From root: patay
Usage Note
Kamatayan is the formal term used to refer to the state or concept of death. It is often used in religious or literary contexts.
Examples
" Malungkot ang kamatayan. "
Natural Translation
Death is sad.
Literal Translation
Sad the death.
" Ang kamatayan ay bahagi ng buhay. "
Natural Translation
Death is part of life.
Literal Translation
The death is part of life.
" Bagama't nakakatakot ang kamatayan, naniniwala ang marami na ito ang simula ng panibagong buhay. "
Natural Translation
Although death is frightening, many believe that it is the beginning of a new life.
Literal Translation
Although frightening the death, believe the many that this the beginning of new life.
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
patay has 11 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.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Tagalog?
Survival Tagalog takes ~3-4 weeks and comfortable conversation 6-12 months. FSI's 1,100 hours is the professional bar, not the talking-to-family bar.
Languages of the Philippines: Tagalog, Cebuano, and More
Languages of the Philippines: one national language (Filipino) plus 180+ regional languages. Here's who speaks what, where, and why it matters to you.
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.
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.