kasike
kasíke with stress marks
cacique
Usage Note
Kasike is borrowed from Spanish cacique, which itself came from a Caribbean Taíno word for chieftain. In Philippine history it referred to local leaders who wielded political and economic power under Spanish colonial rule, and today it carries a connotation of political bossism or entrenched local dynasties.
Examples
" Makapangyarihan ang kasike sa nayon. "
Natural Translation
The cacique is powerful in the village.
Literal Translation
Powerful the cacique in-the village.
" Ang kasike ay may malaking impluwensya sa nayon. "
Natural Translation
The cacique had great influence in the village.
Literal Translation
The cacique has great influence in-the village.
" Sa panahon ng mga Espanyol, ang kasike ang nagpasya sa lupa at buwis ng mga magsasaka sa bayan. "
Natural Translation
During the Spanish era, it was the cacique who decided on the land and taxes of the farmers in the town.
Literal Translation
In-the time of-the Spanish, the cacique the decided on-the land and tax of-the farmers in-the town.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
How Tagalog words workDerived Words
Related Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.

Tagalog vs Filipino: What's the Difference & Which to Learn
Tagalog and Filipino aren't the same language — but they overlap almost completely. Here's the real difference and which one you should actually learn.

May vs Mayroon vs Meron: Have & There Is
May vs mayroon in Tagalog finally made simple: one rule decides which to use, plus how meron and wala fit the same have and there-is family.

Tagalog Time Expressions: Past, Present & Future Guide
Tagalog has no tenses — it uses aspect. Learn time words, days of the week, clock time, and the aspect system, with vocabulary tables and cultural notes.

Tagalog Pronouns Explained: Complete Chart with Examples
Every Tagalog pronoun explained with clear charts: ang/ng/sa forms, tayo vs kami, ikaw vs ka, politeness markers, and the mistakes beginners make.