From root: hawak
Conjugations
Past (Completed)
hinawakan
hi-na-wa-KAN
held
Present (Incomplete)
hinahawakan
hi-na-ha-wa-KAN
holding
Future (Contemplated)
hahawakan
ha-ha-wa-KAN
will hold
Usage Note
Hawakan is used when instructing someone to physically hold, grasp, or touch an object or person. It is common in everyday requests or commands, such as asking someone to hold a bag or to hold onto a handrail for safety.
Examples
" Hawakan mo ang bag ko. "
Natural Translation
Hold my bag.
Literal Translation
Hold you the bag mine.
" Kailangan mong hawakan ang bata. "
Natural Translation
You need to hold the child.
Literal Translation
Need you hold the child.
" Mahigpit mong hawakan ang kamay ng bata habang tumatawid kayo sa kalsada. "
Natural Translation
Hold the child's hand tightly while you cross the street.
Literal Translation
Tightly you hold the hand of-the child while crossing you-all at street.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
How Tagalog words workWord family
hawak has 9 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 Pronouns Explained: Complete Chart with Examples
Every Tagalog pronoun explained with clear charts: ang/ng/sa forms, tayo vs kami, ikaw vs ka, politeness markers, and the mistakes beginners make.

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.

Ang, Ng, Sa: The 3 Tagalog Case Markers Explained
Ang, ng, sa are the three Tagalog case markers every noun takes. Learn what each does, the personal forms si/ni/kay, plurals with mga, and clear examples.

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.