#ilocano

by Marlon Battad

ano - vaguely means "what" like it means in Japanese! not to be confused with the Spanish word "ano." the context for "ano" is different than "what" in English. for example, many often say "i-ano mo nga yung ano... ano... ano bang tinatawag diyan?!"

hoy! - an exclamation often said to get one's attention. for example: "hoy! anong ginagawa mo, ha?!"

ha - heh, i forget how exactly to explain this English speakers tbh! like "ano" it also means "what" when said by itself as a question. some Chinese and Japanese speakers use this word similarly. an example of how to use this word: "ha?!" (English translation: "huh?!" or "what?!") example 2: "sa'an na sila, ha?!" (English translation: "where are they now, huh?!" or "where are they now, eh?!) you will hear characters say "ha?!" in some anime!

sosmaryosep! - an exclamation that is short for "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!" often shortened to "sos!" example of how to use this word: "sosmaryosep! ano ba, ha?!"

aray! - an exclamation that means "ouch!" example of how to use this word: "aray! ano ba yan, ha?!"

walang hiya! - means "no shame!" and is said as an angry insult or sometimes in jest. example: "ay... aray! sos... haha, ano yan!? sosmaryosep... walang hiya kayo talaga!"

talaga - vaguely means "truly." example sentence: "hoy! sosmaryosep! alam niya ba na walang hiya kayo talaga, ha!?"

1. Amarillo (Yellow)

Definition: A primary color, meaning it can't be made by mixing other colors. It's often associated with sunshine, happiness, and optimism. It's also used for caution and warning, like in traffic signs.

Example: Amarillo dagiti ngipenna. (His/her teeth is yellow)

Application Tip: Use "Amarillo" to describe something that has the color of a ripe banana or a sunflower. It's also good for describing things that are bright and cheerful.

2. Mannarita (Talkative)

Definition: Someone who enjoys talking a lot and often does so readily and easily.

Example: Pinasingkedan nga mannarita talaga ni Joran. (Joran is confirmed to be talkative.)

Application Tip: Use "Mannarita" to describe someone who enjoys speaking and often shares their thoughts and ideas. It's a good word to use when someone is outgoing and enjoys conversation.

3. Masdawaak (Notice)

Definition: To become aware of something, either through seeing, hearing, or feeling it, or through being told about it.

Example: Masdawaan nak met. (Pay attention to me.)

Application Tip: Use "Masdawaak" when you want someone to focus on what you're saying or doing. It's a good way to encourage concentration and focus on something important.

4. Munmunnyika (Baby Doll)

Definition: A doll designed to resemble a baby, often made of plastic, cloth, or vinyl. They are typically used for pretend play, allowing children to nurture and care for a "baby" just like a real parent.

Example: Kasla munmunnyika ti rupa na. (Her face is like a baby doll.)

Application Tip: "Munmunnyika" can also be used to describe a person who has a very youthful and doll-like appearance. This often refers to someone with delicate features, large eyes, and a sweet, innocent look.

5. Naglaad (Ugly)

Definition: A subjective term used to describe something considered unpleasant or unattractive to the eye, often based on personal preferences and cultural standards.

Example: Naglaad ti panawen tatta. (The weather is ugly today.)

Application Tip: Use "Naglaad" to describe something unpleasant to look at, but be mindful it can be hurtful. Consider alternatives like "unattractive" or "unappealing."

6. Napanglaw (Hard)

Definition: Something that requires a lot of effort, skill, or time to accomplish or understand.

Example: Napanglaw nga malipatan ni Maraiah. (Maraiah is hard to forget.)

Application Tip: Use "Napanglaw" when you want to describe something that's difficult or challenging. It's a great word to use when talking about tasks, situations, or even feelings.

7. Sanikua (Property, Belongings)

Definition: The qualities or characteristics that belong to a particular thing, person, or place.

Example: Ipamanak amin nga sanikuak kini Lady. (I will bequeath all my properties to Lady.)

Application Tip: Use "Sanikua" when talking about the things that someone owns, especially personal items like jewelry or property lot.

8. Timek (Voice)

Definition: Refers to the sound produced by a person when they speak or sing. It's also used to describe the way someone expresses themselves, like their tone, style, or opinion.

