mangalisag
mangaliság with stress marks
to bristle
From root: kalisag
Conjugations
Past (Completed)
nangalisag
na-nga-li-SAG
bristled
Present (Incomplete)
nangangalisag
na-nga-nga-li-SAG
is bristling
Future (Contemplated)
mangangalisag
ma-nga-nga-li-SAG
will bristle
Usage Note
Mangalisag is the actor-focus mang- form of kalisag, with the k→ng nasal mutation characteristic of this verb class. It describes hair standing on end from fear, anger, or a sudden chill — the Tagalog equivalent of goosebumps as a bodily reaction to strong emotion.
Examples
" Nangalisag ang balahibo ko. "
Natural Translation
My hair stood on end.
Literal Translation
Bristled the body-hair my.
" Pwedeng mangalisag ang balahibo ng pusa kapag natatakot ito. "
Natural Translation
It is possible for a cat's fur to bristle when it is scared.
Literal Translation
Possible bristle fur cat when scared it.
" Nangalisag ang aking balahibo nang marinig ko ang malamig na boses na tumatawag sa akin mula sa madilim na pasilyo. "
Natural Translation
My hair stood on end when I heard the cold voice calling me from the dark hallway.
Literal Translation
Bristled the my body-hair when heard I the cold voice calling to me from the dark hallway.
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.

Philippine Christmas Traditions: World's Longest Holiday
Philippine Christmas traditions run four months — from Ber-month carols to Simbang Gabi dawn masses, Noche Buena feasts, and parol lanterns lighting every street.

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.

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.

Tagalog Slang Guide: 20 Words You'll Hear on TikTok
Tagalog slang explained: lodi, petmalu, werpa, astig, chika and more. Decode Filipino TikTok comments, group chats, and pop culture with this practical guide.