When you're first learning Tagalog, you'll encounter words like Malapit (mah-lah-peet), which means 'near' or 'close' in English. It's a fundamental adjective that helps you talk about location and proximity. Think of it like using 'near' or 'close' in English when describing how far something is. You can use it for physical distance, like saying a store is 'malapit' to your house, or even for describing things that are approaching in time, like 'malapit na ang Pasko' (Christmas is near/approaching).

Malapit 30 सेकंड में

  • Malapit means 'near' or 'close.'
  • Use it to describe physical closeness.
  • It can also mean 'soon' when referring to time.

§ Understanding 'Malapit'

DEFINITION
Malapit (adjective): Near; close; imminent.

When you're learning Tagalog, you'll find that 'malapit' is a very useful word. It's a common adjective that primarily means 'near' or 'close' in terms of physical distance. Think of it like saying 'the store is near' or 'my house is close by'.

But 'malapit' isn't just for physical proximity. Tagalog speakers also use it to talk about time. If something is going to happen soon, you can say it's 'malapit'. For example, if your birthday is next week, it's 'malapit'. If a deadline is approaching, it's 'malapit'.

It's pretty straightforward, right? Let's look at some examples to make it clearer.

§ 'Malapit' for Physical Distance

This is the most common use of 'malapit'. You use it to describe anything that isn't far away. It's a good word to know for directions or describing locations.

Ang bahay ko ay malapit sa parke.

Translation hint: My house is near the park.

Saan ang banyo? Malapit lang.

Translation hint: Where is the bathroom? Just near (here).

§ 'Malapit' for Time (Imminent)

This is where 'malapit' expands its meaning to 'imminent' or 'soon'. You'll use it for events that are about to happen.

Malapit na ang Pasko!

Translation hint: Christmas is near (or 'soon')!

Malapit na akong umuwi.

Translation hint: I'm about to go home (or 'I'll be home soon').

§ Key Takeaways for 'Malapit'

Here's a quick summary to help you remember:

  • 'Malapit' means 'near' or 'close' for physical distance.
  • 'Malapit' can also mean 'soon' or 'imminent' for time.
  • Look out for 'lang' (just) and 'na' (already/now) used with 'malapit' to refine its meaning.

Practice using 'malapit' in both contexts, and you'll be communicating more naturally in Tagalog in no time!

In Tagalog, 'malapit' is your go-to word for 'near' or 'close.' It's a fundamental adjective you'll hear and use constantly. But like many languages, Tagalog has other words that can express similar ideas, sometimes with slight differences in nuance or context. Let's break down 'malapit' and look at some related terms.

§ Malapit: The Basic 'Near'

'Malapit' is versatile. You can use it for physical proximity, temporal proximity (events happening soon), or even relational closeness (people who are close). It's a good default when you're starting out.

DEFINITION
Near, close, approaching. Can refer to physical distance, time, or relationship.

Ang bahay namin ay malapit sa parke.

Malapit na ang pasko!

Magkapatid sila, kaya malapit sila sa isa't isa.

§ Similar Words and When to Use Them

While 'malapit' is extremely useful, you might encounter other words that express proximity. Here are a few and how they differ:

  • Katabi / Tabí (Beside, Next to)
DEFINITION
Specifically means 'next to' or 'beside.' It implies a direct, immediate adjacency, often touching or very close.

Use 'katabi' when something is directly adjacent to something else. 'Malapit' is more general and can mean a short distance away, not necessarily touching.

Si Anna ay nakaupo katabi ko.

You wouldn't typically say "Si Anna ay nakaupo malapit ko" if she's literally in the seat next to you. 'Malapit' would imply she's just in the vicinity, not necessarily adjacent.

  • Dikit / Nakadikit (Stuck to, Attached, Very Close)
DEFINITION
Implies something is literally sticking to or closely attached to another object. It denotes a very tight proximity, often with physical contact.

While 'malapit' means generally close, 'dikit' or 'nakadikit' describes something that is stuck or pressed right against something else.

Ang poster ay nakadikit sa pader.

  • Kalapit (Neighboring, Adjacent, Next Door)
DEFINITION
Often used for places or areas that are geographically adjacent or neighboring, like houses, towns, or countries.

'Kalapit' is a good word for describing neighboring entities, especially in a geographical sense. It implies 'being close to' in a more formal or descriptive way than 'malapit' for places.

