Mastering the Lingo: 14 Must-Know Filipino Construction Terminologies

Several words and phrases in the construction industry may confuse many Filipinos. But they're essential to know, especially if you’re a homeowner, contractor, or hobbyist.

So, kung merong mga salitang gamit sa construction na gusto mo i-translate sa English, 'wag kang mag-alala, ka-bakal! We've got you covered. Mapa-masilya, poste, at iba pa, we'll uncover everything you need to know about common Filipino construction terms.

Are you game for a quick Pinoy vocabulary lesson?

14 Common Filipino Construction Terminologies Everyone Should Know

When you're familiar with the Filipino and English translations of top building methods and tools, mas madaling mag-order at makipag-usap sa construction team mo. Let's start!

1. Poste

Poste in English construction terms = post or column

The post, or “poste” in the native language, is responsible for supporting a building's weight. Pwedeng gawa ito sa semento, bakal, o kahoy, depende sa project requirements mo.

Ang mga building na kulang sa poste ay ‘di ganon katibay, lalo na pag may malakas na ulan o lindol o mabibigat na gamit. Mas madaming poste, mas makakasiguro kang matibay ang construction project.

2. Buhos

Buhos in English construction terms = cement pouring

Cement pouring, or “buhos,” is a fundamental step when creating solid foundations and concrete structures.

During this process, workers pour mixed concrete into molds or forms to set and harden. Importante na pantay ang buhos para masigurong solid ang pundasyon ng building.

3. Panambak 

Panambak in English construction terms = backfill

Backfill is soil or gravel used to fill excavated areas. It strengthens foundations and supports underground structures like pipes and tunnels, especially if the project is on soft ground. Dahil sa panambak, hindi agad lalambot o magigiba ang lupa sa ilalim ng building kahit na umulan o bumaha.

4. Palitada

Palitada in English construction terms = plaster

Ang palitada ay ang finishing layer na pampakinis sa mga dingding at kisame. Pinapadali rin nito ang pagpipintura sa mga nasabing parte ng bahay o building.

Makakatulong ang proper application of plaster to prevent cracks and maintain a smooth look for longer periods.

5. Bara

Bara in English construction terms = connection rod

The connection rod, or “bara” as it is locally known, connects the piston to the crankshaft in internal combustion engines to convert the former's linear movement into rotations.

It’s also often used to extend steel reinforcement bars when they are too short, acting as an adaptor. Kadalasan, ginagamit ito sa heavy construction equipment para tumakbo ito nang maayos.

6. Kabilya

Kabilya in English construction terms = rebar

More familiar to Filipinos as “kabilya,” a rebar is necessary to prop up your work. It's a steel bar that workers use to reinforce concrete structures. By nature, malakas sa compression ang semento pero mahina naman sa tensile strength o tension.

Dinadagdagan ng kabilya ang kunat ng semento kaya madalas ‘tong ginagamit sa iba’t ibang construction projects.

7. Masilya

Masilya in English construction terms = putty

Basag na dingding o butas na kisame? Pwede mong i-repair yan gamit ang masilya. Masilya, or “putty,”  is a paste-like material that fills in cracks, holes, or dents on walls and ceilings.

You may apply it before painting to create a smooth, even surface. Puwede rin itong gamitin para sa woodworking projects at iba pang crafts. 

8. Alambre

Alambre in English construction terms = wire

Wire, known as “alambre” in the Philippines, is very handy in numerous construction applications, from tying rebars to securing materials and frameworks.

May iba-ibang gauge ang alambre, depende sa pag-gagamitan mo, kaya siguraduhing tama ang kapal at materyal nito.

9. Tosang

Tosang in English construction terms = pipe-fitting mold

Tosang joins and connects pipes. This part of the molding machine shapes and fits pipes together to ensure they're correctly aligned and secure to prevent leaks.

10. Sinsil

Sinsil in English construction terms = cold chisel

Sinsil is a cold chisel, a tool made of tempered steel for cutting and shaping metal or stone. Striking it with a hammer lets you slice or carve the material. It's an essential addition to your toolbox for masonry and metalwork projects.

11. Hulog

Hulog in English construction terms = plumb or plumb line

This tool ensures structures are vertically leveled. How? Ang pinagkabit na pisi o tali at metal weight sa dulo nito ang nagtatantsa kung pantay ang mga pader, poste, at iba pang patayong istruktura.

12. Biga

Biga in English construction terms = beam

A beam, or “biga” for Filipinos in the construction field, is a horizontal structure that carries loads and transfers them to vertical supports like columns or walls for stability.

Depende sa bigat ng building, pwedeng gawa ang biga sa kahoy, bakal, o buhos.

13. Pakyaw

Pakyaw in English construction terms = fixed-payment contract

In a fixed-payment contract, the contractor receives a set payment for a project—regardless of changes in materials or duration. Iba ito sa "arawan," kung saan bayad ang contractor sa bawat araw ng pagtratrabaho.

Mas pabor sa mga contractor ang pakyawan; as soon as matapos ang trabaho, pwede na ulit kumuha ng bagong kontrata o project.

14. Buhangin

Buhangin in English construction terms = sand

Sand is one of the most important materials in construction, especially when making concrete, mortar, and plaster. Pwede ring gamitin ang buhangin para sa surfaces na kailangan ng filling at leveling.

Remember, the quality and type of sand can affect the structure’s strength and durability kaya siguraduhing tugma ito sa proyekto.

Know Your Pinoy Construction Lingo

Ideally, you familiarize yourself with the terms you’ll typically encounter in construction to manage projects better. Mas mapapadali ang pakikipag-usap sa mga manggagawa, maiiwasan ang mga problema, at mapapabilis ang trabaho.

Using quality tools and equipment is another way to ensure a successful construction project. In this case, look no further than Powerhouse, one of the industry’s leading hardware store in the Philippines.

We have various construction tools and supplies to meet all your project needs, from cordless drills to welding machines—you name it.

May kailangan ka ba, ka-bakal? Check out our product catalog or contact us for your construction needs!