mababa

Mababa is a term used in Filipino/Tagalog as an adjective meaning "low" or "short." It is formed from the root baba, meaning to go down or be low, with the usual adjective-making prefix ma-. The base form mababa describes singular nouns: mababa ang bubong (the roof is low). When describing plural nouns, the form mababang is used: mababang presyo (low prices), mababang gusali (low-rise buildings). The comparative and superlative degrees are expressed as mas mababa (lower) and pinakamababa (the lowest).

In everyday usage, mababa can describe physical height, size, or level, and can also apply to non-physical quantities such as temperature or price: mababa ang temperatura (the temperature is low), mababa ang presyo (the price is low). It commonly appears in fixed phrases and measurements, reflecting a contrast with mataas, the opposite term meaning high or tall.

Beyond its role in Filipino, Mababa can also occur as a proper noun in some regions, appearing in place names or as a surname independent of the word’s ordinary meaning. When used as a place name or surname, Mababa is not necessarily tied to the adjective sense in everyday Filipino.

Because Mababa may appear in multiple contexts, identifying the intended reference—whether the descriptive sense in Filipino, or a geographic or personal-name usage—depends on accompanying context such as language, country, or the broader topic being discussed.