Skip to content

simula

simulâ with stress marks

beginning; start

noun verb si-mu-LA Native origin Common
Time Time Expressions
Illustration of "simula" (beginning; start)

Usage Note

Simula is used both as a noun and a verb, often appearing as "magsimula" (to start) or in the phrase "sa simula" (at the beginning). A popular idiomatic expression is "simula't sapul," which means "from the very start" or "ever since."

Examples

Beginner

" Maganda ang simula ng kuwento. "

Natural Translation

The beginning of the story is good.

Literal Translation

Good the beginning of story.

Intermediate

" Ito ang simula ng lahat. "

Natural Translation

This is the start of everything.

Literal Translation

This the start of everything.

Advanced

" Simula't sapul ay alam ko nang magiging mahirap ang proyektong ito, kaya naghanda ako nang maaga. "

Natural Translation

From the very start I knew this project would be difficult, so I prepared early.

Literal Translation

From-start-and-foundation knew I already will-become hard the project this, so prepared I early.

Free · iOS & Android

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.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.

How Tagalog words work

Derived Words

panimula DERIVED

introduction

pinagmulan DERIVED

origin

pagsisimula DERIVED

commencement

pasimula DERIVED

initial start

Actor Focus Verbs

magsimula AF VERB

to start

Object Focus Verbs

simulan OF VERB

to start (something)

isimula OF VERB

to start with something

Explore Tagalog by topic

Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.

Grammar5 min read

May vs Mayroon vs Meron: Have & There Is

May vs mayroon in Tagalog finally made simple: one rule decides which to use, plus how meron and wala fit the same have and there-is family.

Grammar5 min read

Tagalog Affixes Explained: A Beginner's Guide to Word Building

Tagalog affixes turn one root word into dozens of meanings. Learn prefixes, infixes, suffixes, and circumfixes with clear examples for beginners.

Culture6 min read

Filipino Food: 12 Essential Dishes (With Tagalog Names)

Filipino food, from adobo to halo-halo: learn the Tagalog names, pronunciations, and ingredients behind 12 dishes you'll want to try on your first trip.

Grammar6 min read

Tagalog Verb Focus System Explained (It's Not Active vs. Passive)

The Tagalog verb focus system isn't active vs. passive. Learn actor focus, object focus, and more with clear examples that finally make it click.

View all articles