Tagalog phrasebook

Filipino or Pilipino (Wikang filipino) is the national language of the Philippines, according to the country's constitution, and is spoken by 90 million people worldwide.

Filipino is a modified version of Tagalog (Wikang Tagalog), the main language of southern Luzon and some nearby areas. Originally, it was intended to include many words from the numerous other languages of the Philippine islands, but this project stalled. In reality nobody actually uses official Filipino, but rather plain Tagalog instead.

About a quarter of the population of the Philippines speak Tagalog as a native language and many more understand it as a second language. Filipino and English are the two official languages of the Philippines, with English being the more prestigious of the two and exclusively used in court judgments and legislation. Filipino is widely used in schools throughout the islands, including regions where the local language is not Tagalog.

Tagalog is a member of the Austronesian language family, fairly closely related to the other languages of the Philippines such as Cebuano, and more distantly to Malay/Indonesian and various languages of the Pacific islands. Due to European influences in the Philippines, it has loanwords from both Spanish and English, and is one of the few languages in Southeast Asia to use the Latin alphabet. Baybayin, the pre-colonial writing system is sometimes taught in schools, but not commonly used in everyday life, although the use of the script is growing in popularity and efforts are being made to revive it.

Grammar

The main difference with its grammar is that it is not word-order transitive like English. For example, the sentence Jill gives the book to Tom in Tagalog can't tell who is giving to whom without the personal markers si and ni. If an actor focus verb is used, Jill becomes si Jill (the subject), and Tom becomes ni Tom (the object). If a non-actor focus verb is used, then si and ni are reversed. This works something like active and passive voice in English, but neither form would seem passive in Tagalog.

People learning Tagalog should take note that translations for the to be verbs, such as am, are, is may be confusing. This can be overcome in one of several ways:

Use "ay" or "ay mga": This is may or may not be a verb depending on each person, but means "is equal to" but some Filipinos may consider this as a linking verb. Use "ay" for before singular nouns and use "ay mga" to indicate noun plurality.
Use "may" or "may mga": This is a verb which can mean "there is/are" or "has/have" (beginning of sentence only). Use "may" for before singular nouns and use "may mga" to indicate noun plurality.
Skip it: Where not absolutely needed for meaning, it can be omitted — even though this sounds awful in English. Sino siya? literally who he? (or who she?)

The good news regarding word order in Filipino, is that you can juggle the words just about any which way and still be understood (assuming the personal markers are attached to the correct person). Also, it's easy to substitute similar words within simple sentences like those found in this phrasebook. However, the bad news is that proper word order has a steep learning curve and can be affected even by the number of syllables. Also, Filipino is notorious for its large number of complicated verb forms which require several words in English.

The vast majority of Filipinos are either bilingual (Filipino and English) or trilingual (Filipino, English, and the native language of the speaker). English is one of the official languages of the Philippines and is overwhelmingly used as the main language of government, commerce, and education. Filipinos use Philippine English, an English variety based largely on US English, though it might be spoken with a distinct accent and contains certain colloquialisms and slang unique to it (e.g. the most common word for "toilet" or "bathroom" in the Philippines is the Philippine English "comfort room", usually shortened to the initials "CR").

Code-switching is also common in everyday speech, with most conversations incorporating both English and Filipino to a certain extent. Some English words are even used exclusively when using the Filipino equivalent can be considered too formal (e.g. "mall", "computer", "internet", "highway", "hotel", and "taxi"). If you are having trouble finding the correct word or phrase in Filipino, don't hesitate to switch to English. For example: instead of saying "Saan ang labasan?" (Where is the exit?), you can say either "Saan ang exit?" or "Where is the labasan".

Note that similar to Malay, there are two equivalents of the English word "we" in Filipino. If you wish to include the person(s) you are addressing, the word to use will be táyo. If the subject does not include your listener(s), the word to use will be kamí.

Social distance is considered when using the correct word for "you"; Tagalog uses "ikaw" as the common form, while "kayó" is used as the polite form, alongside the honorific "pô". Using them the other way around, for example, using "ikaw" to a superior, unless you know the person very well, is considered a breach of etiquette. The Batangas dialect follows the mainstream Tagalog convention, but it also uses the third-person "silá" as a very polite form, similar to how Italian uses lei in polite speech.

Pronunciation guide

Although Filipino words may seem long and tongue-twisting at first, pronunciation is easier than in many other languages. Long words are almost always based on smaller root words. The only foreign sound is an initial ng found in a few words such as ngiti (smile). Unlike its neighboring languages (e.g. Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese), Filipino is not tonal. However, stressing the wrong syllable can often change the meaning of a word. Only very rarely does this occur in English (such as desert/dessert). Meanings in such cases can be closely related such as buhay (alive or life) or totally unrelated such as hapon (afternoon or Japan). You have also the use of the glottal stop, which makes a pause between two vowels. The glottal stop is used much in Filipino language. A space will be provided for the glottal stop.

Vowels

a: like 'a' in "arrive"
e: like 'e' in "ten"
i: like 'i' in "fin"
o: like 'o' in "dog"
u: like 'oo' in "hoop"

Consonants

Although the Filipino alphabet contains 23 consonants, only 15 are in common use. This is a holdover from the days when the language was written in the "Abakada" alphabet, which only had 20 letters.

b: like 'b' in "bed"
k: like 'k' in "kid"
d: like 'd' in "dog"
g: like 'g' in "go"
h: like 'h' in "help"
l: like 'l' in "love"
m: like 'm' in "mother"
n: like 'n' in "nice"
ng: like 'ng' in "fang", but pronounced 'nang' as a stand-alone word (though most English-speakers might classify is as two letters, it is considered as a single letter in Filipino as well as in other Asian languages)
p: like 'p' in "pig"
r: like 'r' in "row" or 'r' in "feather"
s: like 's' in "sun" or 'z' in "haze"
t: like 't' in "top"
w: like 'w' in "weight"
y: like 'y' in "yes", 'ie' in "pie", or 'ee' in "flee"

In the 1970s, the alphabet was expanded to include 11 letters from the Spanish and English alphabets, and in 1987, the Spanish letters 'ch', 'll' and 'rr' were dropped, leaving only eight additional letters. Unlike the 15 common letters, these letters are normally found only in loanwords, slang and code-mixed speech.

