antay
antáy with stress marks
wait
Usage Note
Antay is one of the most common words for waiting in Tagalog. It is used as both verb ('umantay' — to wait) and noun ('ang antay' — the wait). It appears in everyday conversation, song lyrics, and literature, often evoking patience or longing. The raw source listed it as ROOT, reflecting its use across word classes.
Examples
" Antay ka muna dito. "
Natural Translation
Wait here first.
Literal Translation
Wait you first here.
" Antay ka lang sa labas. "
Natural Translation
You just wait outside.
Literal Translation
Wait you only in outside.
" Matagal kaming nag-antay sa kanya, pero hindi siya dumating sa usapan. "
Natural Translation
We waited for him for a long time, but he never showed up for the meeting.
Literal Translation
Long we waited for him, but not he came to agreement.
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