Also means
Huli with stress on the first syllable (húli) means to catch or arrest.
Usage Note
Huli meaning 'late' is used across everyday contexts — arriving late, submitting something past a deadline, or being last in line. Filipinos often use it with a self-deprecating or apologetic tone. The concept of 'Filipino time' (arriving later than agreed) makes this a commonly heard word in daily life.
Examples
" Huli na naman ako. "
Natural Translation
I'm late again.
Literal Translation
Late already again I.
" Bakit ka hulí sa klase? "
Natural Translation
Why are you late for class?
Literal Translation
Why you late in class?
" Kung gigising ka pa nang ganito kahuli, tiyak na huli ka na naman sa unang biyahe ng tren bukas. "
Natural Translation
If you keep waking up this late, you'll surely be late again for the first train ride tomorrow.
Literal Translation
If will-wake you still of this so-late, sure that late you already again on first trip of train tomorrow.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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