tangkab
tangkáb with stress marks
hit mouth/chin with uppercut
Usage Note
Tangkab is a specific fighting term describing an upward strike to the face, particularly the mouth or chin. It is most associated with traditional Filipino martial arts (arnis/eskrima) and cockfighting contexts, though it can describe any such blow in everyday speech.
Examples
" Tinangkab niya ang kalaban. "
Natural Translation
He/She landed an uppercut on the opponent.
Literal Translation
Uppercut-hit he/she the opponent.
" Masakit ang tangkab na natanggap niya. "
Natural Translation
The uppercut he/she received was painful.
Literal Translation
Painful the uppercut that received he/she.
" Habang nagsasanay ng arnis, tinangkab ng kabataang mandirigma ang kaniyang katunggali kaya napaatras ito sa lakas ng suntok. "
Natural Translation
While training in arnis, the young fighter struck his opponent with an uppercut, so the opponent staggered back from the force of the blow.
Literal Translation
While training of arnis, uppercut-hit of the young fighter the his rival so staggered-back this at force of punch.
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 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.
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.
Is Tagalog Hard to Learn? An Honest Answer
Tagalog takes around 1,100 hours to reach professional proficiency. Here is what is easy, what is hard, and what to expect at 3, 6, and 12 months.
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.