When you're just starting to learn Tagalog, you'll encounter words that are super common, like "lakad." These are the building blocks of the language.
Think of them as your essential toolkit for everyday conversations.
You'll use these A1-level words for basic introductions, asking simple questions, and understanding common actions.
Mastering these foundational words like "lakad" will give you the confidence to start speaking and understanding Tagalog right away.
When using "lakad," remember that Tagalog verbs don't change much based on who is doing the walking. You'll often see it with prefixes that show *when* the action happens, like "naglakad" (walked) or "maglalakad" (will walk).
It's a straightforward word, but you'll find it in common phrases too. For example, if you say "lakad-takbo," it means a walk-run or a jog.
You might also hear it in a more figurative sense, like when referring to a "lakad" as a journey or even a plan, as in "Magandang lakad 'yan!" (That's a good plan/trip!).
§ Understanding Conjugation
One of the biggest hurdles for English speakers learning Tagalog verbs is conjugation. Tagalog verbs don't change endings like English verbs (e.g., walk, walked, walking). Instead, they use prefixes, infixes, and suffixes. For 'lakad', the common mistake is to not conjugate it at all or to use the wrong form. Remember, 'lakad' is the root word, not a ready-to-use verb in most sentences.
- DEFINITION
- Root word for 'walk'
Gusto kong lakad.
This sentence literally translates to "I want to walk (root word)" which isn't grammatically correct in Tagalog. It's like saying "I want walk."
§ Using 'Naglakad' for Future Tense
'Naglakad' is the past tense form of 'lakad' for actor-focus verbs. A common mistake is to use it when you mean to walk in the future or present. This sounds unnatural to a native speaker.
- DEFINITION
- Past tense of 'walk' (actor-focus)
Bukas, naglakad
This translates to "Tomorrow, I walked." It's incorrect. You should use 'lalakad' for the future tense.
§ Confusing 'Lakad' with 'Lumakad'
While both relate to walking, 'lumakad' is also a past tense form, often implying a completed action of walking from one place to another. 'Naglakad' is more general for 'walked'. Using them interchangeably without understanding the nuance can lead to slight awkwardness, though often still understandable.
- DEFINITION
- Past tense of 'walk' (actor-focus), often implying movement from a starting point
Kaninang umaga, lumakad ako papuntang palengke.
This means "This morning, I walked to the market." Using 'naglakad' here would also be correct, but 'lumakad' emphasizes the journey.
§ Forgetting the 'Mag-' Prefix for General Walking
When you simply want to express the act of walking, without a specific focus on the actor or object, the 'mag-' conjugation is often the most natural choice, leading to 'maglakad'. Learners sometimes forget this common prefix.
- DEFINITION
- To walk (general or actor-focused infinitive/imperative)
Gusto kong maglakad.
This correctly translates to "I want to walk." It's the most common way to express a desire or general intention to walk.
§ Overlooking Aspect
Tagalog verbs emphasize aspect (whether an action is completed, ongoing, or yet to happen) more than tense (past, present, future) as English speakers are used to. With 'lakad', this means focusing on:
- Completed: Naglakad (e.g., Kahapon, naglakad ako. - Yesterday, I walked.)
- Uncompleted/Ongoing: Naglalakad (e.g., Naglalakad ako ngayon. - I am walking now.)
- Contemplated/Future: Lalakad (e.g., Lalakad ako bukas. - I will walk tomorrow.)
Misapplying these aspects is a frequent error. Always think about whether the walking action is finished, still happening, or will happen.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing the 'a' sound like in 'cat' instead of 'father'.
Wichtige Grammatik
Use 'naglakad' for past tense actions. This indicates that the walking action was completed.
Naglakad ako sa parke kahapon. (I walked in the park yesterday.)
Use 'naglalakad' for present tense actions. This means the walking action is currently happening or is habitual.
Naglalakad siya papunta sa tindahan ngayon. (He/She is walking to the store now.)
Use 'maglalakad' for future tense actions. This indicates that the walking action will happen.
