How to Say "Should" or "Must" in Tagalog | DAPAT in English
How to say “should” or “must” in Tagalog? The word Filipinos use is “dapat,” a common way to express obligations, recommendations, and what someone is expected to do. This Tagalog tutorial explains the meaning of dapat in simple terms and shows how it appears in everyday Filipino sentences, with clear English translations so you can understand how it works in real conversation. Using dapat helps you give advice, state what needs to be done, and express what’s appropriate or necessary in a natural, fluent way when speaking Tagalog.
Watch this video to learn how to say “Should” or “Must” in Tagalog using the word “Dapat.” Explore easy Tagalog example sentences with English translations to understand and use it naturally in everyday conversations.
Dapat pumunta ka. (You should go.)
Dapat mong tandaan ‘yan. (You should keep it in mind.)
Dapat maligo ka araw-araw. (You should take a shower every day.)
Dapat kausapin mo siya. (You should talk to her.)
Dapat kasama ito sa plano. (This should be part of the plan.)
Dapat nating pag-usapan ‘to. (We should talk about it.)
Dapat makinig ka sa mga magulang mo. (You should listen to your parents.)
Dapat suportahan natin ang isa’t isa. (We should support each other.)
Dapat tingnan mo ang petsa ng expiration nito. (You should check the expiration date on this.)
Dapat pinturahan natin ulit ang bakod bago magtag-ulan. (We should repaint the fence before the rainy season.)
Dapat uminom ka ng maraming tubig. (You should drink plenty of water.)
Dapat isauli mo ang hiniram mo. (You should return what you borrowed.)
Hindi mo dapat pilitin ang isang tao kung ayaw niya. (You shouldn’t force someone if they’re not willing.)
Hindi na dapat pinalalaki ang maliliit na bagay. (Small things shouldn’t be blown out of proportion.)
Hindi dapat kinalilimutan ang utangna loob. (One shouldn’t forget a debt of gratitude.)
Dapat maging patas tayo. (We should be fair.)
Dapat hindi mo siya sinigawan. (You shouldn’t have yelled at her.)
Dapat igalang mo ang ibang tao. (You should respect other people.)
Dapat masaya ka para sa kanya. (You should be happy for her.)
Dapat kang mag-ingat sa kanya. (You should be careful with him.)
Dapat intindihin mo ang sitwasyon. (You should understand the situation.)
Dapat tumigil ka na sa paninigarilyo. (You should quit smoking.)
Dapat nandoon ako. (I should have been there.)
Dapat mas mura ‘yan kaysa dito. (That should cost less than this.)
Dapat ipinaliwanag na ‘yan kanina pa. (That should’ve been explained earlier.)
Dapat bukas ‘yon sa oras na ‘to. (It should be open at this hour.)
Hindi ka dapat nagsisinungaling. (You shouldn’t lie.)
Hindi mo dapat binabalewala ang mga kaibigan mo. (You shouldn’t ignore your friends.)
Hindi mo dapat pinababayaan ang kalusugan mo. (You shouldn’t neglect your health.)
Hindi ka dapat nananakit ng damdamin ng iba. (You shouldn’t hurt other people’s feelings.)
Dapat wala kang pinapanigan. (You shouldn’t take ides.)
Dapat tinanong mo muna ako. (You should have asked me first.)
Dapat ikaw ang pumili. (You should be the one to choose.)
Dapat alam ng lahat ito. (Everyone should know this.)
Dapat basahin mong mabuti ang kontrata. (You should read the contract carefully.)
Dapat i-recycle natin ‘yang mga boteng walang laman. (We should recycle those empty bottles.)
Dapat magtulungan kayo. (You should help each other.)
Dapat ba akong magtiwala uli sa kanya? (Should I trust him again?)
Dapat ba siyang turuan ng leksyon? (Should he be taught a lesson?)
Dapat ba akong bumili ng insurance? (Should I buy an insurance?)
Dapat bang manahimik na lang ako? (Should I just stay quiet?)
Dapat ba akong sumama sa kanila? (Should I go with them?)
‘Di ba dapat nagkakaisa tayo? (Shouldn’t we be united?)
‘Di ba dapat alam niya ‘to? (Shouldn’t he know this?)
Watch more Tagalog Learning Videos
Need to say “still” in Tagalog? Learn how to use “pa” to express ongoing actions, states, or conditions in natural Filipino sentences.
Want to say “maybe” in Tagalog? Learn how to use “siguro” in Filipino to express uncertainty, possibility, or polite suggestions.
Looking to say “in my opinion” in Tagalog? Learn how to use “sa tingin ko” and similar Filipino phrases to express thoughts, beliefs, and personal views.
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