pakikipagkamay
act of shaking hands
From root: kamay
Usage Note
Pakikipagkamay is the formal Filipino term for the social gesture of shaking hands as a sign of greeting or respect.
Examples
" Magalang ang kanyang pakikipagkamay. "
Natural Translation
His handshake is respectful.
Literal Translation
Respectful the his act-of-shaking-hands.
" Mahalaga ang pakikipagkamay sa mga bisita. "
Natural Translation
Shaking hands with guests is important.
Literal Translation
Important the act-of-shaking-hands to the guests.
" Sa kulturang Pilipino, ang pakikipagkamay sa nakatatanda ay tanda ng paggalang at maayos na pagtanggap sa kanila. "
Natural Translation
In Filipino culture, shaking hands with elders is a sign of respect and a proper welcome to them.
Literal Translation
In culture Filipino, the act-of-shaking-hands to elders is sign of respect and proper welcome to them.
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 workWord family
kamay has 6 related forms built from the same root.
Related 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.
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.
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.
Ang, Ng, Sa: The 3 Tagalog Case Markers Explained
Ang, ng, sa are the three Tagalog case markers every noun takes. Learn what each does, the personal forms si/ni/kay, plurals with mga, and clear examples.