Ang aming probinsya ay kalapit ng Maynila.

§ Key Takeaway

Start with 'malapit' as your general word for 'near.' As you get more comfortable, you can introduce 'katabi' for things directly next to each other, 'dikit' for things stuck together, and 'kalapit' for neighboring places. Don't overthink it at first; 'malapit' will serve you well in most situations.

How Formal Is It?

औपचारिक

"Malapit na ang seremonya. (The ceremony is near/soon.)"

तटस्थ

"Ang bahay niya ay malapit sa simbahan. (His/Her house is near the church.)"

अनौपचारिक

"Malapit lang ako. (I'm just nearby/close by.)"

Child friendly

"Hawakan mo ang kamay ko, malapit ako sa'yo. (Hold my hand, I'm near you.)"

बोलचाल

"Lapit na. (Almost there/It's close now.)"

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

1

Ang bangko ay malapit sa simbahan.

The bank is near the church.

2

Napakalapit ng bahay niya sa opisina, kaya madali lang siyang makapasok.

His house is very near the office, so it's easy for him to go to work.

3

Malapit nang matapos ang proyekto, kailangan na lang ng konting pino.

The project is almost finished, just needs a little refinement.

4

Kung malapit ka sa desisyon, huwag kang magmadali; pag-isipan mo munang mabuti.

If you're near a decision, don't rush; think it over carefully first.

5

Ang malapit na pagkakaibigan ay mahalaga sa buhay ng isang tao.

Close friendships are important in a person's life.

6

Sa malapit na hinaharap, inaasahan nating mas gaganda pa ang ekonomiya.

In the near future, we expect the economy to improve further.

7

Naramdaman ko ang malapit na presensya ng panganib, kaya agad akong umalis.

I felt the imminent presence of danger, so I left immediately.

8

Ang kanilang pamilya ay may malapit na ugnayan sa komunidad.

Their family has a close relationship with the community.

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

malapit na almost, soon
malapit sa near to
malapit dito near here
malapit diyan near there (close to listener)
malapit doon near there (far from both)
malapit na kaibigan close friend
malapit na kamag-anak close relative
malapit sa puso dear to the heart
malapit nang matapos almost finished
malapit na buwan next month

सामान्य वाक्यांश

Malapit na ako.

I'm almost there. / I'm near.

Malapit ba dito?

Is it near here?

Malapit lang.

Just near. / It's just close.

Malapit ang bahay namin sa parke.

Our house is near the park.

Malapit na ang Pasko.

Christmas is near/soon.

Malapit siya sa akin.

He/She is close to me.

Malapit nang umuwi.

Almost home. / Almost going home.

Malapit ka na sa katotohanan.

You're close to the truth.

Malapit bang matatagpuan ang tindahan?

Is the store easily found nearby?

Malapit na tayong magkita.

We'll see each other soon. / We're almost meeting.

अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है

Malapit vs Lapit

While 'malapit' is the adjective 'near', 'lapit' is often used as the root in verbs like 'lumapit' (to approach) or 'nilapitan' (approached).

Malapit vs Distansya

This is the Tagalog word for 'distance'. 'Malapit' describes a short distance, but 'distansya' is the noun referring to the concept of space between two points.

Malapit vs Dito

'Dito' means 'here'. While 'malapit' implies a short distance, 'dito' is a specific location marker. You can say 'malapit dito' (near here).

आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले

Malapit vs Malapit

Many learners confuse 'malapit' with 'lapit'. While both relate to proximity, 'malapit' is the adjective meaning 'near' or 'close', whereas 'lapit' is often used in verbal forms or as a noun for 'approach'.

'Malapit' describes a state of being near, like 'The store is near.' 'Lapit' is more about the act of getting near, or the concept of proximity itself.

Ang tindahan ay malapit lang dito. (The store is just near here.)

Malapit vs Mabilis

Often confused with 'mabilis' (fast), which is similar in structure but has a distinct meaning. Learners might accidentally use 'malapit' when they mean 'fast'.

'Malapit' is about distance. 'Mabilis' is about speed. They sound somewhat similar to an untrained ear.

Mabilis ang takbo ng kotse. (The car's run is fast.)

Malapit vs Marami

The 'Ma-' prefix can lead to confusion. 'Marami' means 'many' or 'a lot', which is conceptually different from 'near' but shares a common prefix structure that can trip up beginners.

