supla
suplá with stress marks
to interrupt or openly contradict
Usage Note
Supla describes behavior that is considered disrespectful — talking back to elders, cutting off someone mid-sentence, or boldly contradicting authority figures. In Filipino culture, where respect for elders (galang) is highly valued, being called 'supla' or 'suplado/a' is a notable social criticism. The root verb is less common than its derived adjective forms.
Examples
" Huwag mo akong suplahin. "
Natural Translation
Don't talk back to me.
Literal Translation
Don't you me talk-back-to.
" Ayaw ko ng supla kapag ako ay nagsasalita. "
Natural Translation
I dislike open contradiction when I am speaking.
Literal Translation
Dislike I of contradict when I [,] speaking.
" Napahiya ang ama nang suplahin siya ng kanyang anak sa harap ng mga panauhin sa halip na makinig nang maayos. "
Natural Translation
The father was embarrassed when his child openly contradicted him in front of the guests instead of listening properly.
Literal Translation
Embarrassed the father when contradicted him by his child in front of-the guests instead that listen properly.
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.

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.

Days of the Week and Months in Tagalog
The days of the week and months in Tagalog are Spanish loanwords. Learn all 7 days and 12 months with pronunciation, plus how to say dates and 'every Monday.'

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.

How to Say Sorry in Tagalog: Patawad vs Pasensya
How to say sorry in Tagalog: patawad, pasensya na, and paumanhin compared on a simple severity-and-formality ladder so you pick the right word every time.