Words That Spark Joy

Being the indecisive person that I am, choosing just one favorite Filipino word is like trying to pick a movie/series when there are just too many good ones. It's also like trying to decide which karaoke song to sing when you have a long list of great songs. Argh.

Filipino language has a lot of delightful words. From chismis/tsismis (gossip) to kilig (the feeling of having butterflies in your stomach) to kembot (shake or sway one's hips), each word has its own charm. I know for sure that whatever Filipino word we choose, we can never go wrong 😏

Di mo sure (You're not sure) is the term that first came to mind. It is my go-to phrase.

_{screenshot of my message with the phrase Di mo sure}

But hey, that's not my favorite. I'm in a dilemma because I don't know which word to pick. Should I opt for the word that brings me happiness? The one that evokes sadness? The one that I typically use? or the one with a captivating meaning?

There are certain words that instantly brighten up my day, like sahod/sweldo (salary/wage). Who doesn't get excited when they hear those words? 😁 May sahod na! 🤘🏻

Another one is libre (free). Admit it, we all like free stuff! Whenever I encounter this word, it feels like I've hit the jackpot!

I've got a soft spot for salamat (thank you) because it expresses gratitude. Salamat shopee! Lol. And of course, there's tuwina (always) that carries a continuous act. Just like that song from Tj Monterde's song, 🎵Sa tuwina ay mamahalin kita 🎵 which translates to I will always love you. Isn't it sweet?

And there's this awesome word, kalaunan (eventually or later on). It's like a comforting reassurance that time will do its thing.

Kalaunan, makakamit mo rin ang mga pangarap mo.
(Eventually, you will achieve your dreams.)
It's like time tapping our shoulders while saying 'hang in there'.

When it comes to being poetic, tila (like/seems/appears) has my heart. This word turns the most mundane sentences into something poetic because it is used to convey resemblance.

Here's a sample from Syd Hartha's song, Tila Tala:

Tila tala sa kalangitan, kaakit-akit subalit ako'y hanggang tingin lang
(Like stars in the sky, captivating yet I can only admire from afar).

Let's talk about a word that really fascinates me, kulani (lymph node). I am so amazed that even lymph nodes have a Filipino term!

But out of all the awesome Filipino words, my favorite is muntik (almost). Why? Simply because it can swing both ways - positively and negatively. Imagine using it in a sentence.

Muntik na ako manalo sa lotto!
(I almost won the lottery!)

It's bittersweet. Can you feel the drama? lol. It's like jumping for joy because you're almost there, so close to hitting the jackpot, but on the other hand, it makes you wonder why you didn't actually win. 🤣 Just like what Ariana Grande said, Almost is never enough.