Example: Nagpigsa timek na. (His voice is loud.)

Application Tip: Use "Timek" to describe the sound someone makes when they speak, sing, or shout. It's also a good word to use when describing someone's opinion or perspective on a topic.

9. Billig (To fulfill)

Definition: To complete or achieve something that was planned or promised. It suggests satisfaction and completion.

Example: Billigem amin nga kayat mo ti biag. (Fulfill all your dreams in life.)

Application tip: Use this to express the act of completing or satisfying a requirement, obligation, or desire. It suggests a sense of accomplishment or completion, indicating that something has been done or achieved as intended.

10. Dispenserennak (Apology)

Definition: Expresses regret or apology for something that has been done or said, often causing harm or offense.

Example: Dispenserennam amin nga basbasol ko kinyam. (Forgive me for all my sins against you.)

Application Tip: Use "Dispenserennak" when you want to apologize for something you did or said that might have upset or inconvenienced someone. It shows you acknowledge your mistake and want to make things right.

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These are just a few examples of the many uncommon yet beautiful words in the Ilocano language. Exploring these words enriches not only your vocabulary but also your understanding of the nuances of the Filipino culture and its expression. Happy learning!

Here's a helpful video explaining these Ilocano words! Discover the beauty of Ilocano!

👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

Hi! I’m Cyrus, an Ilocano college student living in Tuguegarao City, and I’d love to share a little bit about my life here. If you’re an Ilocano like me or just curious about the culture that thrives quietly in this busy northern city, agbiag tayo, kabsat! This story’s really close to my heart.

Tuguegarao City is the capital of Cagayan Province, located in the northeast part of Luzon. We’re known for having some of the hottest temperatures in the Philippines, especially around April and May, when the heat really kicks in. Even with the heat, there’s a warm, welcoming vibe here that I wouldn't trade for anything.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BFTREB2J3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Culturally, we’re a mix of Ybanag, Ilocano, and Itawes influences, with people from other places also settling here. Most people speak Ybanag or Ilocano, but you’ll hear Tagalog and English too, especially in schools and businesses.

While Tuguegarao has deep Ybanag roots, Ilocano culture is also very much alive here. You can hear it when we talk at the market, taste it in the food we cook, and feel it in the way we live.

𝗔 𝗣𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆

Growing up in an Ilocano home meant waking up to the smell of inabraw cooking, hearing my nanang say “agan-annad ka anakko” (be careful, child), and learning that every grain of rice is precious. Even now, as I live the busy college life, those little lessons stay with me every day.

Tuguegarao may have people from different backgrounds, but as an Ilocano, I still find ways to hold on to my roots. I still speak Ilocano with my friends and the market vendors, still look for dinakdakan when I’m feeling homesick, and still call older people manang or manong to show respect—even if we just met.

𝗔 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁

One tradition I always look forward to is our Christmas celebration. Back home, it’s not just about Noche Buena or presents—it’s about coming together as a family. Every Christmas Eve, we gather at my grandparents' house in the province, and the whole family helps cook classic Ilocano dishes like papaitan and pinakbet. We light candles, pray in Ilocano, and eat together with our hands, laughing over old stories and teasing the uncles who always fall asleep during videoke. It’s loud, warm, and full of love—a true reflection of our Ilocano spirit. Now that I’m in the city, those memories feel even more special. I might not be able to go home as often, but every day, I carry that tradition with me.

Photo from Amiable Foods. All rights reserved. https://amiablefoods.com/beef-papaitan/

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲: 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆

In our kitchen, the smell of pinakbet cooking on a wood stove or the taste of the flavorful igado during family celebrations was always present. We love simple dishes, packed with flavor, usually made from ingredients right in our backyard or from the local market—like malunggay, talong, ampalaya, and a good amount of bagoong.

But in Tuguegarao, food doesn’t end with Ilocano classics. We’ve also embraced local favorites, like the famous Pancit Batil Patung. At first, I didn’t understand it—a mix of carabao meat, poached egg, and egg-drop soup? But once you try it, you get it. It’s rich, full of character, and really shows how Tuguegarao blends different cultures into something special. Just like this dish, it’s a little bit of everything that makes this place unique.

