Usage Note
Ibig is a formal and poetic root for love or desire, forming the basis of 'pag-ibig' (love) and 'kaibigan' (friend). While modern speakers usually say 'gusto' to express wanting something, 'ibig' remains a powerful term used in literature, traditional songs, and romantic declarations.
Examples
" Ibig kong uminom ng tubig. "
Natural Translation
I want to drink water.
Literal Translation
Want I to-drink of water.
" Ibig ko ang matulog. "
Natural Translation
I want to sleep.
Literal Translation
Want I to sleep.
" Kung ibig mong maintindihan ang kanyang puso, kailangan mo munang pakinggan siya nang buong pag-ibig. "
Natural Translation
If you want to understand her heart, you first need to listen to her with full love.
Literal Translation
If want you to-understand the her heart, need you first to-listen her with whole love.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
How Tagalog words workDerived Words
Actor Focus Verbs
Object Focus Verbs
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