sampal
sampál with stress marks
a slap on the face
Usage Note
Sampal is the word for an open-handed slap to the face — a physically and emotionally charged act. Beyond its literal meaning, 'sampal' is used figuratively to describe a humiliating rebuke or a severe public embarrassment. 'Sinampal' can describe both a physical strike and a sharp verbal put-down.
Examples
" Sinampal niya ang lalaki. "
Natural Translation
She slapped the man.
Literal Translation
Slapped she the man.
" Masakit ang kanyang sampal. "
Natural Translation
His/Her slap is painful.
Literal Translation
Painful the his/her slap.
" Ang malupit niyang pananalita ay parang isang sampal sa mukha ng mga taong matagal nang tumutulong sa kanya. "
Natural Translation
His cruel words were like a slap in the face to the people who had long been helping him.
Literal Translation
The cruel his words is like a slap in face of the people long already helping to him.
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 workActor 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.
Tagalog Word Order: Sentence Structure Made Simple
Why Tagalog puts the verb first, and how ang, ng, and sa markers work. A clear guide to VSO word order, forming questions, and negation.
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.
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.
Philippine Christmas Traditions: World's Longest Holiday
Philippine Christmas traditions run four months — from Ber-month carols to Simbang Gabi dawn masses, Noche Buena feasts, and parol lanterns lighting every street.