Image courtesy of Kawaling Pinoy. All rights reserved. https://www.kawalingpinoy.com/pinakbet/ "Igado" image via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱

Being Ilocano in Tuguegarao means knowing how to make the most out of a budget (we’re good at being matipid, or frugal!), how to stay humble, and how to treat others with respect. We’re not flashy, but we’re solid—just like our values: family, hard work, simplicity, and faith. Life here may be a little slower than big cities like Manila or Cebu, but that’s why I love it. The people are kind, family-oriented, and proud of who we are. Even as more modern things come into town, we still hold on to what makesus unique—our language, food, traditions, and the love we share for each other.

The Ilocano language is full of unique words that many people might not know. While some words are widely recognized, there are plenty of lesser-known ones that reveal the culture and traditions of the Ilocano people. In this blog, we'll explore some of these rare Ilocano words and their meanings, giving you a deeper look into this rich language.

1. Lus•sok (Hole) - a hollow place in a solid body or surface. Example: Apay adda metten lussok sapin kon.? (Why does my pants have a hole?)

2. Ub•leng (Wanting to poop) - an urgent feeling that you need to have a bowel movement, even if you just had one. Example: Apan ak man banyo ta maka-ububleng akun. (I will go the comfort room because I want to poop.)

3. Is•ku•dil•ya (Cup) - a small bowl-shaped container for drinking from, typically having a handle. Example: Agala ka man duwwa nga iskudilya ken danum. (Can you get two cups with water.)

4. Gim•gem (Fist) - a hand that is tightly closed with the fingers bent into the palm and the thumb pressed against the fingers. Example: Maramanam ti gimgem ko nu madi ka paylang tumalna. (You'll taste my fist if you don't stop.)

5. Kan•sur•sil•yo (Brief) - a type of short, form-fitting underwear and swimwear. Example: Nilabaak atuy kansursilyok tanu adda usarek nu bigat. ( I washed my briefs so I can use them tomorrow.)

5. Ra•em (Respect) - a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicted by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. Example: Pagraraeman ka gamin nasingpet ken nagaget ka. (I respect you because you are kind and hardworking.)

6. Im•mu•ko (Knife) - an instrument composed of a blade fixed into a handle, used for cutting or as a weapon. Example: Nasugat ak tattay ti immuko gamin madi ak nagannad idi ag lutluto nak. (I was injured by a knife earlier because I wasn't careful while I was cooking.)

7. Na•sa•et (Determined) - having a strong resolve or commitment to dedicate oneself to something. Example: Nakaala iti nangato nga puntos tay anak ko gamin nasaet isuna agadal. (My child got high scores because he was determined to study.)

8. Ba•ta•ris (Working for nothing) - to work without receiving any compensation or payment for your labor.

Example: Nagpa ayab iti pabataris ni kapitan idiay purok mi gamin nag dirraas daga idi napalapas nga bagyo. (The barangay captain request for workers to work without compensation in our street because of the landslide after the recent typhoon.)

9. Pa•sa•dor (Sanitary Napkin) - a disposable pad that absorbs menstrual blood.

Example: Inka man gatangak nak ti pasador. (Go buy me some sanitary napkins.)

10. Taraki (Handsome) - a good-looking man.

Example: Nataraki nga lalaki ni Allan. (Allan is a handsome man.)

We hope this blog has inspired you to incorporate more Ilocano words into your daily conversations. Speaking Ilocano connects you to a rich culture and tradition. To start using these words with confidence, check out this helpful guide on speaking and using Ilocano words. Happy watching!

🌊 Water is life. It is death. It represents a cosmological cycle of both in many ethnic groups in the Philippines.

Today we are going to discuss and learn about some Ilokano folklore on the sea and water. From the Ilokano god of the rivers and sea, Apo Litao, to the cosmological beliefs involving the water and sea.

🌿 RECOMMENDED READING:

For more on Ilokano folklore and practices, I highly suggest reading El Folk-lore Filipino by Isabelo de los Reyes and Way of the Ancient Healer by Virgil Mayor Apostol @ virgilmapostol on IG . (Both books which I credit and gained all the info listed here).

The lovely sirena artwork pictured on the second photo is by Sarah DeMonteverde @ ilandtuitles on IG (go follow her because her artwork is amazing!) ❤

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