Usage Note
Sabong is cockfighting, a deeply traditional and legal sport in the Philippines held in purpose-built arenas called sabungan. It carries strong cultural, social, and gambling dimensions, and is especially prominent in rural communities and provincial fiestas.
Examples
" Mahilig sa sabong ang lolo ko. "
Natural Translation
My grandfather loves cockfighting.
Literal Translation
Fond of cockfight the grandfather mine.
" Pumunta sila sa sabong kahapon. "
Natural Translation
They went to the cockfight yesterday.
Literal Translation
Went they to cockfight yesterday.
" Tuwing pista, nagtitipon ang mga lalaki sa sabungan para manood at tumaya sa sabong. "
Natural Translation
During the fiesta, the men gather at the arena to watch and bet on the cockfight.
Literal Translation
Every fiesta, gather the men at cockpit to watch and bet on cockfight.
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.
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.
How to Say "I Love You" in Tagalog: Phrases & Meaning
Learn how to say I love you in Tagalog. Mahal kita, Iniibig kita, and Filipino terms of endearment for partners, family, and friends — with 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.