c: like 's' in "supper", 'k' in "kid"
f: like 'f' in "fine"
j: like 'dg' in "edge", 'h' in "ham"
ñ: like 'ny' in "canyon"
q: like 'q' in "quest" (almost always with 'u')
v: like 'v' in "victory"
x: like 'cks' in "kicks", like 'z' in "haze" (at beginning of a word)
z: like 'z' in "haze"

Diphthongs

ay: like 'i' in "high": tatay (father)
aw: like 'ow' in "cow": kalabaw (carabao/water buffalo)
ey: like 'ay' in "say": reyna (queen)
iw: like "ew" in "few": baliw (crazy)
oy: like 'oy' in "boy": apoy (fire)

Other sounds

ts: as the 'ch' in "chip". Corresponds to the former letter 'ch', and usually found in Spanish loanwords.
dy/diy: as the 'j' in "jeep"
ly/liy: as the 'lli' in "million".
ny/niy: as the 'ny' in "canyon". Corresponds to the letter 'ñ'. However, in certain words, such as tanyag (well-known), this is pronounced as two separate letters.
sy/siy: as the 'sh' in "ship"
ty/tiy: as the 'ch' in "chip" or as the 'ti' in "tienda".

Phrase list

Stress: Many Filipino words are stressed on the second to last syllable

Basics

Two ways to state yes and no: in Tagalog, the question "Are you married?" is answered very differently from the question "Do you have children?" The key is the word "have" in the second question. Questions with "is/are there?" are also answered in this second way.

Hello.: Kumusta. (koo-mooss-TAH)
Hello. (informal): Kumusta. (koo-mooss-TAH)
How are you?: Kumusta ka? (koo-mooss-TAH kah?)
Fine, thank you.: Mabuti naman, salamat. (mah-BOO-tee nah-MAHN, sah-LAH-maht)
What is your name?: Ano ang pangalan mo? (ah-NAW ahng pah-NGAH-rahn maw?)
My name is ______ .: Ako si ______. (ah-KAW see _____)
Nice to meet you.: Nagagalak akong makilala ka. (nah-GAH-gah-lahck ah-KAWNG mah-kee-LAH-lah kah)
Please.: Pakiusap. (pah-kee-OO-sahp)
Thank you.: Salamat. (sah-LAH-maht)
You're welcome.: Walang ano man. (wah-LAHNG ah-NAW mahn)
Yes.: Oo. (AW-aw)
No.: Hindi. (heen-DEE)
Excuse me. (getting attention): Paumanhin po. (pah-oo-mahn-HEEN paw)
Excuse me. (begging pardon): Paumanhin po. (pah-oo-mahn-HEEN paw)
I'm sorry.: Pasensya na. (pah-SEHN-shah nah)
Goodbye: Paalam. (pah-AH-lahm)
Goodbye (informal): Hanggang sa muli (hahng-GAHNG sah moo-LEE)
I can't speak name of language [well].: Hindi ako magaling magsalita ng [Tagalog]. (heen-DEE ah-KAW mah-gah-LEENG mahg-sah-lee-TAH nahng [tah-GAH-lawg])
Do you speak English?: Marunong kang mag-Ingles? (mah-ROO-nawng kahng mahg-eeng-LEHSS?)
Is there someone here who speaks English?: Meron ba ditong marunong mag-Ingles? (MEH-rawn bah DEE-tawng mah-ROO-nawng mahg-eeng-LEHSS?)
Help!: Tulong! (TOO-lawhng!)
Look out!: Tumingin ka sa dinaraanan mo! (too-mee-NGEEN kah sah dee-nah-rah-AH-nahn maw!)
Good day.: Magandang araw. (mah-gahn-DAHNG AH-row)
Good morning.: Magandang umaga. (mah-gahn-DAHNG oo-MAH-gah)
Good noon.: Magandang tanghali. (mah-gahn-DAHNG tahng-HAH-lee)
Good afternoon.: Magandang hapon. (mah-gahn-DAHNG HAH-pawn)
Good evening.: Magandang gabi. (mah-gahn-DAHNG gah-BEE)
Good night.: Magandang gabi. (mah-gahn-DAHNG gah-BEE)
I don't understand.: Hindi ko maintindihan. (HEEN-dee kaw mah-een-TEEN-dih-hahn)
Where is the toilet?: Nasaan ang banyo? (NAH-sah-ahn ahng bahn-YAW?)

oo (opo): Yes, I'm married.
hindi (po): No, I'm not married.
mayroon (po): Yes, I have children.
wala (po): No, I don't have children.

Negative tag questions are answered in the opposite way compared to English :

Are you not married?: Hindi (No, I am married.)

Oo (Yes, I am not married.)

In a full and complete sentence, "mayroon" can be shortened to may (sounds like English "my"). Most often this means have/has/there are rather than a direct yes.

May mga bata sa paaralan.: There are kids in the school.
May barya ka ba para sa piso?: Do you have change for a peso?

Add po at (or near) the end of a sentence or question to make it formal and polite. An exception is after an interrogative word, po immediately follows. Sino po siya? Who is he/she? (formal) It is important to note that "opo" (po) and "oho" (ho) are used only to be polite to one's elders. Ho (not used in this phrasebook) is a dialectal version of po and can virtually always be interchanged with it. Although its use is very limited in Manila and the northern Katagalugan (Tagalog homeland), many people use it in Southern Luzon, especially in Batangas, Cavite and Laguna. Po (or ho) and opo (or oho) is most commonly heard to show respect to elders or superiors. Po (and ho) are incompatible with ka and ikaw (use kayo) and with mo (use nila).

