gawain
gawáin with stress marks
task, employment
From root: gawa
Usage Note
Gawain is the nominalized form of 'gawa' using the '-in' focus suffix, meaning a specific task, duty, or occupation. It is used in formal and everyday contexts: 'Ano ang iyong gawain?' means 'What is your work/occupation?' and is a common conversation opener. It also appears in educational settings to mean 'activity' or 'exercise'.
Examples
" Ano ang gawain mo ngayon? "
Natural Translation
What is your task today?
Literal Translation
What the task your today?
" Maraming gawain ang naghihintay sa kanya bukas. "
Natural Translation
There are many tasks waiting for him/her tomorrow.
Literal Translation
Many tasks waiting for him/her tomorrow.
" Bago umalis ang guro, ipinaliwanag niya ang bawat gawain na dapat naming tapusin bago matapos ang klase. "
Natural Translation
Before the teacher left, she explained each activity that we needed to finish before the class ended.
Literal Translation
Before left the teacher, explained she the each task that should our finish before end the class.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
How Tagalog words workWord family
gawa has 4 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 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.

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.

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 Root Words: Learn a Few Hundred, Understand Thousands
Tagalog root words unlock vocabulary fast: learn a few hundred and recognize thousands. Real word families, examples, and a practical study strategy.