Usage Note
Habà is the primary word for length in Tagalog, used for both physical measurement and temporal duration. The exclamatory phrase 'Ang haba ng hair mo!' has become a popular colloquial expression meaning 'That's too much!' or 'You're exaggerating!' — showing how the word has extended into informal rhetorical use.
Examples
" Ang haba ng buhok mo! "
Natural Translation
Your hair is so long!
Literal Translation
The length of hair your!
" Ang haba ng pila sa palengke ngayong umaga. "
Natural Translation
The line at the market is so long this morning.
Literal Translation
The length-of the queue at-the market this morning.
" Dahil sa haba ng pelikula, marami sa mga manonood ang nakatulog bago ito natapos. "
Natural Translation
Because of the length of the movie, many of the viewers fell asleep before it ended.
Literal Translation
Because of length of movie, many of the viewers [the] fell-asleep before it ended.
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