tinikling
traditional farmers' dance with bamboo
Usage Note
Tinikling is the national folk dance of the Philippines, mimicking the movements of the tikling bird as it steps between bamboo traps. Two people clap and slide bamboo poles on the ground while dancers step nimbly between them. It is performed at fiestas, school events, and cultural showcases, and is a standard part of the Philippine elementary physical education curriculum.
Examples
" Marunong akong sumayaw ng tinikling. "
Natural Translation
I know how to dance the tinikling.
Literal Translation
Know I to dance of tinikling.
" Sumayaw sila ng tinikling sa pista. "
Natural Translation
They danced the tinikling at the fiesta.
Literal Translation
Danced they of tinikling at fiesta.
" Nag-ensayo nang ilang linggo ang mga mag-aaral upang maipakita nang maayos ang tinikling sa harap ng mga panauhin. "
Natural Translation
The students rehearsed for several weeks so they could properly perform the tinikling in front of the guests.
Literal Translation
Practiced for some weeks the students so be-shown properly the tinikling in front of guests.
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
Related Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.
Ang, Ng, Sa: The 3 Tagalog Case Markers Explained
Ang, ng, sa are the three Tagalog case markers every noun takes. Learn what each does, the personal forms si/ni/kay, plurals with mga, and clear examples.
Tagalog Root Words: Learn a Few Hundred, Understand Thousands
Tagalog root words unlock vocabulary fast: learn a few hundred and recognize thousands. Real word families, examples, and a practical study strategy.
Tagalog Question Words: Ano, Sino, Saan & More
Tagalog question words like ano, sino, and saan need the right frame to work. Learn the ang-vs-pronoun rule, confusable pairs, and the ba particle with audio.
Filipino Family Words and Honorifics: Ate, Kuya & Tita
Filipino family words like ate, kuya, tita, tito, lolo, and lola go far beyond family — learn how Filipinos use them with strangers, plus mano po etiquette.