Pasalubong, gigil: What Filipino words do you struggle to translate in English?

Words like kilig, tampo, pasalubong, and diskarte have no exact English equivalents. Credit: Monkey Business Images

In this episode of Usap Tayo, we explore uniquely Filipino words that cannot be directly translated into English, in line with International Translation Day.

International Translation Day on 30 September is observed by the United Nations to honour translators and their role in fostering unity, dialogue, and peace among nations.
Words like kilig, tampo, pasalubong, and diskarte have no exact equivalents in English.
Experts explain that untranslatable words are deeply tied to cultural, historical, and social contexts that shape each language.

Untranslatable: Why some Filipino words and phrases get lost in translation

Why is pronouncing F and V in words a challenge for some Filipinos?

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