kailangan
kailángan with stress marks
necessary, needed
Usage Note
Kailangan is among the most frequently used words in Tagalog, functioning as both a verb meaning 'to need' and a noun meaning 'need' or 'necessity.' It is indispensable in everyday speech and appears in virtually every register. The construction 'kailangan ko' (I need) is one of the first phrases Filipino learners encounter, and it is used to express everything from urgent requirements to simple preferences.
Examples
" Kailangan ko ng tubig. "
Natural Translation
I need water.
Literal Translation
Need I of water.
" Kailangan natin ng mas maraming oras. "
Natural Translation
We need more time.
Literal Translation
Needed our of more many time.
" Kailangan nating matapos ang proyekto bago dumating ang bisita kahit pagod na tayong lahat. "
Natural Translation
We need to finish the project before the visitors arrive even though we're all already tired.
Literal Translation
Need our finish the project before arrive the visitor even tired already we all.
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