Usage Note
Plato is the standard word for a dinner plate in the Philippines, though 'pinggan' is also a very common synonym. You will frequently hear it used with the verb 'hugas' (to wash) when discussing household chores.
Examples
" Hugasan mo ang plato. "
Natural Translation
Wash the plate.
Literal Translation
Wash you the plate.
" Ang plato ay nasa mesa. "
Natural Translation
The plate is on the table.
Literal Translation
The plate is on the table.
" Pagkatapos kumain, agad niyang inilipat ang mga maruming plato sa lababo upang hindi dumami ang gawain mamaya. "
Natural Translation
After eating, he immediately moved the dirty plates to the sink so the chores would not pile up later.
Literal Translation
After eating, immediately he moved the dirty plates to sink so not increase the chore later.
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 workDerived Words
Actor Focus Verbs
Object Focus Verbs
Related Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.
Mano Po and Filipino Etiquette: A Visitor's Guide
Mano po presses an elder's hand to your forehead as a blessing. Learn who to mano, how to lip-point, and the etiquette that wins over a Filipino family.
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 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.