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buhay

búhay with stress marks

life

noun adjective BU-hay Native origin Common
Body & Health Health & Illness
Illustration of "buhay" (life)

Also means

Buhay can also mean livelihood, vividness, or functioning (for machines).

Usage Note

Buhay refers to one's existence and is frequently used to discuss personal fate, daily struggles, or well-being. Pay attention to the accent: Búhay (noun) means "life," while Buháy (adjective) means "alive" or "on/functioning."

Examples

Beginner

" Maganda ang buhay dito. "

Natural Translation

Life is good here.

Literal Translation

Beautiful the life here.

Intermediate

" Ang buhay ay maganda. "

Natural Translation

Life is beautiful.

Literal Translation

The life is beautiful.

Advanced

" Bagaman mahirap ang buhay sa probinsiya, mas payapa ang isip ko doon kaysa sa magulong lungsod. "

Natural Translation

Even though life in the province is hard, my mind is more at peace there than in the chaotic city.

Literal Translation

Although hard the life at province, more peaceful the mind my there than at chaotic city.

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How Tagalog words work

Actor Focus Verbs

mabuhay AF VERB

to live

mamuhay AF VERB

to reside

bumuhay AF VERB

to revive

Object Focus Verbs

buhayin OF VERB

to revive or support

buhayan OF VERB

to give life or encourage

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