Common Architectural Terms and Their Filipino Translation

A construction team comprises a contractor, project manager, architects, lead men, carpenters, foremen, engineers, and general laborers, among others. Each of them has a variety of tasks to perform and most of them require a collaborative effort to function well.

However, everyone involved in the construction industry comes from different backgrounds; may it be in terms of language or education – among other factors. While those at the supervisory level, such as engineers and project managers, can comfortably discuss terms in English, there is a need to adjust to the native tongue when addressing other members of the construction team.

In the construction industry, it’s important for everyone to understand each other to communicate effectively. That said, there are Filipino terms in the construction industry that you need to know.

Common Filipino Architectural Terms and their Translations

That said, here’s a quick rundown of the commonly used terms in the construction industry translated into Filipino:

• Guililan – Girder
• Suleras – Joist
• Sahig, Suelo – Flooring
• Sepo – Girt
• Biga – Beam
• Kostilyahe – Ceiling Joist
• Tabike – Siding (External)
• Pilarete – Stud (Vertical)
• Pabalagbag – Stud (Horizontal)
• Tansi – Nylon Used for Alignment
• Cerrujo/Seruho – Wastage from Architectural Materials
• Kanto-Mesa – Miter Joint
• Rodelang Bakal – Metal Trowel
• Ampao / Ampaw – Honeycomb air pockets in concrete
• Anilyo – Rebar Ties
• Masilya – Putty/Filler
• Kamada – Piling of Materials
• Pasamano – Window Sill
• Sumbrero – Window Head
• Hamba – Window Jamb / Door Jamb
• Liyabe – Adobe Anchor
• Batidura – Astragal, Canopy
• Media Agua – Awning
• Barandillas – Banisters
• Kostilyahe – Ceiling Joist
• Baldosa – Cement Tiles
• Madre de Esklaera – Closed Stringer
• Gabay – Handrail
• Caida – Hall
• Media Cana – Quarter Round
• Vaciada – Rabbet
• Punsol – Nail Setter
• Muldura – Moulding
• Paupo – Mortar
• Kostura – Mortar Joints
• Hamba – Jamb
• Suleras – Joist
• Piyon – Laborer
• Dulang – Low Table
• Reostra – Purlins
• Masilya – Putty
• Monyeka – Varnish Finish
• Biento – Spacing Of Gap
• Larga Masa – Concrete Slab (Rough)
• Asintada – Alignment
• Hulog – Plumb Line

In the construction, engineering, and architectural industries, it’s always important to delegate tasks and communicate effectively. For those at the supervisory level, it’s essential for you to know certain terms to get instructions across better. Always remember that it’s always best to get to know certain terms in Filipino so that laborers can understand them better.

Citations:

• Oblinada, M. (n.d.). Filipino Construction Terms in Architecture | PDF | Masonry | Horticulture And Gardening. Scribd. Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://www.scribd.com/doc/308817971/Filipino-Construction-Terms-in-Architecture
• Reyes, D. (2021, May 27). LIST: Most Commonly Used Construction Terms Translated in Tagalog. Engineer Dee’s Blog. https://engineerdee.com/construction-terms/