semplang
sempláng with stress marks
to tumble; turn over; social failure
Usage Note
Semplang describes a sudden physical tumble or a rollover, often used for objects or vehicles that topple. In informal use, it can also describe a person or endeavor that crashes and fails spectacularly — an embarrassing social or professional stumble. The word has an inherently dramatic, almost comic quality.
Examples
" Sumemplang siya sa bisikleta. "
Natural Translation
He tumbled off the bicycle.
Literal Translation
Tumbled he on bicycle.
" Malakas ang semplang niya sa motor kahapon. "
Natural Translation
His/Her tumble on the motorcycle yesterday was hard.
Literal Translation
Hard the tumble his/her on motorcycle yesterday.
" Akala ng marami na tagumpay na ang negosyo niya, ngunit biglang sumemplang ito nang umalis ang pangunahing mamumuhunan. "
Natural Translation
Many thought his business was already a success, but it suddenly crashed when the main investor left.
Literal Translation
Thought of-many that success already the business his, but suddenly tumbled it when left the main investor.
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
Related Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.
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.
Tagalog Slang Guide: 20 Words You'll Hear on TikTok
Tagalog slang explained: lodi, petmalu, werpa, astig, chika and more. Decode Filipino TikTok comments, group chats, and pop culture with this practical guide.
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 Question Words: Ano, Sino, Saan & More
Tagalog question words like ano, sino, and saan need the right frame to work. Learn the ang-vs-pronoun rule, confusable pairs, and the ba particle with audio.