From root: buti
Conjugations
Past (Completed)
pinabuti
pi-na-bu-TI
made something better
Present (Incomplete)
pinapabuti
pi-na-pa-BU-ti
making something better
Future (Contemplated)
papabutihin
pa-pa-bu-ti-HIN
will make something better
Usage Note
Pabutihin is used when focusing on improving the quality, condition, or state of a specific object or situation. It is typically found in formal discourse, such as official speeches or written literature, rather than in casual everyday talk.
Examples
" Pabutihin mo ang trabaho mo. "
Natural Translation
Improve your work.
Literal Translation
Make-better you the work your.
" Kailangan mong pabutihin ang iyong sulat. "
Natural Translation
You need to improve your letter.
Literal Translation
Need you make-better the your letter.
" Kung gusto mong pabutihin ang iyong sulatin, kailangan mong magbasa nang madalas at magsanay araw-araw. "
Natural Translation
If you want to improve your writing, you need to read often and practice every day.
Literal Translation
If want you-link make-better the your writing, need you-link read frequently and practice day-day.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
How Tagalog words workWord family
buti has 8 related forms built from the same root.
Related Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.

Tagalog Verb Conjugation: Aspects Made Simple
Tagalog verb conjugation uses aspects, not tenses. Learn the three aspects with -um- and mag- verbs, one reduplication rule, and clear example tables.

Tagalog Question Words: Ano, Sino, Saan & More
Tagalog question words like ano, sino, and saan need the right frame to work. Learn the ang-vs-pronoun rule, confusable pairs, and the ba particle with audio.

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.

Tagalog Slang Guide: 20 Words You'll Hear on TikTok
Tagalog slang explained: lodi, petmalu, werpa, astig, chika and more. Decode Filipino TikTok comments, group chats, and pop culture with this practical guide.