Signification
Expressing the emotion of fear.
Contexte culturel
Fear is often expressed through 'Hala!', an interjection that usually precedes 'Natatakot ako.' It signals a shared alarm. While 'Natatakot' is Tagalog, the concept of 'Hadlok' is the equivalent. In Tagalog regions, you might hear Visayans say 'Nahadlok ako' instead. Younger Filipinos often use 'Natatakot' ironically to describe 'FOMO' or social anxiety about missing a concert or a sale. The phrase is deeply tied to the 'Aswang' mythos. Admitting fear is sometimes thought to attract spirits, so some elders might tell you to be quiet.
Add 'Medyo'
If you want to sound less dramatic, say 'Medyo natatakot ako' (I'm a bit scared).
Avoid 'Ako ay...'
While grammatically correct, 'Ako ay natatakot' sounds like a 19th-century novel. Stick to 'Natatakot ako.'
Signification
Expressing the emotion of fear.
Add 'Medyo'
If you want to sound less dramatic, say 'Medyo natatakot ako' (I'm a bit scared).
Avoid 'Ako ay...'
While grammatically correct, 'Ako ay natatakot' sounds like a 19th-century novel. Stick to 'Natatakot ako.'
The 'Baka' Connection
Combine it with 'baka' (maybe) to express worries: 'Natatakot ako baka ma-late ako.'
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to say 'I am scared of the spider.'
_______ ako sa gagamba.
'Natatakot' is the correct progressive form for 'I am feeling scared.'
Complete the sentence to say 'I was scared last night.'
_______ ako kagabi.
Use 'Natakot' (without reduplication) for the past tense.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Which phrase fits a horror movie jump-scare?
'Natatakot ako' is for fear; 'Nahihiya' is for shyness; 'Kinakabahan' is for nerves.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Bakit ka umiiyak? B: Kasi _______ ako sa dilim.
The speaker is explaining their current state of fear.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Fear vs. Nerves
Common Fears
Animals
- • Aso
- • Pusa
- • Ipis
Nature
- • Kulog
- • Dilim
- • Baha
Banque d exercices
4 exercices_______ ako sa gagamba.
'Natatakot' is the correct progressive form for 'I am feeling scared.'
_______ ako kagabi.
Use 'Natakot' (without reduplication) for the past tense.
Which phrase fits a horror movie jump-scare?
'Natatakot ako' is for fear; 'Nahihiya' is for shyness; 'Kinakabahan' is for nerves.
A: Bakit ka umiiyak? B: Kasi _______ ako sa dilim.
The speaker is explaining their current state of fear.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, like almost all Filipino phrases, it applies to everyone regardless of gender.
Yes, 'Natatakot ako sa kanya' means 'I am afraid of him/her.'
'Natakot' is past tense (I got scared), while 'Natatakot' is present/progressive (I am scared right now).
Say 'Hindi ako natatakot.'
Yes, if you are discussing a risky project, but 'Nangangamba ako' is more professional.
'Takot ako' is a shorter, more informal version, often used as an adjective-like statement.
Yes, use 'Natatakot ako na...' followed by your sentence.
It is child-speak for 'multo' (ghost). You might say 'Natatakot ako sa mumu' to be cute or funny.
No, use 'Nahihiya ako' for shyness.
Use 'Takot na takot ako' or 'Sobra akong natatakot.'
Expressions liées
Kinakabahan ako
similarI am nervous
Nakakatakot
builds onScary
Huwag kang matakot
contrastDon't be afraid
Takot na takot
specialized formTerrified
Nanginginig sa takot
builds onTrembling with fear
