Usage Note
Gulat is the everyday Tagalog word for surprise or shock. It is extremely common across all registers and age groups. Nagulat ('was surprised') is one of the first emotional verbs Filipino learners encounter. It can describe mild surprise or genuine fright.
Examples
" Nakita ko ang gulat niya. "
Natural Translation
I saw his shock.
Literal Translation
Saw I the shock his.
" May gúlat sa aking puso. "
Natural Translation
There is surprise in my heart.
Literal Translation
Has surprise in-the my heart.
" Hindi maitago ng kanyang mukha ang gulat nang malaman niyang siya pala ang nanalo sa paligsahan. "
Natural Translation
His face could not hide his shock when he found out that he was actually the one who won the contest.
Literal Translation
Not could-hide of his face the shock when found-out he-that he [pala] the won in contest.
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