tilaok
tiláok with stress marks
crowing of a rooster
Usage Note
Tilaok is the specific word for the crowing of a rooster, a sound deeply embedded in Philippine rural life. It is associated with the dawn and the start of a new day. Roosters are ubiquitous in the countryside and in many suburban neighborhoods, making this a widely recognized sound and word.
Examples
" Narinig ko ang tilaok. "
Natural Translation
I heard the crowing.
Literal Translation
Heard I the crowing.
" Narinig ko ang tilaok ng manok. "
Natural Translation
I heard the crowing of the rooster.
Literal Translation
Heard I the crowing of rooster.
" Bago pa man sumikat ang araw, ginigising kami ng tilaok ng mga manok sa kabilang bahay tuwing madaling-araw. "
Natural Translation
Even before the sun rises, the crowing of the roosters in the house next door wakes us at dawn.
Literal Translation
Before yet rise the sun, wake us the crowing of roosters at other house every dawn.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
How Tagalog words workActor Focus Verbs
Related Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.

Tagalog Pronouns Explained: Complete Chart with Examples
Every Tagalog pronoun explained with clear charts: ang/ng/sa forms, tayo vs kami, ikaw vs ka, politeness markers, and the mistakes beginners make.

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.

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.

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.