Usage Note
Ikmo is the leaf of the betel vine, traditionally chewed with areca nut and lime as a mild stimulant in a practice called 'nganga'. Ancient in Philippine culture, it is still practiced by older generations in rural areas and produces a characteristic red saliva.
Examples
" Nagnganga ng ikmo ang lolo. "
Natural Translation
Grandfather chews betel leaf.
Literal Translation
Chews of-the betel-leaf the grandfather.
" Nagnguya ng ikmo ang matandang babae habang nagkukuwento. "
Natural Translation
The old woman chewed betel leaf while telling stories.
Literal Translation
Chewed-betel the old woman while telling-stories.
" Sa probinsiya, marami pa ring matatanda ang nagnganga ng ikmo na may bunga at apog, kaya pula ang kanilang ngipin. "
Natural Translation
In the province, many elderly people still chew betel leaf with areca nut and lime, which is why their teeth are red.
Literal Translation
In-the province, many still old that chew of-the betel-leaf that with areca-nut and lime, so red the their teeth.
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.
Languages of the Philippines: Tagalog, Cebuano, and More
Languages of the Philippines: one national language (Filipino) plus 180+ regional languages. Here's who speaks what, where, and why it matters to you.
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.
Na vs -ng in Tagalog: The Linker Rule Made Simple
When do you use na vs -ng in Tagalog? One simple rule, with clear examples, memory tips, and common mistakes explained for English-speaking beginners.
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.