huwag
huwág with stress marks
negative imperative marker
Usage Note
Huwag is the core negative imperative particle in Tagalog, used to give negative commands — the equivalent of 'don't' in English. Unlike 'hindi' (which negates statements), huwag specifically negates commands and requests. It is one of the most fundamental and high-frequency particles in the language, essential for giving instructions and warnings.
Examples
" Huwag kang umalis. "
Natural Translation
Don't leave.
Literal Translation
Don't you leave.
" Huwag kang maingay — natutulog ang sanggol. "
Natural Translation
Don't be noisy — the baby is sleeping.
Literal Translation
Don't you be-noisy — sleeping the baby.
" Huwag kang magsalita nang malakas sa loob ng silid-aklatan dahil maraming nag-aaral doon. "
Natural Translation
Don't speak loudly inside the library because many people are studying there.
Literal Translation
Don't you speak adverb loud at inside of library because many studying there.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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