Usage Note
Buhawi refers to a whirlwind or tornado — a localized, violent rotating column of air. It is distinct from bagyo (typhoon), which brings widespread rain. Buhawi can also be used figuratively to describe a person or situation that moves with chaotic, destructive speed.
Examples
" May buhawi sa dagat. "
Natural Translation
There is a tornado over the sea.
Literal Translation
There-is tornado in-the sea.
" Isang buhawi ang tumangay ng mga bahay sa baryo. "
Natural Translation
A tornado swept away the houses in the village.
Literal Translation
A tornado the swept the houses in-the village.
" Kung may makitang buhawi sa malayo, agad na lumayo dahil mabilis itong nagiging mapanira. "
Natural Translation
If you spot a tornado in the distance, move away immediately because it quickly becomes destructive.
Literal Translation
If there-is seen tornado in distant, immediately move-away because fast this becoming destructive.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
How Tagalog words workRelated Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.

Filipino Family Words and Honorifics: Ate, Kuya & Tita
Filipino family words like ate, kuya, tita, tito, lolo, and lola go far beyond family — learn how Filipinos use them with strangers, plus mano po etiquette.

Mano Po and Filipino Etiquette: A Visitor's Guide
Mano po presses an elder's hand to your forehead as a blessing. Learn who to mano, how to lip-point, and the etiquette that wins over a Filipino family.

Na vs -ng in Tagalog: The Linker Rule Made Simple
When do you use na vs -ng in Tagalog? One simple rule, with clear examples, memory tips, and common mistakes explained for English-speaking beginners.

Tagalog Time Expressions: Past, Present & Future Guide
Tagalog has no tenses — it uses aspect. Learn time words, days of the week, clock time, and the aspect system, with vocabulary tables and cultural notes.