katangian
katangián with stress marks
characteristic; trait
From root: tangi
Usage Note
Katangian is widely used in formal writing, academic texts, and character descriptions. It refers to a distinguishing trait, quality, or attribute — of a person, object, or concept. In personality discussions and job applications, listing one's katangian (qualities) is expected. It can be positive or neutral in tone.
Examples
" Magandang katangian ang katapatan. "
Natural Translation
Honesty is a good trait.
Literal Translation
Good characteristic the honesty.
" Ang katapatan ay isa sa pinakamahalagang katangian ng isang lider. "
Natural Translation
Honesty is one of the most important traits of a leader.
Literal Translation
The honesty is one of most-important characteristic of a leader.
" Bukod sa talino, ang pasensya ay isang katangian na talagang kailangan ng sinumang gustong magturo. "
Natural Translation
Aside from intelligence, patience is a trait that anyone who wants to teach truly needs.
Literal Translation
Apart from intelligence, the patience is a characteristic that really needed of whoever wanting to-teach.
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.

Languages of the Philippines: Tagalog, Cebuano, and More
Languages of the Philippines: one national language (Filipino) plus 180+ regional languages. Here's who speaks what, where, and why it matters to you.

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.

Tagalog Slang Guide: 20 Words You'll Hear on TikTok
Tagalog slang explained: lodi, petmalu, werpa, astig, chika and more. Decode Filipino TikTok comments, group chats, and pop culture with this practical guide.

Tagalog Verb Conjugation: Aspects Made Simple
Tagalog verb conjugation uses aspects, not tenses. Learn the three aspects with -um- and mag- verbs, one reduplication rule, and clear example tables.