When learning a new language, it's helpful to know where you stand. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) describes different levels of language proficiency.
A1 is the beginner level. At this stage, you can understand and use very basic everyday expressions and simple phrases.
You can introduce yourself and others, ask and answer basic questions about personal details, and interact in a simple way if the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
Focus on foundational vocabulary and simple sentence structures. This level is all about getting started and building a strong base.
When we say something is mababa, we mean it's low in height. Think of a short table or a low-hanging branch. It can also describe a low sound or a low price.
For example, if you say "Ang mesa ay mababa," you mean "The table is low." Or, "Mababa ang presyo" means "The price is low."
It's a very common and useful word to describe things that aren't very high.
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
Alright, let's get straight to it. Today we're looking at the Tagalog word Mababa. This is a super common adjective you'll hear all the time. Simply put, Mababa means 'low' in English. Pretty straightforward, right?
- Definition
- Low
You use Mababa just like you'd use 'low' in English. It describes something that is not high, whether it's a physical object, a level, a price, or even a sound. Think about it:
- Something physically close to the ground? Mababa.
- A small number or amount? Mababa.
- A soft sound or voice? Mababa.
- A status or position that isn't high? Mababa.
It’s a versatile word, and understanding its basic meaning opens up a lot of conversational possibilities. Don't overthink it. If you'd use 'low' in English, chances are you'll use Mababa in Tagalog.
Let's look at some examples to make this crystal clear. Seeing it in action is the best way to grasp it.
Ang upuan ay mababa.
Translation hint: 'Ang' (the), 'upuan' (chair), 'ay' (is).
Huwag mong ilagay sa mababang lugar.
Translation hint: 'Huwag mong' (don't you), 'ilagay' (put), 'sa' (in/on), 'lugar' (place). Notice 'mababang' here – the 'ng' links the adjective to the noun. We'll get into that more later, but for now, just know it means 'low place'.
Ang presyo ng gulay ay mababa ngayon.
Translation hint: 'Ang' (the), 'presyo' (price), 'ng' (of), 'gulay' (vegetables), 'ay' (is), 'ngayon' (today). This shows Mababa used for price.
Mayroon siyang mababang boses.
Translation hint: 'Mayroon siyang' (he/she has), 'boses' (voice). Again, the 'ng' linker is used. Here, Mababa describes the pitch or volume of a voice.
As you can see, Mababa is truly a basic, high-frequency word. Get comfortable with it, and you'll be able to describe a lot of things in Tagalog. We’ll dive into more specific uses and related words in the next sections. For now, just focus on understanding that Mababa = Low. Simple as that.
Niveau de difficulté
short
short
short
short
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Mababà can be used to describe the physical height of an object or person.
Ang mesa ay mababà. (The table is low.)
It can also describe a low sound or volume.
Mababà ang boses niya. (Her voice is low.)
Mababà can refer to a low quantity or amount.
Mababà ang presyo ng gulay ngayon. (The price of vegetables is low today.)
It can be used to describe someone's social status or position as low.
Mababà ang tingin niya sa sarili. (He has low self-esteem / a low opinion of himself.)
To form a comparative, add 'mas' before 'mababà' (mas mababà - lower). To form a superlative, add 'pinaka' before 'mababà' (pinakamababà - lowest).
Mas mababà ang upuan na ito kaysa doon. (This chair is lower than that one.) Pinakamababà ang bundok na iyan sa lahat. (That mountain is the lowest of all.)
Exemples par niveau
Mababa ang mesa.
The table is low.
Ang upuan ay mababa.
The chair is low.
Mababa ang puno.
The tree is low (short).
Mababa ang presyo.
The price is low.
Mababa ang boses niya.
Her/His voice is low.
Mababa ang sapatos ko.
My shoes are low (flat).
Mababa ang posisyon niya.
Her/His position is low.
Mababa ang lipad ng ibon.
The bird's flight is low.
Ang mesa ay mababa.
