wakwak
wakwák with stress marks
ripped
Also means
Wakwak also refers to a mythical creature in Philippine folklore — a bat-like nocturnal monster known for its distinctive flapping sound at night.
Usage Note
Wakwak describes cloth or material that has been torn or frayed apart in everyday usage. In Visayan folklore the Wakwak is also a feared supernatural creature similar to the aswang, said to prey on people at night — the two meanings coexist and are distinguished by context.
Examples
" Wakwak na ang lumang bandila. "
Natural Translation
The old flag is already ripped.
Literal Translation
Ripped already the old flag.
" Wakwak ang damit niya pagkatapos ng laro. "
Natural Translation
Their clothing was ripped after the game.
Literal Translation
Ripped the clothing of them after of game.
" Kahit wakwak na ang manggas ng kaniyang paboritong kamiseta, ayaw pa rin niyang itapon ito dahil regalo ito ng kaniyang lola. "
Natural Translation
Even though the sleeve of his favorite shirt is already ripped, he still doesn't want to throw it away because it was a gift from his grandmother.
Literal Translation
Even ripped already the sleeve of his favorite shirt, dislike still he to-throw it because gift it of his grandmother.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
How Tagalog words workRelated Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.

Tagalog Verb Conjugation: Aspects Made Simple
Tagalog verb conjugation uses aspects, not tenses. Learn the three aspects with -um- and mag- verbs, one reduplication rule, and clear example tables.

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.

Filipino Food: 12 Essential Dishes (With Tagalog Names)
Filipino food, from adobo to halo-halo: learn the Tagalog names, pronunciations, and ingredients behind 12 dishes you'll want to try on your first trip.

Magkano: How to Ask "How Much" in Tagalog
Magkano means how much in Tagalog. Learn to ask a price, tell it apart from ilan and gaano, sound polite with po, and haggle at the palengke.