A dream, hope, or a special someone is what a star (bituin) in Tagalog symbolizes for Filipinos. So, today, why not learn how to say star in Tagalog?
Humawak ka sa ‘kin, sundan aking himig
‘Wag nang magtago, ‘di naman magbabago
‘Di kailangang sabihin, walang dapat gawin
Oh, aking bituin, ikaw ang hiling‘Wag mong pigilan, hayaan mong kusa
Humawak ka sa ‘kin, sundin ang damdamin
Oh, sumama ka sa ‘kin, at tayo aySasayaw sa kulog at ulan, iikutin ang tala at buwan
Habang tayo ay naliligaw, pakinggan ang puso, ‘wag nang bibitaw
‘Wag nang magtagu-taguan, kita naman sa liwanag ng buwan
Ang lihim na pagtingin, kailan aaminin?
The night sky has always been a source of wonder and mystery, and for Filipinos, it holds a special significance. Stars have been pivotal in shaping Filipino culture, language, and history. Here, you will learn the translation and synonyms of “star” in Tagalog and the importance of stars in Filipino culture and history. Let’s begin our voyage among the stars in Tagalog!
3 Translations Of Star In Tagalog
Have you ever wondered how to say “star” in Tagalog, one of the major languages of the Philippines? Although Filipinos are good at speaking English, it’s still nice to learn how to say it in their native language. So, join me on a journey to discover the Tagalog translation of “star” and its synonyms while exploring the cultural and linguistic richness of Filipino society.
1. Bituin
Pronunciation: bee-too-EEN
We start our exploration of the meaning of “star” in Tagalog with the translation itself. In Tagalog, “star” is called “bituin”. In Kapampangan, it is called “batuin” and “bituon” in Bisaya and Bikolano.
This term captures the essence of the celestial body we admire in the night sky. On the other hand, Filipinos also use “bituin,” which can be used metaphorically to refer to a leading actor or actress in the entertainment industry.
2. Tala
Pronunciation: tah-lah
The word Tala is related to the Sanskrit word “tara,” which means “star.” Filipinos’ ancestors used it to talk about the bright stars, such as Venus, visible in the morning and evening. As their knowledge of the stars grew, their ancestors recognized that Tala referred to a planet called Venus in the West. Their sailing ancestors may have regarded Tala as a guide star because it appears consistently in the sky during certain times of the year at dawn and dusk.
3. Estrella/Estrelya
Pronunciation: es-TREL-ya.
It’s no secret that the Spaniards colonized the Philippines for more than 300 years. So, it’s no surprise that the Spanish language has influenced the Tagalog language. One perfect example is the word “Estrella,” which has been adapted into Tagalog from the Spanish word for “star.”
The Significance Of Stars In Filipino Culture
Beyond their linguistic importance, stars hold a special place in Filipino culture. We’ll now explore these aspects of Filipino culture in greater detail. We’ll go into the content and details that define it, covering a lot of ground in the process and taking the time to appreciate its richness.
Stars In Filipino Folklore
In Filipino folklore, stars are often associated with celestial beings, deities, and spirits. Like many cultures worldwide, Filipino ancestors had myths and legends that personified the stars and other heavenly bodies, some of which were revered in their spiritual practices. Some names of different celestial bodies come from gods in old Philippine mythology.
“Tala” is a well-known example. “Tala” is the name of a star goddess, specifically associated with the morning and evening star (Venus). “Hanan” is the goddess of the morning, and “Mayari” is the goddess of the moon.
They are said to be the daughters of “Bathala,” the supreme god of the Tagalog people, and a mortal woman. “Apolaki,” the god of the sun and war, is another example. He was the son of “Anagolay,” the goddess of lost things, and “Dumakulem,” the guardian of mountains.
The Symbolism Of Stars
Stars symbolize hope, guidance, and unity in Filipino culture. The star lantern (parol) is a prominent example, signifying hope, blessings, luck, and peace during the Christmas season.
Also, the Philippine flag features three stars representing the three main geographical regions of the country. These stars symbolize the nation’s struggle for independence and hope for a brighter future. Stars’ symbolism in Filipino culture highlights their enduring importance.
Stars And Navigation
Stars have played a vital role in navigation throughout Filipino history and the whole world. Ancient Filipinos observed the positions and movements of stars in the night sky to traverse the seas and ascertain their destination. They used constellations and specific stars as reference points, enabling them to explore and trade across vast distances.
Star Idioms And Expressions In Tagalog
The Tagalog language is full of idioms and expressions that involve stars. Here are some of the star idioms that you might hear.
| Tagalog | Meaning |
|---|---|
| bituin ng buhay (star of life) | used to refer to someone who brings pleasure and contentment to others |
| bituin sa langit (star in the sky) | portrays someone who is greatly admired or respected. |
Philippine Constellations
Now that you have learned some different gods and goddesses, let us now learn some Philippine Constellations and Asterisms:
| Constellation | Description |
|---|---|
| Tres Marias (Tagalog) Other names: Magbangal (Bukidnon), Seretar (Teduray) | It is referred to as the constellation of Aquila in its western homologue. It indicates that it is time to clear or clean the fields in preparation for harvest. |
| Supot ni Hudas/Mapolon (Tagalog) Other names: San Apon (Ibaloi), Kufukufu (Teduray), The Seven Sisters (Western Culture) | San Apon (Ibaloi), Kufukufu (Teduray), The Seven Sisters (Western Culture) – The Tagalog people used this star cluster to determine when the seasons and time of day changed. The planting season has begun. |
| Lepu (Matigsalug Manobo of Bukidnon) | Three stars mean a storm is coming |
| Talang Batugan (Lazy) | Named for its massive size, low brightness, and slow motion, it is typically used as a shepherd’s guide star. |
| Pogot | Used in Bicol to mark fishing spots and the start of storms |
| Soag | A four-star pattern that looks like a figure with four sides. This pattern means that night has come. |
| Torong | Three stars mean a storm is coming. |
| Sipat and Tudong | Also named by the people of Cordillera, heard in the chants of prayers said at their customary chicken sacrifice. |
| Binabbais | Also named by the people of Cordillera; heard in the chants of prayers said at their customary chicken sacrifice. |
In Learning Tagalog, Let Ling Be Your North Star!
Do you want to sail on a Tagalog language-learning journey? Why not let the Ling app be your guide? The Ling app will not only guide you to the right path of learning Tagalog but will also improve your language skills with its fun and meaningful activities developed by language experts.
You can also learn a lot of data and information about the Philippines with blog posts like this. There’s no stopping your language goals that are as high as a “bituin” or star in Tagalog. Learn Tagalog with the Ling app now. Just download the app from the Play Store and App Store and let the learning begin!
