From root: tagal
Usage Note
Matagal is used to describe a duration or state that lasts for a long period.
Examples
" Matagal ang biyahe. "
Natural Translation
The trip is long.
Literal Translation
Long the trip.
" Matagal na siyang naghihintay. "
Natural Translation
He/she has been waiting for a long time.
Literal Translation
Long time already he/she waiting.
" Matagal na kaming hindi nagkikita ng aking matalik na kaibigan dahil lumipat siya sa ibang bansa. "
Natural Translation
My close friend and I haven't seen each other for a long time because she moved to another country.
Literal Translation
Long already we not seeing of my close friend because moved she to other country.
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
tagal has 10 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 vs Filipino: What's the Difference & Which to Learn
Tagalog and Filipino aren't the same language — but they overlap almost completely. Here's the real difference and which one you should actually learn.
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.
How to Say "I Love You" in Tagalog: Phrases & Meaning
Learn how to say I love you in Tagalog. Mahal kita, Iniibig kita, and Filipino terms of endearment for partners, family, and friends — with cultural notes.
Tagalog Pronouns Explained: Complete Chart with Examples
Every Tagalog pronoun explained with clear charts: ang/ng/sa forms, tayo vs kami, ikaw vs ka, politeness markers, and the mistakes beginners make.