Yes (logical): Oo (OH oh) (informal) Opo (OH-poh) (formal)
No (logical): Hindi (HEEN-dee) (informal) Hindi po (HEEN-dee poh) (formal)
Yes (to have or there are some): Mayroon (MAI-roh ohn) (informal, also 'Meron') Mayroon po (MAI-roh ohn poh) (formal)
No (to not have or there is none): Wala (WAH-lah) (informal) Wala po (WAH-lah poh) (formal)
I don't know: Hindi ko alam. (HEEN-dee koh AH-lahm) or Di ko alam. (Dee koh AH-lahm)(informal) Hindi ko po alam. (HEEN-dee koh poh AH-lahm) (formal)
Hi: Hi (hai)
Hello: Helów (heh-LOW)
How are you?: Kumusta ka? (koo-MOOS-tah kah?) (informal) Kumusta po kayo? (koo-moos-TAH poh kah-YOH?) (formal)
Fine, thank you.: Ayos naman, salamat. (AH-yohs NAH-mahn, sah-LAH-maht) Mabuti po, salamat. (mah-BOO-tee poh, sah-LAH-maht) (formal)
And you: Ikaw? (ee-Kao?) (informal) Kayó po? (kah-YOH poh?) (formal)
Good/Well: Mabuti (mah-BOO-tee) Mabuti po (mah-BOO-tee poh) (formal)
What is your name?: Anong pangalan mo? (AH-nohng pahn-GAH-lahn moh?) (informal) Ano po ang pangalan ninyo? (AH-noh poh ahng pahn-GAH-lahn nee-NYO?) (formal)
My name is ______ .: Ang pangalan ko ay _______. (ahng pahn-GAH-lahn koh eye___)

Note: As shown above, markers (Si / Ni / Kay) are mandatory before a person's nam--no exceptions (other than one word answers, and after ay)

"I'm John" Ako si John.

"John's" or "by John" (ownership/authorship) Kay John.

"Who does this belong to?" may be answered with either "It is John's" "Kay John" or "John's bag" Bag ni John.

Nice/pleased to meet you.: Ikinagagalak kong makilala ka. (ee-kee-nah-gah-GAH-lahk kohg mah-kee-LAH-lah kah) Ikinagagalak ko po kayong makilala. (ee-kee-nah-gah-GAH-lahk koh poh KAH-yohng mah-kee-LAH-lah) (formal)
Please.: Pakiusap (po). (pah-KEE-oo-sahp (poh)) (in the Philippines, they usually say Please instead of Pakiusap. Often, inserting a po/ho into the sentence or paki- into the verb conveys the same message.)
Thank you.: Salamat (sah-LAH-maht) (informal) Salamat po (sah-LAH-maht poh) (formal)
Thank you very much: Maraming salamat (mah-RAH-meeng sah-LAH-maht)(informal) Maraming salamat po (mah-RAH-meeng sah-LAH-maht poh)(formal)
You're welcome.: Walang anuman. (WAH-lahng ah-NOO-mahn) or Wala 'yun. (WAH-lah yoon)(literally It is nothing. or No problem.)
Take care.: Ingat! (ee-NGAHT!)
How old are you?: Ilang taon ka na? (EE-lahng TAH ohn kah nah?)
Where are you from?: Taga-saan ka? (tah-GAH sah AHN kah?)
Where do you live?: Saan ka nakatira? (sah AHN kah nah-kah-tee-RAH?)
Where have you been?: Saan ka galing? (sah AHN kah gah-LEENG?) (often used rhetorically)
Where are you going?: Saan ka pupunta? (sah AHN kah poo-poon-TAH?)
Can you accompany me to _____?: Pwede mo ba akong samahan sa _____? (pweh-DEH moh bah ah-KOHNG sah-mah-HAHN sah___?)
Can you take me to_____?: Pwede mo ba akong dalhin sa_____? (PWEH-deh moh bah AH-kohng DAHL-heen sah____?)
What is your work?: Anong trabaho mo? (ah-NOHNG trah-bah-HOH moh?)
What are you doing?: Ano ang ginagawa mo? (ano ang ge-nah-gah-WAH mo)
Where do you go to school?: Saan ka nag-aaral? (sah-AHN kah nahg-ah-ah-RAHL?)
Excuse me. (getting attention): Sandali lang [po]. (Sahn-duh-lee lang po'?) Mawalang galang na po. (Mah-wah-lang GAH-lung nah poh)
Excuse me. (may I get by?): Padaan [po]. (pah-DAH-ahn [poh']) or Nakikiraan lang po. (Nah-kee-kee-RAH-ahn lang po)
May I____ ? (To ask for permission): Maaari [po] bang ____? (mah-AH-ree [po] bahng ____?)
I'm sorry.: Paumanhin. (pah oo-MAHN-heen) or Patawad. (pah-TAH-wad) (the usually say Sorry)
Goodbye: Paalam. (pah AH-lahm)
Goodbye (informal): Bye. (BAH-ee) Paalam (pah-ah-lam)
I can't speak Filipino [well].: Hindi ako marunong mag-??????[mabuti]. (HEEN-dee AH-koh mah-ROO-nohng mahg ?????? [mah-BOO-tee])
Help!: Saklolo! (sahk-loh-LOH!) or Tulong! (too-LOHNG)
Look out!: Mag-ingat! (mahg-EE-ngaht!)
Good morning. (lit. 'beautiful morning'): Magandang umaga (ma-GAHN-dang oo-MAH-ga) (informal)
Magandang umaga po (ma-GAHN-dang oo-MAH-ga po) (formal)
Good day: Magandang araw (ma-GAHN-dahng AH-row)
Good afternoon: Magandang hapon (mah-GAHN-dahng HAH-pohn)
Good evening: Magandang gabi. (mah-GAHN-dahng gah-BEE)
Goodnight (to sleep): Magandang gabi. (mah-GAHN-dahng gah-BEE)
I don't understand.: Hindi ko maintindihan. (HEEN-dee koh mah-een-teen-DEE-hahn)
Where is the bathroom/washroom?: Nasaan ang C.R.? (nah-SAH ahn ahng see ar?) [where C.R. = Comfort Room ~ Rest Room]
What time is it?: Anong oras na? (ah-NOHNG oh-RAHS nah?)
Do you understand English?: Nakakaintindi ka ba ng Ingles? (nah-kah-kah-een-TEEN-dee kah bah nahng een-GLEHS?)
Do you speak English?: Marunong ka ba mag-Ingles?/Nakapagsasalita ka ba ng Ingles? (mah-ROO-nohng kah bah mahg-een-GLEHS?/nah-kah-pahg-sah-SAH-lee-tah kah bah nahng een-GLEHS?)
Yes, I speak/understand a little.: Oo, kaunti lang. (OH-oh, kah-OON-tee lahng)
I don't understand Tagalog.: Hindi ako nakakaintindi ng Tagalog. (HEEN-dee AH-koh nah-kah-kah-een-TEEN-dee nahng tah-GAH-lohg)
Is there someone here who speaks English?: Meron ba ditong marunong mag-Ingles? (meh-ROHN bah dee-TOHNG mah-roo-NOHNG mahg-een-GLEHS?)
Who is she/he?: Sino siya? (see-NOH shah)
What is she/he saying?: Anong sinasabi niya?(ah-NOHNG see-nah-sah-BEE nee-YAH?)
What do you mean?: Anong ibig mong sabihin? (ah-NOHNG ee-BEEG mohng sah-bee-HEEN?)
Please say it again/pardon.: Paki-ulit. (PAH-kee OO-leet)
Please write it down.: Pakisulat. (pah-kee-SOO-laht)
Let's go!: Tara (na)! (tah-RAH (nah)!) (very informal) Halika! (hah-lee-KAH!) (semi-formal)
Wait!: Teka! (teh-KAH!) or Sandali (lang)! (sahn-dah-LEE (lahng)!)
Can I speak to ____ ? (on the phone): Pwedeng makausap si _____? (PWEH-dehng mah-kah-OO-sahp see____?)
One moment: Sandali lang. (sahn-DAH-lee lahng)
Who?: Sino?(see-NOH?)
What?: Ano? (ah-NOH?)
Why?: Bakit?(bah-KEET?)
Where?: Saan? (sah AHN?)
When?: Kailan? (kah-ee-LAHN?)
How?: Paano? (pah ah-NOH?)
How many?: Ilan?(ee LAHN?)
How much?: Magkano?(mahg-KAH-noh?)

