From root: sama
Usage Note
Masama is used to describe something bad, evil, or even a person feeling unwell (masama ang pakiramdam).
Examples
" Masama ang panahon ngayon. "
Natural Translation
The weather is bad today.
Literal Translation
Bad the weather now.
" Huwag kang gumawa ng masama. "
Natural Translation
Don't do bad things.
Literal Translation
Don't you do evil/bad.
" Masama ang loob ko sa kaniya dahil hindi siya humingi ng tawad matapos niya akong saktan. "
Natural Translation
I feel resentful toward her because she didn't apologize after she hurt me.
Literal Translation
Bad the inside my to her because not she ask-for forgiveness after she me hurt.
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
sama 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.
Tagalog Verb Conjugation: Aspects Made Simple
Tagalog verb conjugation uses aspects, not tenses. Learn the three aspects with -um- and mag- verbs, one reduplication rule, and clear example tables.
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.
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.
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.