Also means
Kaso also functions as a conjunction meaning 'but' or 'however,' used to introduce a contrasting or complicating clause in everyday speech.
Usage Note
Kaso is a Spanish loanword from caso and serves two distinct roles: as a noun it means a legal case, medical case, or situation; as a colloquial conjunction it functions like 'but' or 'however,' expressing a counterpoint or obstacle. The conjunctive use is extremely common in casual conversation and is one of the most frequently heard words in everyday Tagalog.
Examples
" May kaso siya sa korte. "
Natural Translation
He has a case in court.
Literal Translation
Has case he in court.
" May kaso siya sa korte ngayon. "
Natural Translation
He/She has a case in court right now.
Literal Translation
Has case he/she in-the court now.
" Gusto sana niyang sumama sa biyahe, kaso wala siyang pera ngayong buwan na ito. "
Natural Translation
He wanted to come along on the trip, but he has no money this month.
Literal Translation
Want supposedly he-to join in trip, but not-have he money this month that-this.
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 workRelated 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.
Na vs -ng in Tagalog: The Linker Rule Made Simple
When do you use na vs -ng in Tagalog? One simple rule, with clear examples, memory tips, and common mistakes explained for English-speaking beginners.
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.
Philippines Geography for Learners: Islands & Language
Philippines geography for Tagalog learners: 7,641 islands, three island groups, and the Southern Luzon heartland where the Tagalog language was born.