit/
bakit is the Tagalog word for why.
The word is an interrogative adverb used to ask for the reason or cause behind something.
Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)
Which one should you use?
While bakit is the standard form, Bakit po is a polite way to say why in Tagalog and Bakit kaya is an informal phrase that adds a sense of curiosity and wonder.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Tagalog, the question word bakit typically appears at the beginning of the sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbakit/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, bakit can be used as a short response to a call, functioning like 'Yes?' or 'What is it?' when someone says your name.
- The word bakit is actually a contraction of bakin and at. Over time the final 'n' in bakin was replaced by 't' to make the word easier to say.
- In Filipino culture, asking bakit too many times in a row can be perceived as confrontational or aggressive, similar to an interrogation rather than a conversation.
Examples in context
- Bakit basa si Tom?Why is Tom wet?This is useful for asking for a reason regarding a person's state.Tatoeba #8658441 by artemio, translation #2549584 by CK
- Bakit ang basa mo?Why are you so wet?This is useful for asking for a reason regarding someone's condition.Tatoeba #13649525 by kangkong, translation #7544898 by CK
- Bakit ayaw mo nito?Why don't you want this?This is useful for asking why someone does not want a specific object.Tatoeba #8653149 by England, translation #4889777 by CK
- 478 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Mark are talking about a cancelled plan.
- MariaBakit hindi ka pumunta?Why didn't you go?
- MarkNakalimutan ko ang oras.I forgot the time.
- MariaBakit hindi mo ginamit ang alarm?Why didn't you use the alarm?
- MarkHindi ko naaalala kung saan ito.I don't remember where it is.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “why” translations and entries bakit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bakit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
