tapak
tapák with stress marks
footstep; to tread on; barefoot
Usage Note
Tapak covers the concept of stepping — a footstep, the act of treading, or the state of being barefoot (nakatapak). Nakatapak sa lupa (feet on the ground) is used both literally and figuratively to mean grounded or in touch with reality. It is a vivid, physical word common in both casual conversation and literature.
Examples
" Nakatapak siya sa lupa. "
Natural Translation
He is barefoot on the ground.
Literal Translation
Barefoot he on ground.
" Narinig ko ang kanyang tapak sa hagdan. "
Natural Translation
I heard his/her footstep on the stairs.
Literal Translation
Heard I the his/her footstep on stairs.
" Kahit naging matagumpay na siya, nananatili pa rin siyang nakatapak sa lupa at hindi nagmamayabang. "
Natural Translation
Even though he has become successful, he remains grounded and does not boast.
Literal Translation
Even-though became successful already he, remains still he grounded on ground and not boasting.
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.

May vs Mayroon vs Meron: Have & There Is
May vs mayroon in Tagalog finally made simple: one rule decides which to use, plus how meron and wala fit the same have and there-is family.

Tagalog Affixes Explained: A Beginner's Guide to Word Building
Tagalog affixes turn one root word into dozens of meanings. Learn prefixes, infixes, suffixes, and circumfixes with clear examples for beginners.

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.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Tagalog?
Survival Tagalog takes ~3-4 weeks and comfortable conversation 6-12 months. FSI's 1,100 hours is the professional bar, not the talking-to-family bar.