Nouns

Like English, there is no gender assigned to common nouns, including those of Spanish origin. The only exception is Spanish-origin words referring to a type of person or occupation. But even here, the article (ang, ng, etc.) is gender neutral. Example: Ang abogado/a The lawyer or attorney (m/f). Ironically, Tagalog-origin words can even be more gender-neutral than English. Example: kapatid brother or sister.

For plurals, add mga immediately before the noun. Example: Mga hayop Animals. Adding s does not make anything plural, and is sometimes added on to Spanish nouns regardless of whether the topic is plural or not. Example: mansanas apple; mga mansanas apples (from Spanish manzana).

One point of confusion is the word Filipinas. It can mean either The Philippines (the country) or a group of females from the Philippines.

Girl/Female: Babae (bah-BAH eh)
Boy/Male: Lalaki (lah-LAH-kee or also pronounced as lah-LAH-keh)
Animal: Hayop (HAH-yohp)
Place: Lugar (LOO-gahr)
Name: Pangalan (pah-NGAH-lahn)
Nickname: Palayaw (pah-LAH-yao)
Surname: Apelyido (ah-pehl-YEE-doh)
Address: Tirahan (tee-RAH-hahn)
Age: Edad (EH-dahd)
Sex/Gender: Kasarian (kah-sah-REE-ahn)
School: Paaralan (pah ah-RAH-lahn)
Variety Store: Tindahan (teen-DAH-hahn)
Birthday: Kaarawan (kah ah-RAH-wahn)
Birthdate: Kapanganakan (kah-PAH-ngah-NAH-kahn)
Child: Anak (AH-nahk)(refers to son/daugther)/Bata (BAH-tah) (refers to young child)
Adult: Matanda (mah-TAHN-dah)
Tricycle: Traysikel (trai-SEE-kehl)
Jeepney: Jeepney (JEEP-nee)
Bus: Bus (boos)
Train: Tren (trehn)
Light: Ilaw (EE-law)
Water: Tubig (too-BEEG)
Electricity: Kuryente (koo-RYEHN-teh)
Table: Mesa (MEH-sah)
Couch: Sofa (SOH-fah)
Chair: Upuan (OOH-pooh-AHN) or Silya (SEEL-yah)
Living room: Sala (SAH-lah)
Kitchen: Kusina (koo-SEE-nah)
Bedroom: Kwarto (KWAHR-toh) or Silid (SEE-leed)
Bathroom: Banyo (formal) (BAH-nyoh)/Kubeta (koo-BEH-tah)(informal)/CR(casual)
Picture: Litrato (lee-TRAH-toh) o Larawan (LAH-rah-WAHN)
Radio: Radyo (RAH-dyoh)
Air Conditioner: Aircon (ah EER-kohn)
Television: Telebisyon (teh-leh-BEE-syohn)
Refrigirator: Pridyider (pree-JEE-dehr)
Faucet: Gripo (GREE-poh)
Door: Pinto (PEEN-toh)
Window: Bintana (been-TAH-nah)
Friend: Kaibigan (kah ee-BEE-gahn)
Mother: Nanay (NAH-nai) or Ina (EE-nah)
Father: Tatay (TAH-tai) or Ama (AH-mah)
Brother: Kapatid na lalaki (kah-PAH-teed nah lah-LAH-kee)
Sister: Kapatid na babae (kah-PAH-teed nah bah-BAH-eh)
Relative: Kamag-anak (KAH-mahg-AH-nahk)
Neighbor: Kapit-bahay (KAH-peet-BAH-hai)
Wife: Asawang babae (ah-SAH-wahng bah-BAH-eh)
Husband: Asawang lalaki (ah-SAH-wahng lah-LAH-kee)
Fiancee: Nobyo/Nobya(for female) (NOH-byoh/NOH-byah)
Girlfriend/Boyfriend: Kasintahan (KAH-seen-TAH-hahn)
Buddy: Pare (PAH-reh)

Adjectives

Separate adjectives are sometimes used to describe things and people (e.g. tall building, tall person). Adjectives without a noun are often ended with the article na, which roughly translates as "already" or "now." This is usually dropped when translating back into English. Madumi na. [It's] dirty (now/already). In Tagalog, an article such as na or pa is required when no noun follows the adjective. Na is a bit more immediate (i.e. shorter time than expected) than pa, but both have similar usage.

Many nouns can become adjectives by adding the prefix Ma, such as Dumi (dirt) becoming Madumi (dirty).

