Brown in Tagalog is called kayumanggi.
The word kayumanggi refers to the color brown in English. It is commonly used in daily conversations when describing objects, clothing, furniture, hair color, skin tone, and many other things. Since color is an important part of everyday communication, this word is frequently heard in Filipino homes, schools, and workplaces.
Beyond simple color description, kayumanggi also carries cultural relevance in the Philippines, as it is often used to describe natural Filipino skin tones. Learning this word helps learners describe things more clearly and understand conversations about appearance, design, and nature.

What Is Brown (Kayumanggi)?
Kayumanggi is the Tagalog word for the color brown. It is used to describe anything that has a brown shade, such as wood, soil, hair, eyes, clothing, or skin.
The word functions mainly as an adjective. When used to describe a noun, it often changes form into kayumangging (by adding the linker -ng) before the noun, such as kayumangging sapatos (brown shoes).
Quick Facts
- Category: Adjective (color)
- Used For: Describing objects, appearance, furniture, clothing, and nature
- Common Context: Daily conversation, school lessons, shopping, art
- Related Root Word: Kayumanggi
Brown (Kayumanggi) Vocabulary Words
Below is a related vocabulary chart connected to kayumanggi.
| # | English | Tagalog |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brown | Kayumanggi |
| 2 | Color | Kulay |
| 3 | Dye | Pangkulay |
| 4 | Coloring | Pagkulay |
| 5 | Tint | Tinta |
| 6 | Dark Brown | Maitim na kayumanggi |
| 7 | Light Brown | Mapusyaw na kayumanggi |
| 8 | Brown Hair | Kayumangging buhok |
| 9 | Brown Eyes | Kayumangging mga mata |
| 10 | Brown Skin | Kayumangging balat |
| 11 | Wooden | Gawa sa kahoy |
| 12 | Soil | Lupa |
| 13 | Tree Bark | Balat ng puno |
| 14 | Chocolate Brown | Tsokolateng kayumanggi |
| 15 | Coffee Brown | Kulay-kape |
| 16 | Paint | Pintura |
| 17 | Pencil | Lapis |
| 18 | Shoes | Sapatos |
| 19 | Table | Mesa |
| 20 | Chair | Upuan |
How Is Brown (Kayumanggi) Used?
The word kayumanggi is commonly used to describe color in various situations.
1. Describing Objects
It is used to describe things like furniture, bags, books, and clothing.
Examples:
- Kayumangging mesa
- Kayumangging sapatos
- Kayumangging bag
This helps give clear details about appearance.
2. Describing Nature
It is used when talking about soil, trees, animals, and natural surroundings.
Examples:
- Kayumangging lupa
- Kayumangging kahoy
It helps describe the natural environment accurately.
3. Describing Appearance
Kayumanggi is often used to describe hair, eyes, and skin tone.
It is a respectful and commonly accepted way to refer to brown complexion.
4. Used in Art and Design
It is commonly mentioned when painting, coloring, or designing.
Examples:
- Kulay kayumanggi ang pintura.
- Gumamit siya ng kayumangging lapis.
This allows clear instructions in creative work.
5. Used in Shopping and Fashion
People often specify color when buying clothes or accessories.
Examples:
- Mayroon ba kayong kayumangging sapatos?
- Gusto ko ng kayumangging palda.
It makes transactions easier and more specific.
Importance and Practical Value of Brown (Kayumanggi)
Understanding kayumanggi is important in everyday language.
1. Communication Benefit
It helps describe objects clearly and accurately.
2. Cultural Relevance
The word is often used to describe the natural complexion of many Filipinos.
3. Learning Advantage
It builds vocabulary related to colors and adjectives.
4. Practical Everyday Use
It is useful in shopping, school, art, and daily conversations.
5. Social or Emotional Impact
Using proper descriptive words improves clarity and confidence in speaking.
6. Professional or Academic Value
It is helpful in education, especially in art, design, and language studies.
How to Use Brown (Kayumanggi) in Daily Life
You can use kayumanggi in many simple ways.
Method 1: Use it to describe clothing.
Method 2: Use it when talking about furniture or household items.
Method 3: Use it in art or coloring activities.
Method 4: Use it when describing someone’s features respectfully.
Method 5: Use it when shopping to specify color preferences.
Commonly Used Example Phrases in Tagalog
Below are commonly used sentences with kayumanggi.
- Her bag is brown.
Ang kanyang bag ay kulay kayumanggi. - I bought a brown pair of shoes.
Bumili ako ng kayumangging pares ng sapatos. - The table is made of brown wood.
Ang mesa ay gawa sa kahoy na kayumanggi. - She has brown hair.
Siya ay may kayumangging buhok. - The soil is brown after the rain.
Ang lupa ay kayumanggi pagkatapos ng ulan. - He is wearing a brown jacket.
Siya ay nakasuot ng kayumangging dyaket. - The dog has brown fur.
Ang aso ay may kayumangging balahibo. - The walls were painted brown.
Ang mga pader ay pininturahan ng kulay kayumanggi. - She prefers brown clothes.
Mas gusto niya ang mga damit na kayumanggi. - Most Filipinos have brown skin.
Karamihan sa mga Pilipino ay may kayumangging balat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Brown in Tagalog?
Brown in Tagalog is kayumanggi.
2. What does Brown (Kayumanggi) mean in English/Tagalog?
Kayumanggi means the color brown in English.
3. Is Brown (Kayumanggi) formal or informal?
It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal conversations.
4. When should you use Brown (Kayumanggi)?
You should use it when describing the color of objects, nature, clothing, or appearance.
5. How do you properly use Brown (Kayumanggi) in a sentence?
Use it as an adjective. Add -ng when directly describing a noun (e.g., kayumangging sapatos).
Conclusion
Kayumanggi is the Tagalog word for brown and is widely used to describe color in everyday life. It functions mainly as an adjective and is important in conversations about objects, nature, and appearance.
Learning kayumanggi strengthens your vocabulary and improves your ability to describe things clearly in Tagalog. It is a practical and culturally relevant word that every learner should know.




