misa
mísa with stress marks
mass (religious service)
Usage Note
Misa is borrowed from Spanish and refers to the Catholic Mass, a deeply embedded part of Filipino religious life. Attending Sunday misa is routine for millions, and special observances like Simbang Gabi — nine pre-dawn masses before Christmas — are major cultural and social events.
Examples
" Maaga kaming pumunta sa misa. "
Natural Translation
We went to mass early.
Literal Translation
Early we went to mass.
" Nagsimula na ang misa nang dumating kami sa simbahan kanina. "
Natural Translation
The mass had already started when we arrived at the church earlier.
Literal Translation
Started already the mass when arrived we at church earlier.
" Tuwing Disyembre, gumigising kami nang madaling-araw para makadalo sa Simbang Gabi, ang siyam na misa bago sumapit ang Pasko. "
Natural Translation
Every December, we wake up at dawn to attend Simbang Gabi, the nine masses before Christmas arrives.
Literal Translation
Every December, wake we of dawn so-that attend at Simbang-Gabi, the nine masses before arrive the Christmas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tagalog Numbers 1-100: Counting, Time & Money Explained
Learn Tagalog numbers 1-100 and beyond. Master both native and Spanish-derived counting systems, plus telling time, reading prices, and ordinals.