Adjective-noun pairs must be linked. Na (not the same na as above) is used if the adjective ends in a constant, and ng is used if it ends in a vowel. Magandang babae (beautiful girl). Malinis na kusina (clean kitchen).

Beautiful: Maganda (mah-GAHN-dah)
Handsome: Guwapo/Pogi (goo-WAH-poh/POH-gee)
Ugly: Pangit (PAHN-geet)
Good: Mabuti (mah-BOO-tee)
Bad: Masama (mah-SAH-mah)
Smart/Intelligent: Matalino (mah-tah-LEE-noh)
Tall (person): Matangkad (mah-TAHNG-kahd)
Short/Small: Maliit (mah-LEE-eet)
Clean: Malinis (mah-LEE-nees)
Dirty: Madumi (mah-DOO-mee)
Delicious: Masarap (mah-SAH-rahp)
Bland: Matabang (mah-TAH-bahng)
Large: Malaki (mah-LAH-kee)
Medium: Katamtaman (kah-tahm-TAH-mahn)
Small: Maliit (mah-LEE eet)
Cold: Malamig (mah-LAH-meeg)
Hot: Mainit (mah EE-neet)
Happy: Masaya (mah-SAH-yah)
Sad/Lonely: Malungkot (mah-LOONG-koht)
Far: Malayo (mah-LAH-yoh)
Close/Near: Malapit (mah-LAH-peet)
Strong: Malakas (mah-LAH-kahs)
Noisy: Maingay (mah-EE-ngai)
Silent: Tahimik (tah-HEE-meek)
High: Mataas (mah-TAH-ahs)
Low: Mababa (mah-BAH-tah)
Old (person): Matanda (mah-TAHN-dah)
Old (things): Luma (LOO-mah)

Prepositions

Here: Dito (DEE-toh)
There: Doon (DOH-ohn)
Outside: Sa labas (sah LAH-bahs)
Inside: Sa loob (sah LOH-ohb)
Upstairs: Sa itaas (sah ee-TAH-ahs)
Downstairs: Sa ibaba (sah ee-BAH-bah)
Behind: Sa likod (sah LEE-kohd)
Next: Katabi (kah-TAH-bee)
Beside: Katabi (kah-TAH-bee)
Front: Harapan (hah-RAH-pahn)
Back: Likuran (lee-KOO-rahn)

Problems

"Don't no nothing" Filipino has several ways to say "no", such as: Hindi (di) "No/not". Negates verbs and statements. Iyo ba ito? (Is this yours?) Hindi akin iyan. (That's not mine.) Wala "None/Don't have/Nothing". Used to negate questions with may or mayroon. May libro ka ba? (Do you have a book?) Wala. ([I have] none./[I] don't have one.) Huwag (wag) "Don't". Use to tell someone not to do something. Huwag mong kunin iyan! (Don't get that!)

What's the matter/problem?: Anong problema? (ah-NOHNG proh-bleh-MAH?)
Are you ok?: Ayos ka lang? (ah-yohs kah lahng?)
Leave me alone.: Lumayo ka sa akin. (loo-MAH-yoh sah AH-keen)
Don't touch me!: Huwag mo akong hawakan. (HOO-wahg moh AH-kohng hah-WAH-kahn)
Let go of me!: Bitawan mo ako! (bee-tah-wahn moh ah-KOH!)
I'll call the police.: Tatawag ako ng pulis. (tah-TAH-wahg AH-koh nahng POO-lees)
Police!: Pulis (POO-lees)
Police Headquarters: Pulisiya (poo-LEE-syah)
There's an accident: May aksidente. (mai ahk-see-DEHN-teh)
There's a fire!!: May sunog!! or Sunog!! (lit. "burning") (mai SOO-nohg) or (SOO-nohg)

Note: Tagalog always refers to what's burning and not the flames. Fire (controlled or in abstract) : Apoy (AH-poy)

Stop! Thief!: Tigil! Magnanakaw! (TEE-geel! mahg-nah-NAH-cow!)
I need your help.: Kailangan ko ng tulong mo. (kah ee-LAHN-gahn koh nahng TOO-lohng moh)
It's an emergency.: Ito ay isang emergency. (EE-toh eye EE-sahng eh-mehr-JEHN-see)
I'm lost.: Nawawala ako. (nah-wah-WAH-lah AH-koh)
I'm tired: Pagod ako. (PAH-gohd AH-koh)
I'm not feeling well.: Masama ang pakiramdam ko. (mah-SAH-mah ahng pah-kee-RAHM-dahm koh)
I can't sleep: Hindi ako makatulog. (AH-koh mah-kah-TOO-lohg)
I can't eat: Hindi ako makakakain. (HEEN-dee AH-koh mah-kah-kah-KAH een)
I have a headache: Sumasakit ang ulo ko. (soo-mah-SAH-keet ahng OO-loh koh)
I'm hungry: Gutom na ako. (GOO-tohm nah AH-koh)
I'm thirsty: Nauuhaw ako. (nah OO oo-how AH-koh)
I ran out of money: Naubusan na ako ng pera. (nah oo-BOO-sahn nah AH-koh nahng PEH-rah)
I lost my bag.: Nawala ang bag ko. (nah-WAH-lah ahng bahg koh)
I lost my wallet.: Nawala ang pitaka ko. (nah-WAH-lah ahng pee-tah-ka koh)
I'm sick.: May sakit ako. (mai SAH-keet AH-koh)
I've been injured.: Nasugatan ako. (nah-soo-GAH-tahn AH-koh)
I need a doctor.: Kailangan ko ng duktor/mangagamot. (kah ee-LAHNG-tahn koh nahng DOOK-tor/mahn-gah-GAH-moht)
Can I use your phone?: Pwedeng makigamit ng telepono? (pweh-DEHNG mah-kee-gah-MEET nahng teh-leh-poh-NOH?)
Where's the hospital?: Saan ang ospital? (SAH-ahn ahng ohs-pee-TAHL?)
I need to get you to the hospital.: Kailangan kitang dalhin sa ospital. (kah-ee-LAHN-gahn KEE-tahng DAHL-heen sah ohs-PEE-tahl)
Do you know how to speak English?: Marunong ka ba mag-Ingles? (mah-roo-NOHNG kah bah mahg-een-GLEHS?)