The table is low.
Mababa ang presyo ng gulay sa palengke.
The price of vegetables in the market is low.
Mababa ang puno na 'yan.
That tree is short/low.
Mababa ang boses niya.
His/Her voice is low.
Mababa ang marka ko sa pagsusulit.
My score on the test was low.
Mababa ang lebel ng tubig sa ilog.
The water level in the river is low.
Mababa ang lipad ng eroplano.
The airplane's flight is low.
Mababa ang sahod niya.
His/Her salary is low.
Ang presyo ng bilihin ay mababa ngayon.
The price of goods is low now.
Describes the 'presyo' (price).
Mababa ang tiyansa na umulan mamaya.
The chance of rain later is low.
Describes 'tiyansa' (chance).
Sobrang mababa ang boses niya kaya hindi ko marinig.
Her voice was too low so I couldn't hear it.
Describes 'boses' (voice).
Mababa ang tingin niya sa kanyang sarili.
He has low self-esteem. / He thinks lowly of himself.
Describes 'tingin' (view/perception).
Naging mababa ang kanyang marka sa pagsusulit.
His grade in the exam was low.
Describes 'marka' (grade).
Mababa ang kaniyang sahod kumpara sa iba.
His salary is low compared to others.
Describes 'sahod' (salary).
Mababa ang lebel ng tubig sa ilog dahil sa tagtuyot.
The water level in the river is low due to the drought.
Describes 'lebel' (level).
Mababa ang standard ng serbisyo sa hotel na iyon.
The standard of service in that hotel is low.
Describes 'standard' (standard).
Ang presyo ng gasolina ay kasalukuyang mababa, kaya magandang pagkakataon ito para mag-gas up.
The price of gasoline is currently low, so it's a good opportunity to gas up.
Sa kabila ng kanyang mababang posisyon sa kumpanya, malaki ang kanyang impluwensiya sa mga desisyon ng board.
Despite his low position in the company, he has significant influence on board decisions.
Mababang-loob siyang humingi ng tawad sa kabila ng kanyang mataas na katungkulan, na nagpakita ng tunay na pagpapakumbaba.
He humbly apologized despite his high office, showing true humility.
Mababang-loob (literally low-heart) means humble.
Ang kalidad ng serbisyo sa hotel ay bumaba sa isang mababang antas pagkatapos ng pagbabago ng pamamahala.
The quality of service at the hotel dropped to a low level after the change in management.
Nahirapan siyang makita ang maliliit na detalye dahil sa mababang ilaw sa silid.
He had difficulty seeing the small details due to the low light in the room.
Ang kanyang boses ay mababa at malalim, na nagbibigay ng awtoridad sa kanyang bawat salita.
His voice was low and deep, giving authority to his every word.
Kahit na mababa ang tingin ng iba sa kanya, pinatunayan niya ang kanyang kakayahan sa pamamagitan ng sipag at tiyaga.
Even if others looked down on him, he proved his ability through hard work and perseverance.
Mababang tingin (literally low gaze) means to look down on someone or something.
Ang pamahalaan ay nagpatupad ng mga bagong patakaran upang matugunan ang mababang antas ng literasiya sa kanayunan.
The government implemented new policies to address the low literacy rate in rural areas.
Souvent confondu avec
Refers to general smallness in size, not specifically low position. (e.g., Maliit na bata - small child)
Refers to shortness in length. (e.g., Maiksi na buhok - short hair)
This is the root word for 'mababa' and can also mean 'chin' or 'descent' depending on context and usage. Avoid confusing 'mababa' (adjective) with 'baba' (noun/verb).
Facile à confondre
Many English speakers learning Tagalog often confuse 'mababa' with 'liit' (small) or 'iksi' (short). While 'mababa' can sometimes imply shortness in height for objects, its primary meaning is 'low' in terms of vertical position or elevation. It's not about overall size.
'Mababa' refers to something being low in position or elevation. 'Maliit' refers to something being small in general size. 'Maiksi' refers to something being short in length.
