makipagtalo
to argue with someone
From root: talo
Conjugations
Past (Completed)
nakipagtalo
na-ki-pag-ta-LO
argued with someone
Present (Incomplete)
nakikipagtalo
na-ki-ki-pag-ta-LO
arguing with someone
Future (Contemplated)
makikipagtalo
ma-ki-ki-pag-ta-LO
will argue with someone
Usage Note
Makipagtalo is used when one deliberately engages in a verbal dispute or debate with another person. It implies a social interaction where both parties are actively exchanging conflicting views, whether in a casual disagreement or a formal argument.
Examples
" Ayaw kong makipagtalo. "
Natural Translation
I don't want to argue.
Literal Translation
Don't-want I to-argue.
" Ayokong makipagtalo sa iyo. "
Natural Translation
I don't want to argue with you.
Literal Translation
Don't want to argue with you.
" Sa halip na makipagtalo sa kanya tungkol sa pulitika, mas pinili kong tumahimik at iwasan ang gulo. "
Natural Translation
Instead of arguing with him about politics, I chose instead to stay quiet and avoid trouble.
Literal Translation
In place of to-argue with him about politics, more chose I to-be-quiet and avoid the trouble.
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
talo has 9 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.
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.'
Seasons in the Philippines: A Tagalog Guide
The Philippines has two seasons, not four. Learn tag-araw, tag-ulan, and taglamig, the generative tag- prefix, and the weather vocabulary to match.
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.
Ng vs Nang in Tagalog: The Spelling Rule
Ng vs nang sound identical but spell differently. Use ng to mark nouns (of, the object), and nang for how, when, repetition, and counting time.