Numbers and currency

Note: In some cases Spanish numbers (with Filipino spelling) are used.

0: sero (SEH-roh)
1: isá, uno (ee-SAH, OO-noh), piso (for currency, not isang piso) (pee-so)
2: dalawá, dos (dah-lah-WAH, dohs), dalawang piso (for currency)
3: tatlo, tres (taht-LOH, trehs), tatlong piso (for currency)
4: apat, kuwatro (AH-paht, koo-wah-TROH) apat na piso (for currency)
5: limá, singko (lee-MAH, SEENG-koh), limang piso (for currency)
6: anim, sais (AH-neem, says), anim na piso (for currency)
7: pito, siyete (PEE-toh, SYEH-teh), pitong piso (for currency)
8: walo, otso (WAH-loh, OHT-soh), walong piso (for currency)
9: siyam, nuwebe (SEE-yahm, noo-WEH-beh), siyam na piso (for currency)
10: sampu, diyes (SAHM-poo, dyehs), sampung piso (for currency)
11: labing-isa, onse (LAH-beeng-EE-sah, OHN-seh), onse pesos (for currency) (OHN-seh peh-sos)
12: labing-dalawa, dose (LAH-beeng-dah-LAH-wah, DOH-seh), dose pesos (for currency)
13: labing-tatlo, trese (LAH-beeng-taht-LOH, TREH-seh), trese pesos (for currency)
14: labing-apat, katorse (lah-beeng-AH-paht, kah-tohr-SEH), katorse pesos (for currency)
15: labing-lima (lah-beeng lee-mah), kinse pesos (for currency) (keen-seh peh-sos)
16: labing-anim (lah-beeng ah-neem), diesisais pesos (for currency) (diyes see-sah-is peh-sos)
17: labing-pito (lah-beeng pee-to), disisyete pesos (for currency) (dees-see-sye-TEH peh-sos)
18: labing-walo (lah-beeng wah-lo), disiocho pesos (for currency)
19: labing-siyam (la-beeng-SHAM), disinueve pesos (for currency)
20: dalawampu (da-la-wam-POO), beinte pesos or dalawangpung piso (for currency)
21: dalawampu't isa (da-la-wam-POOT ee-sah), beinte uno pesos (for currency)
22: dalawampu't dalawa (da-la-wam-POOT dah-lah-WAH), bente dos pesos (for currency) (ben-teh peh-sos)
23: dalawampu't tatlo (da-la-wam-POOT tat-LO), bente tres pesos (for currency)
30: tatlumpu (tat-loom-POO): trenta pesos(for currency) (tren-tah peh-sos)
40: apatnapu(ah-pat-nah-POO) : kwarenta pesos (for currency) (kwaren-tah peh-sos)
50: limampu(lee-mam-POO) : singkwenta pesos (for currency) (singkwen-tah peh-sos)
60: animnapu (ah-neem-nah-POO): sisenta pesos (for currency) (seesen-tah peh-sos)
70: pitumpu (pee-toom-POO): sitenta pesos(for currency) (seeten-tah peh-sos)
80: walumpu(wah-loom-POO): otsenta pesos (for currency) (otsen-tah peh-sos)
90: siyamnapu(sham-nah-POO): nobenta pesos (for currency) (noben-tah peh-sos)
100: isang daan (eesang DAH-ahn), isang daang piso (for currency)
200: dalawang daan (dah-lah-wang DAH-ahn), dalawang daang piso (for currency) (dah-lah-wang da-ang pee-so)
300: tatlong daan (tat-long DAH-ahn), tatlong daang piso (for currency)
400: apat na daan (ah-pat na DAH-ahn), apat na daang piso (for currency)
500: limang daan (lee-mang DAH-ahn), limang daang piso (for currency)
600: anim na raan (a-neem na rah-AHN), anim na daang piso (for currency)
700: pitong daan (pee-tong DAH-ahn), pitong daang piso (for currency)
800: walong daan (WAH-long DAH-ahn), walong daang piso (for currency)
900: siyam na raan (SEE-yahm sahn-DAH-ahn), siyam na raang piso (for currency)
1000: isang libo (EE-sahng LEE-boh), isang libong piso (for currency)
2000: dalawang libo (dah-LAH-wahng LEE-boh), dalawang daang piso (for currency)
1,000,000: isang milyon (EE-sahng MEE-lyohn), isang milyong piso (for currency)
1,000,000,000: isang libong milyon (EE-sahng LEE-bohng MEE-lyohn) for British English, isang bilyon (EE-sahng BEE-lyohn) for American English, isang bilyong (for currency)
1,000,000,000,000: isang bilyon (EE-sahng BEE-lyohn) for British English, isang trilyon (EE-sahng TREE-lyohn) for American English
number _____ (train, bus, etc.): bilang _____ (BEE-lang) : numero _____ (noo-MEH-roh) (usually with a Spanish number, e.g. numero uno, (noo-MEH-roh OO-noh) number one)
half: kalahati (kah-lah-HAHN-tee)
less: kaunti (kah-OON-tee) or konti (KOHN-tee)
more: madami (mah-DAH-mee) or marami (mah-RAH-mee)

For numbers above 10, Spanish is frequently used.

Ordinal Numbers

First: Una (OO-nah)
Second: ikalawa (EE-kah-LAH-wah) (formal) or pangalawa (informal)
Third: ikatlo (EE-KAHT-loh) or pangatlo (informal)
Fourth: ikaapat (EE-kah-AH-paht) or pang-apat (informal)
Fifth: ikalima (EE-kah-LEE-mah) or panlima (informal)
Sixth: ikaanim (EE-kah-AH-neem) or panganim (informal)
Seventh: ikapito (EE-kah-PEE-toh) or pampito (informal)
Eight: ikawalo (EE-kah-WAH-loh) or pangwalo (informal)
Ninth: ikasiyam (EE-kah-SEE-yahm) or pansiyam (informal)
Tenth: ikasampu (EE-kah-SAHM-poo) or pansampu (informal)
Twentieth: ikadalawampu (EE-kah-dah-lah-WAHM-poo) or pandalawampu (informal)
Hundreth: ikasandaan (EE-kah-sahn DAH-ahn)