Maglalakad tayo bukas sa umaga. (We will walk tomorrow morning.)
To express 'to walk towards something/someone,' you can use 'lakarin' with the object/person as the focus. This implies a destination.
Lalakarin ko ang tindahan. (I will walk to the store.)
When giving an instruction to walk, use the imperative form 'Lakad!' or 'Maglakad ka!' for a more polite command.
Lakad! (Walk!) / Maglakad ka na. (You should walk now.)
Beispiele nach Niveau
Lakad tayo sa parke.
Let's walk in the park.
Tayo is inclusive 'we'.
Mahilig siyang maglakad.
He/she likes to walk.
Mag- prefix for actor focus verb.
Gusto kong lumakad sa dalampasigan.
I want to walk on the beach.
Um- infix for actor focus verb.
Mabilis siyang lumakad.
He/she walks fast.
Lumakad here implies the act of walking.
Naglalakad ako papunta sa tindahan.
I am walking to the store.
Naglalakad is present continuous (is walking).
Lumakad siya kanina.
He/she walked earlier.
Lumakad here is past tense.
Huwag kang tumakbo, lumakad ka lang.
Don't run, just walk.
Lumakad ka is an imperative (walk you).
Naglakad kami nang matagal.
We walked for a long time.
Naglakad is past tense, actor focus.
Ang bata ay mabilis lumakad.
The child walks quickly.
lumakad (actor-focused verb)
Kailangan nating lumakad nang dahan-dahan sa madilim na kalsada.
We need to walk slowly on the dark road.
lumakad (actor-focused verb)
Gustung-gusto kong maglakad sa dalampasigan tuwing umaga.
I really like to walk on the beach every morning.
maglakad (actor-focused verb)
Naglakad kami ng mahigit isang oras bago kami nakarating sa aming destinasyon.
We walked for more than an hour before we arrived at our destination.
naglakad (past tense, actor-focused verb)
Saan kayo naglakad kanina?
Where did you walk earlier?
naglakad (past tense, actor-focused verb)
Huwag kang lumakad nang mag-isa sa gabi.
Don't walk alone at night.
lumakad (actor-focused verb, imperative)
Naglalakad sila papunta sa palengke para bumili ng gulay.
They are walking to the market to buy vegetables.
naglalakad (present progressive, actor-focused verb)
May lakad ba tayo bukas?
Do we have plans to walk/go somewhere tomorrow?
lakad (noun, meaning a walk or an outing)
Wird oft verwechselt mit
'Lakaran' is often used as a noun meaning 'a walk' or 'a stroll,' or 'walking path/route.' It's derived from 'lakad' but refers to the activity or path, not the verb 'to walk.'
'Maglakad' is the actor-focused verb form of 'lakad,' meaning 'to walk' or 'to take a walk.' It's used when the subject is performing the action of walking.
'Nilakad' is a past tense, object-focused verb form of 'lakad,' meaning 'walked (something).' It's used when the focus is on the distance or path that was walked.
Leicht verwechselbar
Many English speakers learning Tagalog might confuse 'lakad' with other movement verbs like 'takbo' (to run) or 'biyahe' (to travel), or they might not grasp the nuances of its usage in different contexts.
'Lakad' specifically means 'to walk.' While it can be part of broader travel or movement, its core meaning is the act of walking by foot. 'Takbo' is for running, and 'biyahe' is for traveling using transportation.
Maglakad tayo sa parke. (Let's walk in the park.)
Often confused with 'lakad' (to walk). Learners might use it interchangeably if they don't understand the distinction between walking and running.
'Takbo' means 'to run.' It implies a faster pace and different physical action than 'lakad' (to walk).
Mabilis siyang tumakbo. (He runs fast.)
Can be confused with 'lakad' (to walk) or 'alis' (to leave) because all relate to movement or going somewhere. Learners might not realize 'biyahe' implies traveling, often using transport.
'Biyahe' means 'to travel' or 'a journey.' It's a broader term for movement from one place to another, usually involving a means of transportation, whereas 'lakad' is specifically walking.
