The world is filled with colors or mga kulay in Tagalog, so why not try to dazzle your Filipino colleagues and friends using the naming colors in Tagalog? This article will walk you through two primary sets of how native Tagalog speakers point out colors. Officially, there is no exact rule when using a specific term. In this sense, it would be great to learn the traditional Tagalog colors and their updated Filipino counterparts. If you are up for that, then off we go!
Can you imagine living in a place that is only black and white? Sounds boring, right? Lucky for us, we live in a world wherein vibrant colors exist. From different shades of yellows to crisp oranges and reds, we got it all! In fact, there are millions of colors in the world, and some do not even have their names yet. So, join me as we learn Tagalog! Specifically, those shades that make our world vibrant and attractive: colors!
Table of Contents
Basic Colors In Tagalog
As you have probably learned from our painless list of Tagalog numbers, most Filipino words are heavily infused with Spanish counterparts. In fact, even the common Tagalog names reflect the influence of Spain in the country. At present, there are three major ways by which you can name a color or kulay in Tagalog: the traditional Tagalog translation, the formal Filipino translation, and the Spanish counterparts.
As of 2023, the Philippines is the home of over 170 dialects. The translations from the third column contain the basic colors in Tagalog that are taught in schools.
In the fifth column, we also have the recently included translations in the UP Diksiyonaryong Filipino – a Filipino dictionary maintained and updated by the top university in the Philippines, which contains the oldest, newest, and colloquial forms of Filipino words.
How To Name Colors In The Filipino Language
Since English is also the country’s second most widely used language in the Philippines, do not be surprised if you hear Filipinos usually use the English versions of various colors during casual conversations. In fact, the Philippines does not have many translations for different colors in Tagalog. Instead, we use this formula: Kulay + the thing commonly associated with that color.
Here are some examples:
| English | Tagalog | Item Associated With | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purple | Kulay ube | Purple yam (vegetable) | |
| Gray | Kulay abo | Ash | |
| Brown | Kulay tsokolate | Chocolate (tsokolate in Tagalog) | |
| Orange | Kulay dalandan | Orange (dalandan in Tagalog) | |
How Do You Say Color In Tagalog?
The Tagalog word for color is kulay.
Using The Word Color In Tagalog With More Words And Phrases
It is incredible how specific colors even evoke special meanings and emotions. In the Philippines, colors are even used to define specific characteristics.
Here are some examples of how to use the word appropriately:
As you can see from the table above, what makes Tagalog a unique language is the fact that the meaning of words can significantly change just by adding a few extra letters.
Frequently Asked Questions For Colors In Tagalog
What Are The Names Of Colors In Different Parts Of The Philippines?
As of writing, the words from the fifth column of the previous table are considered poetic ways by which you can say the traditional Tagalog colors. Additionally, these words originated from different places in the Philippines.
Here are some examples:
| English | Formal Filipino Translations | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Pink | Kalimbahin | Botolan |
| Red | Mabaya | Ivatan |
| Orange | Kahel | Bicolano |
| Yellow | Kunig | Ilocano |
| Green | Luntian | Tagalog |
| Blue | Bughaw | Tagalog |
| Violet | Lila | Tagalog |
| Brown | Kayumanggi | Tagalog |
| Black | Dagtum | Cebuano |
| White | Puraw | Ilocano |
What Other Tagalog Words Have The Word Kulay On Them?
- Buhay na kulay or chromatic colors
- Madilim na kulay or dark colors
- Maputlang kulay or pale colors
- Palamuting kulay or accent colors
All of these Tagalog words are seldom used and may have Filipinos giving you looks because they’ll be surprised that you know them.
Another interesting Tagalog word related to color is Rayos or hue which most Filipinos may not be using as often as they should. So if you really want to make your Filipino friends drop their jaws, memorize these very deep or poetic Tagalog words.
What Are The Colors Of The Philippine Flag?
There are four colors on the Philippine flag. The color blue (bughaw) represents peace and justice, while red (pula) symbolizes valor and patriotism. The triangular white color (puti) on the left side reflects equality and liberty. The yellow color symbolizes the rays of the sun split into eight. These are the regions of the Philippines that were ruled under the Spanish government.
The color of the Philippine flag raised on specific events also has meaning. If the right side of the flag is blue, or the intended correct way, then that means the country is at peace and is symbolizing Philippine independence. However, if the red color is raised instead, it means that the country is at war.
Learning Basic Phrases In The Tagalog Language
Which among those is your favorite color in Tagalog? Is it mabaya, kahel, or dagtum? In case you forget what the translation is, always remember that you can use basic English words since most Filipino natives will still be able to understand you. And honestly, this is what makes the Philippines a great country to visit!
With your newfound vocabulary, you are one step closer to achieving full Tagalog fluency! Remember that the key to learning a language is time, continuous practice, and consistency. That said, gain confidence today and master the language by checking out the Ling app.
