makipag-usap
to talk with someone
From root: usap
Conjugations
Past (Completed)
nakipag-usap
na-ki-pag-u-SAP
talked with someone
Present (Incomplete)
nakikipag-usap
na-ki-ki-pag-u-SAP
talking with someone
Future (Contemplated)
makikipag-usap
ma-ki-ki-pag-u-SAP
will talk with someone
Usage Note
Makipag-usap is used when initiating an intentional conversation or dialogue with another person, often carrying a social or formal nuance of engagement. It emphasizes the act of reaching out to someone for a mutual exchange rather than just the general action of speaking.
Examples
" Gusto kong makipag-usap sa guro. "
Natural Translation
I want to talk with the teacher.
Literal Translation
Want I to-talk-with to teacher.
" Gusto niyang makipag-usap sa iyo. "
Natural Translation
He/she wants to talk with you.
Literal Translation
Want he/she to-talk-with you.
" Kailangan nating makipag-usap nang harapan sa amo para malinaw ang dahilan ng aming pagkaantala. "
Natural Translation
We need to talk face to face with the boss so the reason for our delay is clear.
Literal Translation
Need we to-talk in face-to-face to boss so clear the reason of our delay.
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 workWord family
usap has 11 related forms built from the same root.
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.
Tagalog Time Expressions: Past, Present & Future Guide
Tagalog has no tenses — it uses aspect. Learn time words, days of the week, clock time, and the aspect system, with vocabulary tables and cultural notes.
Tagalog vs Filipino: What's the Difference & Which to Learn
Tagalog and Filipino aren't the same language — but they overlap almost completely. Here's the real difference and which one you should actually learn.
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.