Time

now: ngayon (nahn-GAH-yon)
a while ago/earlier: kanina (kah-NEE-nah)
later: mamaya (mah-MAH-yah)
before: bago (BAH-goh)
after: pagkatapos (pahg-kah-TAH-pohs)
morning: umaga (oo-MAH-gah)
noon: tanghali (tang-HAH-lee)
afternoon: hapon (HAH-pohn)
evening: gabi (GAH-bee)
night: gabi (GAH-bee)
midnight: hatinggabi (hah-teeng-GAH-bee)
dawn: madaling-araw (mah-DAH-leeng-AH-row)

Clock time

"ng" is pronounced 'nang' (rhymes with sung)

What time is it?: Anóng oras na? (ah-NOHNG OH-rahs nah?)
At what time...?: Anóng oras...? (ah-NOHNG OH-rahs...?)

one o'clock AM: ala una ng madaling araw (ah-lah OO-nah nahng mah-DAH-leeng AH-row)
two o'clock AM: alas dos ng madaling araw (AH-lahs dohs nahng mah-DAH-leeng AH-row)
three o'clock AM: alas tres ng madaling araw (AH-lahs trehs nahng mah-DAH-leeng AH-row)
four o'clock AM: alas kwatro ng madaling araw (AH-lahs KWAH-troh nahng mah-DAH-leeng AH-row)
five o'clock AM: alas singko ng madaling araw (AH-lahs SEENG-koh nahng mah-DAH-leeng AH-row)
six o'clock AM: alas sais ng umaga (AH-lahs says nahng oo-MAH-gah)
seven o'clock AM: alas siyete ng umaga (AH-lahs SYEH-teh nahng oo-MAH-gah)
eight o'clock AM: alas otso ng umaga (AH-lahs OHT-soh nahng oo-MAH-gah)
nine o'clock AM: alas nuwebe ng umaga (AH-lahs noo-WEH-beh nahng oo-MAH-gah)
ten o'clock AM: alas diyes ng umaga (AH-lahs dyehs nahng oo-MAH-gah)
eleven o'clock AM: alas onse ng umaga (AH-lahs OHN-seh nahng oo-MAH-gah)
twelve o'clock/noon: alas dose ng tanghali (AH-lahs DOH-seh nahng TAHNG-hah-lee)
one o'clock PM: ala una ng hapon (AH-lah OO-nah nahng HAH-pohn)
two o'clock PM: alas dos ng hapon (AH-lahs dohs nahng HAH-pohn)
three o'clock PM: alas tres ng hapon (AH-lahs trehs nahng HAH-pohn)
four o'clock PM: alas kwatro ng hapon (AH-lahs KWAH-troh nahng HAH-pohn)
five o'clock PM: alas singko ng hapon (AH-lahs SEEHNG-koh nahng HAH-pohn)
seven o'clock PM: ala siyete ng hating gabi (AH-lah SYEH-teh nahng HAH-teeng GAH-bee)
six o'clock PM: ala sais ng hating gabi (AH-lah says nahng HAH-teeng GAH-bee)
eight o'clock PM: alas otso ng hating gabi (AH-lahs OHT-soh nahng HAH-teeng GAH-bee)
nine o'clock PM: alas nuebe ng hating gabi (AH-lahs noo EH-beh nahng HAH-teeng GAH-bee)
ten o'clock PM: alas dies ng hating gabi (AH-lahs DEE ehs nahng HAH-teeng GAH-bee)
eleven o'clock PM: alas onse ng hating gabi (AH-lahs OHN-seh nahng HAH-teeng GAH-bee)
one o'clock PM: ala una ng hapon (AH-lah OO-nah nahng HAH-pohn)
two o'clock PM: alas dos ng gabi (AH-lahs dohs nahng GAH-bee)
twelve o'clock/midnight: alas dose ng madaling araw (AH-lahs DOH-seh nahng mah-DAH-leeng AH-row)
one thirty o'clock PM: ala una y media ng hapon (AH-lah OO-nah ee meh-DEE ah nahng HAH-pohn)
two thiry PM: alas dos y media ng hapon (AH-lahs dohs ee meh-DEE ah nahng HAH-pohn)
one thirty AM: ala una y media ng madaling araw (AH-lah OO-nah ee meh-DEE ah nahng mah-DAH-leeng AH-row)
nine thirty AM: alas nuwebe ng umaga (AH-lahs noo-WEH-beh nahng oo-MAH-gah)
one forty five AM: ala una kwarenta y singko ng umaga (AH-lah OO-nah kwah-REHN-tah ee SEENG-koh nahng oo-MAH-gah)
nine forty five AM: alas nuebe kwarenta y singko ng umaga (AH-lahs noo-EH-beh kwah-REHN-tah ee SEENG-koh nahng oo-MAH-gah)

Duration

A vowel ending number must be suffixed with "-ng" while consonant-ending numbers must be followed by "na", e.g. isaNG minuto (one minute) or apat NA minuto (four minutes).

_____ second(s): _____ segundo (seh-GOON-doh)
_____ minute(s): _____ minuto (mee-NOO-toh)
_____ hour(s): _____oras (OH-rahs)
_____ day(s): _____araw (AH-row)
_____ week(s): _____ linggo (LEENG-goh)
_____ month(s): _____buwan (BOO-wahn)
_____ year(s): _____taon (TAH-ohn)

The Filipino language borrowed its terms for the days of the week and months of the year from the Spanish language.

