impakto
impákto with stress marks
terrifying phantasm; evil spirit
Also means
Colloquially used as a mild insult to call someone mischievous, naughty, or wickedly troublesome.
Usage Note
Impakto is a malevolent supernatural being in Filipino folklore, but in everyday speech it is commonly used affectionately or jokingly to scold a naughty child or describe someone behaving badly. The supernatural meaning is more prominent in rural or traditional communities.
Examples
" Impakto ka talaga, ang kulit mo! "
Natural Translation
You're such a little rascal, you're so naughty!
Literal Translation
Evil-spirit you really, the naughty you!
" Impakto ka talaga, laging may ginagawang kalokohan! "
Natural Translation
You're really such a little devil, always up to some mischief!
Literal Translation
Evil-spirit you really, always has doing mischief.
" Ayon sa kuwento ng aking lola, may impakto raw na naninirahan sa lumang puno ng balete sa dulo ng nayon. "
Natural Translation
According to my grandmother's story, an evil spirit supposedly lives in the old balete tree at the edge of the village.
Literal Translation
According to story of my grandmother, has evil-spirit reportedly that resides in old tree of balete in edge of village.
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 Root Words: Learn a Few Hundred, Understand Thousands
Tagalog root words unlock vocabulary fast: learn a few hundred and recognize thousands. Real word families, examples, and a practical study strategy.
Filipino Food: 12 Essential Dishes (With Tagalog Names)
Filipino food, from adobo to halo-halo: learn the Tagalog names, pronunciations, and ingredients behind 12 dishes you'll want to try on your first trip.
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.
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.