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hulí

late

adjective adverb hu-LI Native origin Common

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

Beginner

" Huli na naman ako. "

Natural Translation

I'm late again.

Literal Translation

Late already again I.

Intermediate

" Bakit ka hulí sa klase? "

Natural Translation

Why are you late for class?

Literal Translation

Why you late in class?

Advanced

" 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.

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