Technology words in Tagalog have been a huge part of our everyday lives in the Philippines. Nowadays, it’s a necessity to learn about basic technology to use in different aspects of our daily lives, like communication with friends, family, and colleagues. Technology can also be used in business and entertainment. It also helps us in traveling and leisure.
In short, technology is an integral part of our daily lives, as well as in the fields of science, industry, communication, transportation, and even language learning. Technologies include actual items like machines or utensils as well as immaterial things like software.
But even though technology helps us a lot, like Artificial Intelligence in 2024, it can never be a substitute for an actual human. It is just tools that we use and prepare to make our lives easier. So, in this blog, we will learn different technology words in Tagalog and their definitions. Are you ready to learn Tagalog, which will help you connect with Filipinos? Let’s get started.
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What Is Technology In The Filipino Language?
The Filipino/Tagalog word for technology is teknolohiya. But because technology is a part of modernization, most technology words do not have a Tagalog or English translation. Some exist because of research by people with a high degree of knowledge, but most terms about technology do not have a Tagalog or Filipino slang version.
In fact, there’s a rule in the Filipino language that borrowed words and technical terms do not need to be translated, especially if they can cause confusion and are far from the English word. Now that you have a brief introduction to how Filipinos translate or borrow terms about technology, let’s learn some examples.
Basic Technology Words In Tagalog
There are different ways to form the translation of an English word. The first one is direct translating where you directly translate a word based on its literal meaning. But, not all the time it’s correct, so here come the contextual translations, where Filipinos translate the meaning of the word based on its context. Lastly, there is a neologism which refers to the newly coined terms that want to have a Tagalog translation for every English word.
In general, there aren’t many translations for technology terms because Filipinos mostly borrow the words directly to avoid confusion. There aren’t also books or other materials that are published about this. But, below are some technology terms in Tagalog.
1. Kompyuter (Computer)
The first example is kompyuter. This is the kind of translation that is easy to learn for English speakers. It sounds very familiar with the English words. The only difference is the letters used, but the sound and pronunciation are almost the same.
In the Philippines, we use the letter “K” instead of “C” because we don’t have the letter “C” in the Filipino alphabet. They added the letter “Y” to make the sound “pyu” since “pu” in the word “computer” is pronounced as “poo” in the Filipino language.
2. Selpon/Telepono (Cellphone/Telephone)
The next example of a technology word in Tagalog is selpon or telepono. But the word selpon for the English word “cellphone” isn’t always used that much. Filipinos usually borrow it directly or use the slang term CP. On the other hand, the word telepono is also not hard to understand. Filipinos just basically spell the English word “telephone” using the Filipino alphabet.
3. Sulatroniko (E-Mail)
This example of translation isn’t used all over the country, but you can still see it on social media and in books, so it is still worth learning. The Tagalog word for “E-mail” is Sulatroniko and is a combination of two words: sulat means “mail or letter” and elektroniko means “electronic.”
4. Aklatroniko (E-Book)
Are you an e-book type person or a printed book type of person? The next example is aklatroniko which is the Tagalog word for the English term “E-book.” Just like the previous one, it is a combination of two Tagalog words: aklat, which means “book,“ and elektroniko, which means “electronic.”
Nowadays, e-books are popular not just in the Philippines. E-books nowadays are not only used for educational purposes. They also play a big role in entertainment. If you’re a Filipino, it’s impossible that you haven’t heard of famous e-books like “Diary ng Panget” and “She’s Dating the Gangster.”
5. Pang-Ulong Hatinig (Headset)
The word pang-ulong hatinig is another example of a technology word in Tagalog that is not widely used in the country. But, thanks to Filipino linguists, they have come up with a translation that actually makes sense.
A headset is a modern technology used to hear the sound coming from a device such as a computer, cellphone, or others. The Tagalog word pang-ulo means “for the head,” and hatinig came from two words which are hatid (to deliver/accompany) and tinig (voice/sound).
6. Miktinig/Mikropono (Microphone)
Back in the day, microphones are only used in programs, TV, shows, radio stations, call centers, and other professions that require the use of voice. But now, microphones are one of the most used technology.
People use miktinig or microphones nowadays for vlogging, conducting online classes, video conferences, and more. So, I think it’s essential to learn the Tagalog translation for this. There is also another more common translation of microphone in Filipino that is used in the country, and that is mikropono.
7. Pook-Sapot (Website)
The next vocabulary that you will learn is the word pook-sapot which translates to “website” in English. It is an example of direct translation. The word pook means “place,“ and sapot means “web” (spider web). Although you cannot really hear this word being used commonly, it’s still nice to have a translation of this word in Tagalog.
8. Panginain (Browser)
Panginain is the Tagalog word for the English term “browser.” This neologism was created for individuals who demand that every English word have a “native” Tagalog counterpart.
In the Philippines, Google Chrome is the most commonly used internet Browser. Of course, some people also use Firefox, Brave, and Safari, but Google Chrome is still one of the leading browsers in the country.
9. Pantablay (Charger)
The word pantablay is another neologism. It is used as a translation for the word charger in Tagalog. However, it’s not that commonly used in the Philippines since we are used to saying “charger.” On the other hand, when you hear the word “i-charge,” it’s the verb form that means “to charge.”
10. Kamera (Camera)
The last technology word in Tagalog is kamera. This is easy because the first letter is the only one that is changed since Filipinos don’t have the letter “C” in our alphabet. Cameras are a big deal among Filipinos nowadays because we use them to take selfies and other photos, film, and, of course, for vlogging.
Tagalog Words Related To The Internet
Now that you have learned some of the most common technology words in Tagalog, I believe we should also discuss some Tagalog words related to the internet. This is very important because, as a language learner, you should be familiar with these words because almost all Filipinos rely on the internet for information and entertainment.
| English | Tagalog | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Open | buksan | |
| Back, Go Back | bumalik | |
| Full Screen | buong-tabing | |
| Delete | burahin | |
| Chat | chat | |
| Document | dokumento | |
| Send | ipadala | |
| Show | ipakita | |
| Close | isara |
Technology Words Without Translation In The Tagalog Language
These English words related to technology don’t have translations in the Tagalog language. Filipinos don’t usually translate modern terms, especially regarding Science and Technology. But if you want to learn more about them, you may read our Tagalog internet slang words article that will surely help you.
| CD burner | Download | DVD |
| Internet | iPad/Tablet | Keyboard |
| Laptop | Mobile Data/ Cellular Data | Mouse |
| MP4 | MP3 | Sim Card |
| To Log In To | Router | Upload |
| USB | URL | Webcam |
| Wi-Fi | Viral | Virus |
| Zip |
Use Technology To Learn Tagalog Now!
Technology has indeed changed people’s lives. Because of technology, many things become possible, and one of them is learning a new language. One of the perfect examples of an effective language learning app is the Ling app.
The Ling app is a language learning platform that provides an extensive and fun experience for language learners. It has well-developed features like quizzes, spaced repetition, audio recordings, speech recognition, and more. These features will definitely improve your language skills and help you express your feelings and thoughts using the Tagalog language.
So, encourage yourself to learn the language through the Ling app. Get it from Google Play and the App Store, and start your free Tagalog lesson now!
Updated By: Jefbeck