'Malapit' refers to physical or temporal closeness. 'Marami' refers to quantity.

Marami akong kaibigan. (I have many friends.)

Malapit vs Maliit

Similar 'Ma-' prefix and ending sound can make 'maliit' (small) sound similar to 'malapit' for some learners, leading to potential mix-ups in early stages.

'Malapit' is about distance. 'Maliit' is about size.

Maliit ang bahay niya. (His/Her house is small.)

Malapit vs Malalim

Another adjective with the 'Ma-' prefix, 'malalim' means 'deep'. The 'ma-' prefix is productive in Tagalog, and learners need to differentiate the root meanings.

'Malapit' is about closeness. 'Malalim' is about depth.

Malalim ang ilog. (The river is deep.)

याद करें

स्मृति सहायक

Imagine a **MALAPIT** (near) apple, almost ripe and ready to pick.

दृश्य संबंध

Picture two people standing very close to each other. One says, 'We are **MALAPIT**.'

Word Web

Malapit sa bahay (near the house) Malapit na kaibigan (close friend) Malapit na (almost/soon) Malapit dito (near here) Malapit lang (just near)

चैलेंज

Think of 5 things that are 'malapit' to you right now. For example, 'Malapit ang telepono sa akin.' (The phone is near me.)

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

10 सवाल

You can use 'malapit' to describe the proximity of something. For example, 'Ang bahay ko ay malapit sa simbahan.' (My house is near the church.)

'Malapit' means near, while 'katabi' means beside or next to. 'Katabi' implies a closer, more immediate proximity. For instance, 'Ang parke ay malapit sa bahay ko' (The park is near my house) vs. 'Ang upuan ko ay katabi mo' (My seat is next to you).

Yes, 'malapit' can also mean 'soon' or 'in the near future'. For example, 'Malapit na ang Pasko.' (Christmas is near/soon.)

No, 'malapit' is an adjective and does not change its form based on gender or number in Tagalog.

You can say 'malapit na malapit' or 'napakalapit' to emphasize 'very near'. 'Napakalapit' is a more common way to say it. For example, 'Napakalapit ng tindahan.' (The store is very near.)

'Malapit' is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

You can ask 'Malapit ba?' or 'Malapit ba ito?' (Is this near?)

The opposite of 'malapit' (near) is 'malayo' (far). For example, 'Malayo ang eskwelahan.' (The school is far.)

While 'malapit' primarily refers to physical proximity, you can use the phrase 'malapit sa puso' (literally 'near the heart') to mean someone or something is dear or close to you emotionally.

A common phrase is 'Malapit na!' which means 'Almost there!' or 'It's almost here!' For example, when waiting for food, 'Malapit na ang pagkain!' (The food is almost here!)

खुद को परखो 30 सवाल

listening B1

Is your house near work?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: Malapit ba ang iyong bahay sa trabaho?
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening B1

The bus stop is just near the school.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: Ang bus stop ay malapit lang sa eskwelahan.
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening B1

We are about to leave.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: Malapit na kaming umalis.
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking B1

Read this aloud:

Pakisabi, 'Malapit na ang eleksyon.'

Focus: Ma-LA-pit na ang e-lek-SYON

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking B1

Read this aloud:

Pakisabi, 'Gusto ko ng upuan na malapit sa bintana.'

Focus: GUS-to ko nang up-U-an na ma-LA-pit sa bin-TA-na

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking B1

Read this aloud:

Pakisabi, 'Malapit nang matapos ang klase.'

Focus: Ma-LA-pit nang ma-TA-pos ang KLA-se

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening B2

The speaker is talking about the proximity of their house to a church.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: Ang bahay namin ay malapit sa simbahan, kaya madali kaming makapunta doon tuwing Linggo.
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening B2

The advice is about choosing a hotel strategically.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: Kung gusto mong makatipid sa biyahe, maghanap ka ng hotel na malapit sa mga tourist attraction.
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening B2

The speaker is suggesting trying a new coffee shop.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: Narinig ko na may bagong kapehan na malapit lang dito. Subukan natin mamaya?
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking B2

Read this aloud:

Maaari mo bang sabihin kung saan ang pinakamalapit na botika?

