Usage Note
Gatlang is the Tagalog term for the dash punctuation mark (—), used in formal writing and grammar instruction. It is primarily encountered in language textbooks and formal written Tagalog. Most modern Tagalog writers simply use the English term 'dash' in everyday contexts.
Examples
" Maglagay ka ng gatlang dito. "
Natural Translation
Put a dash here.
Literal Translation
Put you of dash here.
" Nasaan ang gatlang sa salita? "
Natural Translation
Where is the dash in the word?
Literal Translation
Where the dash in word?
" Ipinaliwanag ng guro na ang gatlang ay ginagamit upang ihiwalay ang isang karagdagang kaisipan sa loob ng pangungusap. "
Natural Translation
The teacher explained that the dash is used to set off an additional thought within a sentence.
Literal Translation
Explained the teacher that the dash is used so-as-to separate the one additional thought inside of-the sentence.
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.

Philippine Christmas Traditions: World's Longest Holiday
Philippine Christmas traditions run four months — from Ber-month carols to Simbang Gabi dawn masses, Noche Buena feasts, and parol lanterns lighting every street.

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 Affixes Explained: A Beginner's Guide to Word Building
Tagalog affixes turn one root word into dozens of meanings. Learn prefixes, infixes, suffixes, and circumfixes with clear examples for beginners.