Mahaba ang aming biyahe. (Our journey was long.)
Learners might confuse it with 'lakad' (to walk) or 'punta' (to go) because all involve departing or moving. 'Alis' has a specific nuance of leaving a place.
'Alis' means 'to leave' or 'to depart.' It focuses on the act of moving away from a current location, rather than the mode of movement like 'lakad' (to walk) or the destination like 'punta' (to go).
Alis na tayo! (Let's go/leave now!)
Can be confused with 'lakad' (to walk) or 'alis' (to leave) because it describes going to a place. The distinction lies in the emphasis.
'Punta' means 'to go to' or 'to proceed to a destination.' While you might walk ('lakad') to get there, 'punta' emphasizes the destination or direction, not the act of walking itself.
Punta tayo sa palengke. (Let's go to the market.)
Teste dich selbst 42 Fragen
Write a short sentence using 'lakad' (to walk).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ako ay naglalakad sa parke. (I am walking in the park.)
Translate the phrase 'He walks' into Tagalog.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Siya ay naglalakad.
Complete the sentence: 'Gusto kong ___ sa umaga.' (I want to ___ in the morning.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Gusto kong maglakad sa umaga.
Ano ang ginagawa ni Ana papunta sa trabaho? (What does Ana do on her way to work?)
Read this passage:
Si Ana ay laging naglalakad papunta sa trabaho. Gusto niya ang sariwang hangin at ehersisyo. Minsan, kasama niya ang kaibigan niya. Malayo ang kanyang bahay sa trabaho, kaya maaga siyang umaalis.
Ano ang ginagawa ni Ana papunta sa trabaho? (What does Ana do on her way to work?)
The passage says 'Si Ana ay laging naglalakad papunta sa trabaho.' (Ana always walks to work.)
The passage says 'Si Ana ay laging naglalakad papunta sa trabaho.' (Ana always walks to work.)
Saan mahilig maglakad ang mga bata? (Where do the children like to walk?)
Read this passage:
Ang mga bata ay mahilig maglakad sa dalampasigan. Naghahanap sila ng kabibi at buhangin. Masaya sila habang naglalakad.
Saan mahilig maglakad ang mga bata? (Where do the children like to walk?)
The passage states 'Ang mga bata ay mahilig maglakad sa dalampasigan.' (The children love to walk on the beach.)
The passage states 'Ang mga bata ay mahilig maglakad sa dalampasigan.' (The children love to walk on the beach.)
Paano maglakad si Mang Tonyo? (How does Mang Tonyo walk?)
Read this passage:
Si Mang Tonyo ay matanda na, kaya dahan-dahan siyang naglalakad. Gumagamit siya ng tungkod para hindi madulas. Malapit lang ang bahay niya sa tindahan.
Paano maglakad si Mang Tonyo? (How does Mang Tonyo walk?)
The passage says 'dahan-dahan siyang naglalakad' (he walks slowly).
The passage says 'dahan-dahan siyang naglalakad' (he walks slowly).
We walked in the park yesterday.
Do you want us to walk on the beach?
He walks fast every morning.
Read this aloud:
Naglakad ako papunta sa tindahan.
Focus: Nag-lah-kad ah-koh pah-poon-tah sah tin-dah-han.
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Saan tayo maglalakad?
Focus: Sah-ahn tah-yoh mag-lah-lah-kad?
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Mahilig siyang maglakad nang matagal.
Focus: Mah-hee-lig shya-ng mag-lah-kad nang mah-tah-gal.
Du hast gesagt:
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Si Maria ay mahilig ___ sa parke tuwing umaga.
The verb 'lumakad' is in the actor-focus infinitive form, which is appropriate for expressing the act of walking as an activity.
Maaari mo bang ___ ang aso sa labas?
'Lakarin' is the object-focus infinitive, used when the 'walking' is done to an object, in this case, the dog (taking it for a walk).
Ang matandang lalaki ay hirap nang ___ dahil sa sakit.
