Some feelings are so uniquely Filipino, they needed their own words.

The Filipino language holds immense depth and nuance, going far beyond surface-level communication to reflect our inner lives, traditions, and bonds. A prime example lies in untranslatable words like “gigil” that capture feelings without direct English equivalents.

Take “gigil”—that irresistible impulse to squeeze something excessively cute. It arises from intense affection yet eludes a simple explanation for non-Tagalog speakers. English provides no single satisfactory label for the sensation. Another is “kilig”—the fluttery excitement sparked by romance, its sweet electricity defying straightforward translation.

These terms highlight the emotional sophistication ingrained in Filipino culture. Subtle interactions with loved ones, pets, or strangers contain complicated undercurrents of care, fondness, and relatedness that color daily life. Language gives form to a people’s inner landscape and social reality.

Why does this matter?

The vocabulary illuminates how Filipinos prioritize kinship, sentiment, and community above all else. Preserving words like “gigil”, “kilig” and “tampo”—silently sulking when upset—maintains not just communication but cultural heart and soul.

The next time you experience an emotion too profound for words to recall, there may be a perfect Filipino descriptor. Our mother tongue beautifully encapsulates everything from love to annoyance to affection for cute critters.

Mabuhay ang wikang Filipino!