tahas
tahás with stress marks
direct or frank; active voice (grammar)
Usage Note
Tahas means direct, straightforward, or frank — referring to a person who speaks their mind without evasion, or to communication that is clear and unambiguous. In grammar it also denotes the active voice of a verb. In Filipino culture, being tahas is valued in certain contexts but must be balanced with pakikisama (social harmony).
Examples
" Tahas ang sagot niya. "
Natural Translation
His answer is direct.
Literal Translation
Direct the answer his.
" Tahas ang kanyang sagot sa tanong. "
Natural Translation
His/her answer to the question is direct.
Literal Translation
Direct the his/her answer to question.
" Bagaman tahas ang kanyang mga puna, sinikap pa rin niyang ihatid ang mga ito nang may paggalang sa kausap. "
Natural Translation
Although his criticisms were blunt, he still made an effort to deliver them with respect for the person he was speaking to.
Literal Translation
Although frank the his criticisms, strived still he-to deliver the these with respect to listener.
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 workRelated Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.
Philippines Geography for Learners: Islands & Language
Philippines geography for Tagalog learners: 7,641 islands, three island groups, and the Southern Luzon heartland where the Tagalog language was born.
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.
Na vs -ng in Tagalog: The Linker Rule Made Simple
When do you use na vs -ng in Tagalog? One simple rule, with clear examples, memory tips, and common mistakes explained for English-speaking beginners.
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.