Usage Note
Iwas means to deliberately sidestep a person, place, or situation. Use umiwas when the person avoiding is the focus and iwasan when targeting the thing being avoided — a distinction common in health advisories and interpersonal advice.
Examples
" Umiwas siya sa gulo. "
Natural Translation
He/She avoided trouble.
Literal Translation
Avoided he/she from trouble.
" Kailangan ng iwas sa gulo. "
Natural Translation
Avoidance of trouble is needed.
Literal Translation
Need of avoid in-the trouble.
" Mas mabuti pang umiwas ka muna sa mga taong palaging nag-aaway para hindi ka madamay sa kanilang problema. "
Natural Translation
It's better for you to stay away from people who are always fighting so you don't get dragged into their problems.
Literal Translation
More good still avoid you first from the people always fighting so not you involved in their problem.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
How Tagalog words workActor Focus Verbs
Object Focus Verbs
Related Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.

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.

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.

How to Say "I Love You" in Tagalog: Phrases & Meaning
Learn how to say I love you in Tagalog. Mahal kita, Iniibig kita, and Filipino terms of endearment for partners, family, and friends — with cultural notes.

Tagalog Verb Conjugation: Aspects Made Simple
Tagalog verb conjugation uses aspects, not tenses. Learn the three aspects with -um- and mag- verbs, one reduplication rule, and clear example tables.