Usage Note
Ulo refers to the physical head and is frequently used in expressions like 'masakit ang ulo' to describe a literal headache or a stressful situation. It is also used figuratively to refer to a leader or the top part of an object.
Examples
" Malaki ang ulo ng bata. "
Natural Translation
The child's head is big.
Literal Translation
Big the head of child.
" Sumasakit ang ulo ko. "
Natural Translation
My head hurts.
Literal Translation
Hurting the head mine.
" Kapag puno ang ulo ko sa trabaho, hindi ako makapag-isip nang maayos. "
Natural Translation
When my head is full from work, I can't think properly.
Literal Translation
When full the head my from work, not I can-think well.
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 workDerived Words
Actor Focus Verbs
Related Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.
Tagalog Numbers 1-100: Counting, Time & Money Explained
Learn Tagalog numbers 1-100 and beyond. Master both native and Spanish-derived counting systems, plus telling time, reading prices, and ordinals.
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.
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.
How to Say Sorry in Tagalog: Patawad vs Pasensya
How to say sorry in Tagalog: patawad, pasensya na, and paumanhin compared on a simple severity-and-formality ladder so you pick the right word every time.