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The Psychology Behind the Phrase “Bahala Na”

December 5, 2013 Aleah 16 Comments

bahala na

Bahala na is one of the most widely used phrases in the Philippines. This phrase is so abused that it sometimes serves as a default answer. What does it exactly mean and how is it used?

Filipinos usually say “Bahala na” when they are unable to decide their next course of action or when they have no idea what will happen next. They say this phrase as if all they want is to go with the flow, not minding what the outcome might be.

You won’t find any direct translation of this phrase in English. Probably, the expression that can be considered as closest in meaning based on its common use stated above is the Spanish phrase que sera sera, which means “whatever will be, will be.”

Etymology of Bahala na

The word bahala is actually a derivative of the word Bathala, which refers to the ancient Supreme Being worshiped by Filipinos during the pre-Spanish Period. It can be said that the proper use of this phrase should be in the context of leaving things in the hands of the Divine Being. Simply put, “Bahala na” can be the equivalent of the Islamic term Inshallah, which means “God willing” or “if Allah wills.”

What does it say about Filipinos?

The use of the phrase “Bahala na” in the second context somewhat manifests the tendency of Filipinos to humbly submit everything to the Higher Being during tough times. People who frequently use this phrase don’t see anything wrong with it. They even see it as a positive thing because it acknowledges that the Supreme Being has a greater power than man, which is why they are entrusting their lives to Him.

However, some scholars see it in a negative light and consider it as a fatalistic submission or a form of avoidance of responsibility. Some scholars see it as just an excuse of lazy people for getting away from their personal responsibility.

Bahala Na as Lack of Internal Locus of Control

Scholars also theorize that saying “Bahala na” is like admitting that people lack a sense of internal locus of control, which means that they don’t believe they have the power to effect change in their lives.

There are other scholars, though, who interpret “Bahala na” in a more positive manner. Instead of seeing it as an act of laziness or a fatalistic approach to problems, they say that it is actually a demonstration of determination and willingness to take risks.

Bahala Na as a Positive Affirmation

Some scholars interpret “Bahala na” not as a form of passivity, but rather, as a kind of mantra, a positive affirmation that helps them become stronger. When people say “Bahala na” they are encouraging and telling themselves that they are ready to deal with tough situations or life-changing moments that may come into their lives. Saying this phrase is the same as declaring their confidence that they can come up with solutions when those events finally arrive.

One thing is for sure; there is no right or wrong interpretation with regards to the meaning of “Bahala na.” In the end, it all boils down to the fact that meanings can be subjective. It all depends on the context in which the phrase is used.

Filed Under: Philippine Psychology Tagged With: filipino, filipino psychology, Philippines

Comments

  1. Yiwen says

    November 11, 2016 at 6:51 am

    In English perhaps the phrase “Let Go and Let God” comes closest, perhaps?

    Reply
  2. Gerri says

    June 4, 2017 at 2:22 pm

    This is a good article tbh and its good to knife that the word bahala really has an origin. I guess its true that using that phrase is really subjective. Great work! I am a Filipino psychology student keep it up 🙂

    Reply
  3. Joshua Partogi says

    October 20, 2018 at 12:14 am

    Thank you so much. This was useful to understand more about the Filipino culture.

    Reply
  4. Josmearia Cordero says

    October 24, 2019 at 12:39 pm

    This was a good read and i hope to get a hold of the sources you used. Thank you and God bless!

    Reply
    • Aleah says

      October 25, 2019 at 12:03 pm

      Hi, here’s one:
      http://lynchlibrary.pssc.org.ph:8081/bitstream/handle/0/4783/07_Bahala%20Na.pdf?sequence=1

      As for the other sources, I’d need to look for my paper, and I don’t have the opportunity to do that now. Found these other sources though:

      http://wcc2006.info/fileadmin/files/edinburgh2010/files/pdf/Tereso%20Casino%20paper.pdf

      https://books.google.com.ph/books?hl=en&lr=&id=hXJe6vKMjroC&oi=fnd&pg=PA203&dq=bahala+na+attitude+&ots=IxcLyslRRn&sig=DvIUTMd2fLYn-uOPBhos6IEwAWo&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=bahala%20na%20attitude&f=false

