Tagalog Word of the Day: Kababayan

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Ever heard the word “kababayan” in a Filipino conversation? Whether you're learning Tagalog or just curious about Filipino culture, kababayan is a word you'll hear often—and for good reason. It’s more than just a word; it’s a symbol of connection, identity, and national pride.

🔤 Meaning of "Kababayan"

Kababayan (noun) means "fellow Filipino" or "someone from the same town, province, or country." It’s commonly used to refer to people who share the same heritage, especially among Filipinos living or working abroad.

📣 Pronunciation

kah-bah-BAH-yahn
[ka-ba-BA-yan]
The stress is on the third syllable: ba.

Pronunciation guide here.

🧠 Part of Speech

Noun – refers to a person or group of people from the same place or country.

📝 Sample Sentence

Tagalog:
Masaya akong makakita ng kapwa ko kababayan dito sa ibang bansa.

English:
I’m happy to see a fellow Filipino here abroad.

🔍 Deeper Explanation

The word kababayan is formed from the root word "bayan" (meaning town or country) and the prefix "ka-", which means “fellow” or “co-”. So literally, kababayan means someone from the same "bayan" as you—whether that means your hometown or your home country.

It’s a flexible term often used with warmth and familiarity. You might call someone from your same province a kababayan, or use it to refer to any Filipino while traveling or working abroad.

🌏 Cultural Insight

In the Filipino diaspora, kababayan carries emotional weight. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), immigrants, and Filipino communities abroad often use the word to refer to one another, fostering a sense of home and belonging—even thousands of miles away.

You’ll also see the word used in:

• Community events ("Kababayan Night")

• TV shows (like Kababayan LA)

• News headlines ("Pinoy kababayan wins global award")

For many Filipinos, kababayan is not just a label. It reflects pakikipagkapwa—the Filipino value of shared humanity and connectedness.

📚 Quick Recap: Kababayan

Now you know what "kababayan" means—and why it matters.
It’s more than just a Tagalog word. It’s a reminder that no matter where Filipinos go, there’s always a sense of home when you meet a kababayan.

Want more Filipino words like this? Follow along for your next Tagalog Word of the Day!

This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here