From root: katawan
Conjugations
Past (Completed)
nagkatawan
nag-ka-ta-WAN
developed a physique
Present (Incomplete)
nagkakatawan
nag-ka-ka-ta-WAN
developing a physique
Future (Contemplated)
magkakatawan
mag-ka-ka-ta-WAN
will develop a physique
Usage Note
Magkatawan is used to describe the process of developing a more muscular or well-defined physique, often through consistent exercise or bodybuilding. It typically implies a noticeable transformation in one's body shape that others might comment on.
Examples
" Gusto niyang magkatawan. "
Natural Translation
He wants to build a physique.
Literal Translation
Want he to-develop-physique.
" Mahirap magkatawan kung walang disiplina. "
Natural Translation
It is hard to develop a physique if there is no discipline.
Literal Translation
Hard develop-physique if none discipline.
" Para makapagkatawan nang maayos, kailangan mong magbuhat ng timbang araw-araw at sundin ang tamang nutrisyon. "
Natural Translation
To develop a good physique, you need to lift weights every day and follow proper nutrition.
Literal Translation
To-be-able-to-develop-physique well, need you to-lift of weight every-day and follow the proper nutrition.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
How Tagalog words workWord family
katawan has 5 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.

Is Tagalog Hard to Learn? An Honest Answer
Tagalog takes around 1,100 hours to reach professional proficiency. Here is what is easy, what is hard, and what to expect at 3, 6, and 12 months.

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 Affixes Explained: A Beginner's Guide to Word Building
Tagalog affixes turn one root word into dozens of meanings. Learn prefixes, infixes, suffixes, and circumfixes with clear examples for beginners.

Filipino Family Words and Honorifics: Ate, Kuya & Tita
Filipino family words like ate, kuya, tita, tito, lolo, and lola go far beyond family — learn how Filipinos use them with strangers, plus mano po etiquette.