What are some Filipino words borrowed from Arabic?

It's interesting to note that while Filipino and Arabic are very different languages, there are a few words that have made their way into Filipino from Arabic. This is primarily due to historical interactions with traders and the spread of Islam in the Philippines.

Here are some examples:

* Alám (Arabic: علم) - This word directly translates to "knowledge" or "science" in English. It is used in Filipino to refer to general knowledge, understanding, or awareness.

* Áliw (Arabic: أَلَوْ) - Meaning "comfort" or "entertainment" in Arabic, it's used in Filipino to describe something that brings joy or entertainment.

* Asawa (Arabic: أَصْوَاتٌ) - This word signifies "spouse" or "husband/wife" in Filipino. It's directly derived from the Arabic word for "sound," which possibly refers to the sound of a person's voice.

* Hadji (Arabic: حاجّ) - This word refers to a Muslim who has completed the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. In Filipino, it's used to describe someone who has undertaken this pilgrimage.

It's important to remember that these are just a few examples. The extent of Arabic influence on the Filipino language is relatively small, and many of these words have undergone significant transformations in pronunciation and meaning over time.

If you are interested in learning more about the historical and cultural connections between the Philippines and the Arabic world, exploring the specific contexts of these loanwords would be a great starting point.