Mababa ang mesa. (The table is low.) Hindi ito maliit, mababa lang. (It's not small, just low.)
Similar to 'mababa', learners might confuse 'mataas' (high/tall) with 'malaki' (big/large). 'Mataas' specifically refers to vertical height, not general size.
'Mataas' refers to something being high in position or tall in height. 'Malaki' refers to something being large in general size.
Mataas ang puno. (The tree is tall.) Mataas ang presyo. (The price is high.)
This word has two common meanings that can be confusing: 'expensive' and 'dear/loved'. The context usually clarifies which meaning is intended, but it can be tricky for beginners.
In a transactional context, 'mahal' means expensive. In a relational context, it means dear or loved.
Mahal ang sapatos. (The shoes are expensive.) Mahal kita. (I love you/You are dear to me.)
'Puno' has two distinct meanings: 'tree' (noun) and 'full' (adjective). Without context or intonation, it can be confusing.
As a noun, 'puno' means 'tree'. As an adjective, 'puno' means 'full'.
May puno sa labas. (There is a tree outside.) Puno ang baso. (The glass is full.)
Learners often struggle with the nuances of 'puwede' (can/may/possible) versus 'kaya' (able to/can). While they can sometimes be interchangeable, 'puwede' is more about permission or possibility, while 'kaya' is about ability.
'Puwede' indicates permission or possibility. 'Kaya' indicates capability or ability.
Puwede akong umalis. (I can leave/I may leave.) Kaya kong buhatin 'yan. (I can lift that/I am able to lift that.)
Comment l'utiliser
Mababà, meaning low, is often used to describe physical height or position, as in 'Mababà ang mesa' (The table is low). It can also refer to quantity or level, like 'Mababà ang presyo' (The price is low).
A common mistake is confusing 'mababà' with 'mahina.' While 'mahina' can sometimes imply a low volume (e.g., 'mahina ang boses' - the voice is low), it primarily means weak or soft in general. 'Mababà' specifically refers to height or level, not strength or intensity.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of a 'mababa' (low) bar. If you limbo under a 'mababa' bar, you have to bend 'mababa'.
Association visuelle
Imagine a short person, maybe a toddler, saying 'mababa' as they point to something on the floor, indicating it's 'low'.
Word Web
Défi
Describe five things around you right now that are 'mababa'. For example, 'Mababa ang mesa' (The table is low).
Teste-toi 48 questions
Ang mesa ay masyadong ___. (The table is too low.)
The sentence indicates the table is 'too' something, and given the options, 'Mababa' (low) fits the context of being 'too low'.
Gusto ko ang silya na ___. (I like the chair that is low.)
The sentence structure 'Gusto ko ang silya na ___' implies a descriptive adjective for the chair. 'Mababa' (low) is a suitable description.
Ang boses niya ay napaka-___. (His voice is very low.)
When describing a voice that is not loud or high, 'Mababa' (low) is the correct adjective.
Kailangan mo ng __ na sapatos. (You need low shoes.)
The context of 'sapatos' (shoes) needing to be a certain height points to 'Mababa' (low) as the fitting adjective.
Ang presyo ay ___. (The price is low.)
When discussing prices, 'Mababa' (low) is a common way to describe an inexpensive price.
Bakit ang __ ng iyong energy? (Why is your energy low?)
In the context of 'energy,' 'Mababa' (low) indicates a lack of energy.
Which of these objects is likely to be 'mababa'?
A hill is usually 'mababa' or low compared to a tree, a cloud, or even a house depending on its size. 'Mababa' means low.
If something is 'mababa', what is its opposite?
'Mababa' means low. The opposite of low is high, which is 'mataas' in Tagalog.
Which sentence correctly uses 'mababa'?
'Mababa' describes something that is low in height. A table can be described as low. The other options don't fit naturally with 'mababa' in this context.
