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huwag

huwág with stress marks

negative imperative marker

particle hu-WAG Native origin Common

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

Beginner

" Huwag kang umalis. "

Natural Translation

Don't leave.

Literal Translation

Don't you leave.

Intermediate

" 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.

Advanced

" 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.

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