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tuwa

tuwâ with stress marks

joy; pleasure; gladness

noun verb tu-WA Native origin Common
Illustration of "tuwa" (joy; pleasure; gladness)

Usage Note

Tuwa is one of the primary Tagalog words for positive emotion — a spontaneous, wholehearted happiness or delight. Natutuwa ako means I am happy/delighted, and it conveys a warmer, more immediate joy than kaligayahan (happiness in a broader sense). It is used freely across all registers and ages.

Examples

Beginner

" Tuwang-tuwa ang mga bata. "

Natural Translation

The children are very happy.

Literal Translation

Very-joyful the children.

Intermediate

" Puno ng tuwa ang kanyang puso. "

Natural Translation

His/Her heart is full of joy.

Literal Translation

Full of joy the his/her heart.

Advanced

" Hindi maitago ng lola ang tuwa nang makita niyang nagtapos sa kolehiyo ang kanyang apo. "

Natural Translation

Grandmother could not hide her joy when she saw that her grandchild graduated from college.

Literal Translation

Not could-hide of grandmother the joy when saw she that graduated in college the her grandchild.

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