Usage Note
Ideya is from Spanish idea and is one of the most common loanwords in everyday Tagalog, used freely across all registers from casual conversation to formal writing. It feels more spontaneous than the native kuru-kuro and has largely displaced it in everyday use.
Examples
" Magandang ideya iyan. "
Natural Translation
That's a good idea.
Literal Translation
Good link idea that.
" May magandang ideya ako para sa proyekto. "
Natural Translation
I have a good idea for the project.
Literal Translation
Has good idea I for-the project.
" Bagama't mukhang simple ang kanyang ideya, naniniwala akong magbabago ito ng paraan ng pamumuhay ng marami. "
Natural Translation
Although his idea seems simple, I believe it will change the way many people live.
Literal Translation
Although seems simple the his idea, believe I will-change it of way of living of many.
Take Tagalog with you
The full course, a 12,500-word dictionary, and flashcards that make every word stick — free to start on iOS and Android.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
How Tagalog words workRelated Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.
Tagalog Verb Focus System Explained (It's Not Active vs. Passive)
The Tagalog verb focus system isn't active vs. passive. Learn actor focus, object focus, and more with clear examples that finally make it click.
Is Tagalog Hard to Learn? An Honest Answer
Tagalog takes around 1,100 hours to reach professional proficiency. Here is what is easy, what is hard, and what to expect at 3, 6, and 12 months.
Magkano: How to Ask "How Much" in Tagalog
Magkano means how much in Tagalog. Learn to ask a price, tell it apart from ilan and gaano, sound polite with po, and haggle at the palengke.
Filipino Family Words and Honorifics: Ate, Kuya & Tita
Filipino family words like ate, kuya, tita, tito, lolo, and lola go far beyond family — learn how Filipinos use them with strangers, plus mano po etiquette.