'Maglakad' is another actor-focus infinitive, emphasizing the action of walking. It is often interchangeable with 'lumakad' in general contexts.
___ namin ang buong bayan noong bakasyon.
'Nilakad' is the past tense (object-focus) form of 'lakarin', meaning 'walked (something)'. Here, it means they walked through the whole town.
Dapat tayong ___ nang mabilis para hindi mahuli sa bus.
'Lumakad' is the appropriate actor-focus infinitive here, indicating the action of walking.
Kung gusto mong maging malusog, dapat kang ___ araw-araw.
'Maglakad' is a common and appropriate actor-focus infinitive when talking about walking as a regular activity for health.
The correct Tagalog sentence structure places the adjective 'Mahilig' (fond of) first, followed by the pronoun 'siya' (he/she), then the infinitive verb 'maglakad' (to walk), and finally the prepositional phrase 'sa gubat' (in the forest).
In this sentence, 'Ang bata' (The child) is the subject, followed by the adverb 'palaging' (always), then the past tense verb 'naglakad' (walked), and finally the adverb 'pauwi' (home/homeward).
The phrase 'Tayong lahat' (All of us) acts as the subject. 'Ay' is a common linker. 'Lalakad' is the future tense of 'lakad' (will walk). 'Patungo sa bukas' means 'towards tomorrow/the future'.
This sentence means 'A long walk is really tiring.' The correct order follows a subject-adjective-verb structure common in Tagalog, with 'Ang mahaba lakad' as the subject, 'talagang' as an intensifier, and 'nakakapagod' as the predicate.
This translates to 'We should learn while walking through life.' 'Dapat' introduces the obligation, 'tayong' is the pronoun, 'matuto' is the verb 'to learn', and 'habang naglalakad sa buhay' forms the adverbial clause.
This means 'My walk is to find peace.' 'Ang lakad ko' is the subject, 'ay' is the linking verb, and 'hanapin ang kapayapaan' is the infinitive phrase indicating the purpose of the walk.
Dahil sa matinding trapiko, mas mainam na _____ na lang tayo papunta sa kaganapan.
The context implies a suggestion to walk to the event. 'Maglakad' is the appropriate form for 'to walk' in this general sense.
Ang matandang lalaki ay hirap na _____ patungo sa kanyang upuan.
'Lumakad' suggests the act of walking itself, often with some effort or intention, which fits the scenario of an old man struggling to walk.
Kailangan nating _____ ang buong daan upang marating ang tuktok ng bundok.
'Lakarin' is the object-focused form, meaning 'to walk (something)' or 'to traverse by walking,' which is appropriate when talking about walking a specific path or distance.
Buong araw silang _____ sa tabing-dagat, naghahanap ng mga kabibe.
'Naglakad' is the actor-focused past tense, indicating that they performed the action of walking throughout the day.
Kung gusto mong mabilis na makarating, _____ ka na lang at iwanan ang sasakyan.
This is a general suggestion to walk. 'Maglakad' is the infinitive form used in this imperative context.
Sa gitna ng kaguluhan, nakita ko siyang _____ papalayo, tila walang direksyon.
'Lumakad' here emphasizes the act of moving away by walking, often with a sense of purpose or lack thereof.
Write a short paragraph describing a memorable journey you took on foot, incorporating the Tagalog word 'lakad' at least twice. Focus on sensory details and your feelings during the walk.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Naalala ko ang isang di malilimutang paglalakbay noong ako'y naglakad pauwi mula sa malayong probinsya. Ang bawat lakad ng aking mga paa sa buhanginan ay nagbigay sa akin ng kakaibang pakiramdam. Habang naglalakad, nakita ko ang magagandang tanawin at naramdaman ko ang simoy ng hangin. Napagod ako sa paglakad, ngunit masaya ako sa bawat sandali ng aking paglalakbay.