      Reply
      • karla says

        January 22, 2021 at 11:17 am

        Your etymology is rather simplistic or reductionist. Try the following possibilities:
        -bahala na could be a contraction of “ako na ang bahala”–a self-determined acceptance of responsibility of what is going to happen next;
        -it could also mean bahala na kung anong mangyari which could include in the phrase what is not verbalized: bahala na kung anong mangyari sa aking gagawin or sa aking desisyon; this shows perhaps anxiety in connection with the uncertainty about results or consequences
        -bahala na ang Diyos is just another possibility–putting faith forward;
        -bahala na could mean bahala na kung magkamali–which, again, indicates embrace of responsibility
        -a more resigned attitude in “bahala na kung anong mangyari, kahit na madisgrasya…”

        Reply
        • Aleah says

          January 22, 2021 at 2:14 pm

          Thank you, Karla.

          Reply
        • JC says

          April 14, 2021 at 11:39 am

          Your views certainly make sense. However, when looking at the (religious/spiritual) context of the origin of the phrase “Bahala na,” which, as the author explained, is “Bathala,” it makes also makes sense that the phrase has religious or spiritual or faith component, which is also one of the views you mentioned, “Bahala na ang Diyos.” I think a lot of times this phrase is taken out of its original (religious/spiritual) context, sadly.

          Reply
  5. Barry Severo says

    April 10, 2020 at 9:22 pm

    my I have your e mail address please. I am writing an assignment for my foundation class.

    Reply
  6. missy says

    February 27, 2021 at 9:08 pm

    According to Alfredo Lagmay in his research “Bahala na!”, this term is used by the Filipinos not as a mean of fatalism and just merely surrendering it to the higher being but rather doing your best yet you don’t know what the outcome will be so Filipinos often say “bahala na,” which means “no matter what happen I did what I can do.” Not many are aware of it that’s why many people thought it was a negative trait.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Filipino 1st Recon Battalion (Special) in New Guinea | Far Outliers says:
    March 27, 2015 at 11:33 am

    […] of the heat of Hollandia and into the fire of war. Their battalion’s devil-may-care motto of Bahala na! a phrase from the Tagalog dialect of the Philippines that can be translated as “Come what […]

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  2. The History of Philippine Psychology says:
    November 16, 2015 at 9:48 am

    […] For more information about Sikolohiyang Pilipino, read an SP proponent’s paper on Indigenous Filipino Values. Read my paper as well on the Psychology of Bahala Na. […]

    Reply
  3. Filipino Values – Indigenous Concepts in Filipino Psychology says:
    November 24, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    […] of Sikolohiyang Pilipino are the values and concepts interpreted by foreign social scientists. Bahala na had been compared to the American […]

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  4. Filipino Spirituality Needs To Evolve - Get Real PostGet Real Post says:
    January 10, 2016 at 12:14 am

    […] FATALISM. This is manifested predominantly in the popular Filipino euphemism “bahala na,” which in its most primitive semantic form means “leave it all up to God.” It […]

    Reply
  5. Let’s Talk Trash says:
    March 2, 2017 at 6:46 pm

    […] because they’re cheap (trash is often the worst in the most impoverished areas). But, bahala na! Sachets and other residual waste wouldn’t be such a problem […]

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  6. Overturned bucket of water sparks deadly prison fight says:
    November 4, 2017 at 11:05 pm

    […] fighting broke out when detained members of the Bahala Na gang were carrying one of their number to the jail’s clinic, after he had suffered a […]

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About Me

aleah

I'm a mental health counselor with years of experience handling physically and sexually abused women and children. I have training in solution-focused therapy and child-led play therapy. I conduct psychological evaluations for children presenting with a wide array of symptoms and concerns.

I'm also a trainer specializing on domestic abuse, child sexual abuse prevention, and gender-based violence. As a freelance writer, I write about psychology, solo travel, and running.

If you wish to contact me, email me at aleahphils@gmail(dot)com, or leave a comment in any of the articles here. I will get back to you!

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