Ang pader ay mababa. (The wall is low.) Is this a correct use of 'mababa'?
Yes, 'mababa' can be used to describe a wall that is not tall.
Ang eroplano ay mababa. (The airplane is low.) This means the airplane is flying very high.
No, 'mababa' means low. So, 'Ang eroplano ay mababa' means the airplane is flying at a low altitude, not very high.
Maaaring maging mababa ang isang presyo. (A price can be low.) Is this statement true?
Yes, 'mababa' can also describe prices, meaning they are inexpensive or cheap.
Ang mesa ay masyadong ___. (The table is too ___.)
The sentence indicates the table's height, and 'mababa' means 'low'.
Huwag kang lumapit sa ilog, ___ ang tubig doon. (Don't go near the river, the water is ___ there.)
While 'mababa' can mean low, 'mababaw' specifically refers to shallow water, which is more appropriate in this context.
Ang presyo ng gulay sa palengke ay ___. (The price of vegetables in the market is ___.)
'Mababa' can also mean 'low' when referring to prices.
Kailangan mong yumuko dahil ___ ang pinto. (You need to bend down because the door is ___.)
If you need to bend down, it implies the door is 'low'.
Ang eroplano ay lumilipad nang ___. (The airplane is flying ___.)
'Mababa' describes the low altitude of the airplane.
Ang boses niya ay ___. (His/Her voice is ___.)
'Mababa' can refer to a 'low' or deep voice.
Write a sentence describing an object that is low to the ground using 'mababa'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ang upuan ay mababa. (The chair is low.)
Describe a person's voice as 'low' using 'mababa' in a sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mababa ang boses ng aking lola. (My grandmother's voice is low.)
Imagine you are talking about the price of something. Write a sentence saying the price is low using 'mababa'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mababa ang presyo ng damit. (The price of the dress is low.)
Ano ang problema ni Lito sa kanyang bahay?
Read this passage:
Si Lito ay may isang maliit na bahay. Mababa ang bubong nito kaya kailangan niyang yumuko pagpasok. Kahit mababa ang bahay, komportable naman siya dito.
Ano ang problema ni Lito sa kanyang bahay?
The passage states 'Mababa ang bubong nito kaya kailangan niyang yumuko pagpasok.' (Its roof is low so he needs to duck when entering.)
The passage states 'Mababa ang bubong nito kaya kailangan niyang yumuko pagpasok.' (Its roof is low so he needs to duck when entering.)
Ano ang dahilan kung bakit nahihirapan magbasa si Maria?
Read this passage:
Si Maria ay mahilig magbasa. Ngunit minsan, mababa ang ilaw sa kanyang kwarto kaya nahihirapan siyang magbasa. Plano niyang bumili ng bagong lampara.
Ano ang dahilan kung bakit nahihirapan magbasa si Maria?
The passage says 'mababa ang ilaw sa kanyang kwarto kaya nahihirapan siyang magbasa.' (the light in her room is low so she has difficulty reading.)
The passage says 'mababa ang ilaw sa kanyang kwarto kaya nahihirapan siyang magbasa.' (the light in her room is low so she has difficulty reading.)
Bakit gusto ng mga bata ang swing?
Read this passage:
Ang mga bata ay naglalaro sa parke. Mayroong isang swing na mababa at madaling abutin ng mga bata. Gusto nila ang swing na iyon.
Bakit gusto ng mga bata ang swing?
The passage states 'Mayroong isang swing na mababa at madaling abutin ng mga bata.' (There is a swing that is low and easy for the children to reach.)
The passage states 'Mayroong isang swing na mababa at madaling abutin ng mga bata.' (There is a swing that is low and easy for the children to reach.)
Imagine you're describing a house. Write a sentence in Tagalog saying 'The table is low.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ang mesa ay mababa.
You are at a store. Write a sentence in Tagalog asking, 'Is the price low?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mababa ba ang presyo?
Describe the volume of music. Write a Tagalog sentence saying, 'The music is very low.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ang musika ay sobrang mababa.