Imagine you are giving advice to a friend about how to stay fit. Write a short paragraph in Tagalog, suggesting that regular 'lakad' is beneficial. Explain why.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mahalaga ang regular na paglakad para sa ating kalusugan. Maraming benepisyo ang paglalakad; ito ay nakakatulong upang mapanatili ang ating puso na malusog at makapagbawas ng stress. Kaya, subukan mong maglakad araw-araw. Ang simpleng lakad na ito ay malaking tulong sa iyong katawan at isip.
Describe a scenario where someone had to 'lakad' a long distance because there was no other transportation available. Detail their thoughts and feelings.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Isang araw, nasiraan ang bus at napilitan akong maglakad nang malayo. Sa bawat lakad ko, naramdaman ko ang pagod, ngunit alam kong kailangan kong makauwi. Sa aking paglalakad, naisip ko ang mga problema sa buhay ngunit sa huli, ang bawat lakad ay nagbigay sa akin ng determinasyon na makarating sa aking destinasyon.
Ano ang pangunahing dahilan kung bakit gustong maglakad ng nagsasalita sa gubat?
Read this passage:
Ang paglakad sa gubat ay isang paborito kong libangan. Sa bawat lakad ko sa mga landas, nakikita ko ang iba't ibang uri ng halaman at hayop. Ang simoy ng hangin at ang tunog ng mga ibon ay nagbibigay sa akin ng kapayapaan. Ito ay isang paraan upang makalimot sa stress ng buhay.
Ano ang pangunahing dahilan kung bakit gustong maglakad ng nagsasalita sa gubat?
Ang talata ay nagsasaad na ang paglakad sa gubat ay nagbibigay ng kapayapaan at nakakatulong sa nagsasalita na makalimot sa stress ng buhay.
Ang talata ay nagsasaad na ang paglakad sa gubat ay nagbibigay ng kapayapaan at nakakatulong sa nagsasalita na makalimot sa stress ng buhay.
Anong katangian ni Mang Tonyo ang ipinapakita ng kanyang regular na paglakad?
Read this passage:
Sa bawat umaga, si Mang Tonyo ay naglalakad patungo sa palengke upang magbenta ng kanyang ani. Kahit matanda na, malakas pa rin ang kanyang mga lakad. Naniniwala siya na ang patuloy na paggalaw ay susi sa mahabang buhay. Ang kanyang regular na paglakad ay inspirasyon sa mga kabataan sa kanilang barangay.
Anong katangian ni Mang Tonyo ang ipinapakita ng kanyang regular na paglakad?
Ang talata ay naglalarawan kay Mang Tonyo bilang isang taong may 'malakas pa rin ang kanyang mga lakad' at 'naniniwala siya na ang patuloy na paggalaw ay susi sa mahabang buhay,' na nagpapahiwatig ng kasipagan at sigla.
Ang talata ay naglalarawan kay Mang Tonyo bilang isang taong may 'malakas pa rin ang kanyang mga lakad' at 'naniniwala siya na ang patuloy na paggalaw ay susi sa mahabang buhay,' na nagpapahiwatig ng kasipagan at sigla.
Bakit mas pinili ng pamilya na maglakad kaysa magmaneho?
Read this passage:
Nagpasya ang pamilya na maglakad sa buong bayan upang mas matuklasan ang mga hidden gems nito. Sa bawat lakad nila, nakatuklas sila ng mga lumang simbahan, maliliit na tindahan, at mga lokal na kainan na hindi nila nakikita kung sila ay nagmamaneho. Ang paglalakad ay nagbigay sa kanila ng mas malalim na koneksyon sa lugar at sa isa't isa.
Bakit mas pinili ng pamilya na maglakad kaysa magmaneho?
Ang talata ay malinaw na nagsasaad na 'upang mas matuklasan ang mga hidden gems nito' at 'ang paglalakad ay nagbigay sa kanila ng mas malalim na koneksyon sa lugar at sa isa't isa.'
Ang talata ay malinaw na nagsasaad na 'upang mas matuklasan ang mga hidden gems nito' at 'ang paglalakad ay nagbigay sa kanila ng mas malalim na koneksyon sa lugar at sa isa't isa.'
/ 42 correct
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