Learning the main body parts (mga bahagi ng katawan) in Tagalog is one of the most practical first steps in the language! Whether you’re describing yourself, visiting a doctor in the Philippines, shopping for clothes, teaching kids, or playing games like “Simon Says,” these words come up constantly.
The general word for “body” is katawan, and “parts of the body” is mga bahagi ng katawan. Filipinos often mix English terms (especially in cities or medical settings), but Tagalog words are warm and commonly used in everyday family and school talk.
Here’s a complete list of the most essential external/visible body parts, grouped from head to toe:
Head & Face (Ulo at Mukha)
- Head — Ulo
- Hair — Buhok
- Forehead — Noo
- Eyebrow — Kilay
- Eye — Mata
- Eyelashes — Pilikmata
- Ear — Tainga
- Nose — Ilong
- Cheek — Pisngi
- Mouth — Bibig
- Lips — Labi
- Teeth — Ngipin
- Tongue — Dila
- Chin — Baba
Neck & Upper Body (Leeg at Itaas ng Katawan)
- Neck — Leeg
- Shoulder — Balikat
- Arm — Braso
- Elbow — Siko
- Hand — Kamay
- Palm — Palad
- Finger — Daliri
- Thumb — Hinlalaki
- Fingernail — Kuko
- Chest — Dibdib
- Back — Likod
- Waist — Baywang
- Belly / Stomach (external) — Tiyan
Lower Body & Hips (Ibaba ng Katawan at Balakang)
- Hip — Balakang
- Buttocks / Backside — Puwet (casual) or Pigì (more polite)
- Leg — Binti
- Thigh — Hita
- Knee — Tuhod
- Calf — Alak-alakan
- Shin — Lulod
- Ankle — Bukong-bukong
- Foot — Paa
- Heel — Sakong
- Toe — Daliri ng paa
- Sole of the foot — Talampakan
Quick Everyday Examples in the Philippines:
- “Masakit ang ulo ko.” = My head hurts.
- “Maganda ang mata mo!” = You have beautiful eyes! (a very common compliment)
- “Hawakan mo ang kamay ko.” = Hold my hand.
- “Sumasakit ang tuhod ko pag matagal maglakad.” = My knee hurts when I walk for a long time.
- “Malakas ang balikat mo!” = You have strong shoulders! (great for complimenting hard workers or gym buddies)
Fun Practice Ideas:
- Play “Simon Says” in Tagalog: “Hawakan ang ilong!” (Touch your nose!), “Itaas ang kamay!” (Raise your hand!)
- Sing the Filipino version of “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”: “Ulo, balikat, tuhod, paa, tuhod, paa!”
- Point to body parts while looking in a mirror or with a friend — repeat the Tagalog word each time.
This covers the core external body parts most beginners need first. Once you’re comfortable, you can dive deeper into specific areas like the face, hands, or feet. Masaya matuto ng Tagalog! 🧑🤝🧑🦶🇵🇭