salita
/saliˈtaʔ/
In Tagalog, 'word' is salita.
salita refers to a single unit of language. In certain contexts, it can also refer to the act of speaking or verbalizing.
Meaning: unit of language (noun)
Which one should you use?
While salita refers to an individual word, the noun pananalita is used to describe a person's manner of speaking or their specific choice of words and diction.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make salita plural (words), add the particle mga before it to form mga salita.
How do you pronounce it?
/saliˈtaʔ/
Did you know?
- The word salita shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'wheel', both tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'turning' or 'revolving'.
- In many traditional contexts, giving one's salita functions as a binding oral contract, where the 'word' serves as a symbol of honor and integrity.
- In Filipino culture, salita is often used in the phrase salita ng Diyos to refer specifically to the Bible or divine revelation rather than just a literal word.
Examples in context
- Pumili ka ng tamang salita!Choose the right word!This sentence is useful for practicing how to use salita in an imperative command.Tatoeba #1688843 by nonong, translation #4556650 by dbahasa
- Ano ang paborito mong salita?What's your favorite word?This sentence is useful for asking a question about a favorite salita.Tatoeba #13859921 by kangkong, translation #906947 by CK
- Dobleng ibig-sabihin itong salita.This word has a double meaning.This sentence is useful for describing a word with two meanings using salita.Tatoeba #1624300 by nonong, translation #59347 by CK
- Maaari po bang malaman kung saan ang istasyon ng tren?May I know where the train station is, please?
- Saan ang tren station?Where is the train station?
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juan and Maria are discussing a poem in a book.
- JuanAng bawat salita sa tula ay maganda.Every word in the poem is beautiful.
- MariaOo, ang galing ng pagpili ng salita.Yes, the choice of words is excellent.
- JuanAlam mo ba ang kahulugan ng salitang ito?Do you know the meaning of this word?
- MariaHindi ko pa alam ang salitang iyan.I don't know that word yet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “word” translations and entries salita, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries salita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