Ano ang problema ni Ben sa kisame ng kanyang bahay?
Read this passage:
Si Ben ay nakatira sa isang maliit na bahay. Ang kisame ay mababa at halos maabot niya ito. Gusto niya ng mas mataas na kisame para mas maging maluwag ang bahay.
Ano ang problema ni Ben sa kisame ng kanyang bahay?
Ayon sa talata, 'Ang kisame ay mababa at halos maabot niya ito.'
Ayon sa talata, 'Ang kisame ay mababa at halos maabot niya ito.'
Ano ang napansin ng mga tao sa boses ni Sarah sa bagong kanta?
Read this passage:
May bagong kanta si Sarah. Mababa ang tono ng kanyang boses sa kantang ito. Maraming tao ang nagustuhan ang kanyang boses dahil malambing ito.
Ano ang napansin ng mga tao sa boses ni Sarah sa bagong kanta?
Sinasabi sa talata na 'Mababa ang tono ng kanyang boses sa kantang ito.'
Sinasabi sa talata na 'Mababa ang tono ng kanyang boses sa kantang ito.'
Bakit maganda maglakad sa umaga ayon sa talata?
Read this passage:
Sa umaga, ang sikat ng araw ay mababa pa. Kaya't hindi pa masyadong mainit. Maganda ito para sa paglalakad sa labas.
Bakit maganda maglakad sa umaga ayon sa talata?
Ang talata ay nagsasaad, 'Sa umaga, ang sikat ng araw ay mababa pa. Kaya't hindi pa masyadong mainit. Maganda ito para sa paglalakad sa labas.'
Ang talata ay nagsasaad, 'Sa umaga, ang sikat ng araw ay mababa pa. Kaya't hindi pa masyadong mainit. Maganda ito para sa paglalakad sa labas.'
Dahil sa matinding tagtuyot, ang lebel ng tubig sa ilog ay naging napaka-___.
The drought would cause the water level to be low (mababa).
Kung ang iyong presyon ng dugo ay masyadong ___, kailangan mong kumunsulta sa doktor.
Low blood pressure (mababang presyon ng dugo) can be a medical concern.
Ang sahod na natatanggap niya ay ___, kaya nahihirapan siyang pagkasya ang kanyang mga gastusin.
A low salary (mababang sahod) would make it difficult to cover expenses.
Upang maiwasan ang ingay, kailangan naming panatilihing ___ ang aming mga boses sa library.
To avoid noise, one should keep their voice low (mababa) in a library.
Kahit gaano ___ ang pagpapahalaga niya sa sarili, dapat niyang malaman na may halaga siya.
Low self-esteem (mababang pagpapahalaga sa sarili) means someone doesn't value themselves much.
Ang kalidad ng serbisyo sa hotel ay naging napaka-___, kaya hindi na kami babalik doon.
If the service quality was very low (napakababa), the customers wouldn't return.
This sentence means 'The gift for you is on the low table.' The words are ordered to form a grammatically correct Tagalog sentence.
This sentence translates to 'Even though his position is low, his contribution to the project is significant.' The order reflects a complex sentence structure in Tagalog.
This sentence means 'We should not look down on people who live a simple life.' It emphasizes a moral principle and proper word order for a negative command.
The price of gasoline is low now.
They provided a low-quality service.
Don't show low morality.
Read this aloud:
Mababa ang tiwala niya sa sarili.
Focus: Ma-ba-ba ang ti-wa-la ni-ya sa sa-ri-li.
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Ang sahod na ibinibigay nila ay masyadong mababa.
Focus: Ang sa-hod na i-bi-ni-bi-gay ni-la ay mas-ya-dong ma-ba-ba.
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Mababa ang boses niya kaya mahirap marinig.
Focus: Ma-ba-ba ang bo-ses ni-ya ka-ya ma-hi-rap ma-ri-nig.
Tu as dit :
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/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