Focus: pinakamalapit

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking B2

Read this aloud:

Kahit malayo ang trabaho niya, masaya siya dahil malapit sa puso niya ang ginagawa niya.

Focus: malapit sa puso

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking B2

Read this aloud:

Ang aming pamilya ay napakalapit sa isa't isa, kahit magkakalayo kami ng tirahan.

Focus: napakalapit

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
fill blank C1

Ang bahay niya ay napakaganda at ___ sa trabaho ko.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: malapit

The sentence implies convenience due to proximity. 'Malapit' means near.

fill blank C1

Pakiramdam ko ay palaging ___ ang katapusan ng linggo pagkatapos ng isang abalang linggo.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: malapit

The phrase 'palaging malapit' (always near) suggests the weekend feels like it's coming quickly.

fill blank C1

Kung gusto mong makatipid sa biyahe, maghanap ng hotel na ___ sa sentro ng lungsod.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: malapit

To save on travel, one would look for a hotel that is 'near' the city center.

fill blank C1

Ang pagkakataon ay napakadalang, at ngayon ay tila napaka___ nito.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: malapit

The sentence suggests a rare opportunity is now perceived as 'near' or within reach.

fill blank C1

Sa dami ng pag-aaral, ___ na ang dulo ng semestre.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: malapit

Given the amount of studying, the end of the semester is 'near'.

fill blank C1

Huwag kang mag-alala, ang tulong ay ___ na darating.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: malapit

The phrase 'malapit na darating' means help is 'coming soon' or 'near'.

multiple choice C2

Which of the following best conveys a nuanced sense of imminent proximity, rather than mere physical nearness?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: Malapit na ang bagyo, kaya maghanda na tayo.

The phrase 'malapit na' followed by an event (bagyo - typhoon) signifies an impending occurrence, demanding preparation, which is a more complex interpretation of 'nearness' than simple physical location or time.

multiple choice C2

In a formal context, which sentence implies a close, collaborative relationship rather than just geographical closeness?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: Ang ating mga bansa ay malapit sa isa't isa dahil sa kasaysayan.

This sentence uses 'malapit sa isa't isa' in a geopolitical context, implying a deep historical and perhaps diplomatic connection between countries, which is a sophisticated metaphorical use of 'nearness'.

multiple choice C2

Which statement uses 'malapit' to describe a situation that is almost complete or resolved, suggesting a complex state of affairs reaching its culmination?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: Malapit nang matapos ang proyektong ito.

The construction 'malapit nang matapos' indicates that a complex process (the project) is nearing its completion, signifying an advanced stage of resolution, requiring a deeper understanding of temporal progression.

true false C2

When someone says 'Malapit na akong umalis,' it exclusively means they are physically close to their departure point.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: गलत

While it can mean physical proximity to a departure point, 'Malapit na akong umalis' more commonly signifies that the speaker is about to leave soon, emphasizing temporal proximity rather than just physical location. It implies an imminent action.

true false C2

The phrase 'Malapit sa puso' literally translates to 'physically near the heart' and has no figurative meaning in Tagalog.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: गलत

'Malapit sa puso' is an idiom meaning 'close to the heart' or 'dear to one's heart,' indicating emotional fondness or importance, not literal physical proximity to the organ.

true false C2

Using 'malapit na' before a verb exclusively refers to an action that will occur very soon, often within minutes.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: गलत

While 'malapit na' often implies imminent action, its temporal scope can vary depending on context. It can refer to something happening in minutes, hours, days, or even longer, conveying a sense of 'soon' relative to the event's overall timeline, not strictly 'within minutes'.

sentence order C2

सेंटेंस बनाने के लिए नीचे शब्दों पर टैप करो
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: Ang bahay niya ay malapit sa dagat.

This sentence describes the proximity of someone's house to the sea, a common use of 'malapit'.

sentence order C2

सेंटेंस बनाने के लिए नीचे शब्दों पर टैप करो
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: Malapit na kaming matapos sa aming proyekto.

This sentence illustrates 'malapit' being used in a temporal context, meaning 'almost finished' or 'nearing completion'.

sentence order C2

सेंटेंस बनाने के लिए नीचे शब्दों पर टैप करो
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: Palaging malapit sa puso ko ang mga alaala natin.

This is an idiomatic use of 'malapit sa puso' (close to my heart), expressing emotional closeness.

/ 30 correct

Perfect score!

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