Days

today: ngayon (nga-yohn)
the day before yesterday: kamakalawa (kah-MAH-kah-lah-WAH)
yesterday: kahapon (ka-HA-pon)
tomorrow: bukas (BOO-kas)
the day after tomorrow: sa makalawa (mah-KAH-lah-WAH)
this week: ngayong linggo (nga-YONG ling-go)
last week: nakaraang linggo (na-ka-ra-ang ling-go)
the week before last week: linggo bago noong nakaraang linggo
next week: sa isang linggo (sah EE-sahng LEENG-goh)
the week after next week: sa linggo pagkatapos ng sumunod na linggo

Sunday: Linggo (LEENG-goh)
Monday: Lunes (LOO-nehs)
Tuesday: Martes (MAHR-tehs)
Wednesday: Miyerkules (myehr-KOH-lehs)
Thursday: Huwebes (hoo-WEH-behs)
Friday: Biyernes (BYEHR-nehs)
Saturday: Sabado (sah-BAH-doh)

Months

January: Enero (eh-NEH-roh)
February: Pebrero (peh-BREH-roh)
March: Marso (MAHR-soh)
April: Abril (AH-breel)
May: Mayo (MAH-yoh)
June: Hunyo (HOON-nyoh)
July: Hulyo (HOO-lyoh)
August: Agosto (ah-GOHS-toh)
September: Setyembre (seh-TYEHM-breh)
October: Oktubre (ohk-TOO-breh)
November: Nobyembre (noh-BYEHM-breh)
December: Disyembre (dee-SYEHM-breh)

Holidays

Christmas: Pasko (PAHS-koh)
New Year: Bagong Taon (BAH-gohng TAH-ohn)
Holy Week: Mahal na Araw (MAH-hal nah Ah-rao), Semana Santa (casual)
All Souls Day: Araw ng mga Patay (AH-row nahng mgah PAH-tai)(formal)/Todos los Santos (TOH-dohs lohs SAHN-tohs) (casual)/Undas(oon-dahs)(casual)

Writing times and dates

Dates can be written as follows:

English format: September 19, 2005 would be Setyembre 19, 2005
Spanish format: September 19, 2005 would be Ika-19 ng Setyembre, 2005

Times are written as in English (as in 6:23 AM) but spoken as in Spanish.

Colors

black: itim (ee-TEEM)
white: puti (pooh-TEE)
red: pula (pooh-LAH)
gray: abo (ah-boh)
orange: kahel (ka-HEL)
yellow: dilaw (dee-LAO)
green: berde (BER-de), luntian (loon-TEE-ahn)
blue: asul (ah-SOOL), bughaw (boog-HOW)
purple: ube (OOH-beh), lila (LEE-la)
pink: pink, rosa (ROH-sa)
brown: brown, tsokolate (cho-ko-LAH-teh) (for objects); kayumanggi (kah-yoo-MANG-gee), moreno (for skin color) (moh-REH-noh):
silver: pilak (PEE-lak)
gold: ginto (geen-TOH)

Transportation

car: kotse (KOHT-seh)
taxi: taxi (TAHK-see)
bus: bus (boos)
van: bungad (BOON-gahd)
truck: trak (trahk)
tram: trambiya
ship: barko (BAHR-koh)
boat: bangka (BAHNG-kah)
ferry: lantsa (lan-t'sah)
helicopter: helicopter
airplane: eroplano (eh-roh-PLAH-noh)
bicycle: bisikleta (bee-see-KLEH-tah)
motorcycle: motorsiklo (moh-tohr-SEE-kloh)
scooter: iskuter (ees-KOO-tehr)
carriage: karwahe (kahr-WAH-heh)
jeepney: jeepney (zheh-EHP-nay) [form of transportation common in the Philippines]

Bus and train

How much is a ticket to _____?: Magkano ang tiket papuntang _____? (mahg-KAH-noh ahng TEE-keht pah-poon-TAHNG____?)
How much is the fare to _____?: Magkano ang pamasahe sa ______? (mahg-KAH-noh ahng pah-mah-SAH-heh sah____?)
One ticket to _____, please.: Isang tiket papuntang _____. (EE-sahng TEE-keht pah-POON-tahng _______)
Where does this train/bus go?: Saan patungo ang tren/bus na ito? (SAH ahn pah-TOON-goh ahng trehn/boos nah EE-toh?)
Where is the train/bus to _____?: Nasaan ang tren/bus na patungong _____? (nah-SAH ahn ahng trehn/boos nah pah-TOON-gohng______?)
Does this train/bus stop in _____?: Hihinto ba ang tren/bus na ito sa _____? (hee-HEEN-toh bah ahng trehn/boos nah EE-toh sah______?)
I'm going to take a ( bus/jeepney/taxi): Sasakay ako ng (bus/jeep/taxi). (sah-SAH-kai AH-koh nahng)
When does the train/bus for _____ leave?: Kailan aalis ang tren/bus papuntang_____? (KAH ee-lahn AH ah-lees ahng trehn/boos pah-POON-tahng_______?)
What time is this bus going to leave?: Anong oras aalis itong bus? (AH-nohng krahs ah AH-lees EE-tohng boos?)
When will this train/bus arrive in _____?: Kailan darating yung bus na ito sa _____? (kah EE-lahn dah-RAH-teeng yoong boos nah EE-toh sah______?)
What time will the bus arrive?: Anong oras darating ang bus? (AH-nohng OH-rahs dah-RAH-teeng ahng boos?)

Directions

How do I get to _____ ?: Paano pumunta ng/sa ______? (pah AH-noh poo-MOON-tah nahng/sah____?)
...the train station?: ...himpilan ng tren. (heem-PEE-lahn nahng trehn)
...the bus station?: ...himpilan ng bus? (heem-PEE-lahn nahng boos?)
...the airport?: ... paliparan? (pah-lee-PAH-rahn?)
...downtown?: ...bayan? (bah-YAN)
...supermarket?: ...supermarket? (English) (Western style supermarkets)
...wet market?: ...palengke? (pah-LENG-keh) (Traditional Filipino market)
...bank?: ...bangko?
...the youth hostel?: ...hostel? (HOS-tel)
...the _____ hotel?: ..._____ otel? (o-TEL)
...the American/Canadian/Australian/British consulate?: ... konsulado ng Estados Unidos (Amerika)/Canada/Australia/Britanya (...)
Where are there a lot of...: Saan ang karamihan ng... (...)
...hotels?: ...mga hotel? (ma-nga o-TEL)
...restaurants?: ... mga kainan? (ma-nga KAH-ee-nun)
...malls?: ...mga mall? (mgah mohl?)
...cinema?: ...mga sinehan? (mgah see-NEH-bahn?)
...bars?: ...mga bar? (English) (mgah bahrs?)
...sites to see?: ...mga magagandang tanawin? (mgah mah-gahn-GAHN-dahng tah-NAH-ween?)
Can you show me on the map ____ ?: Maari bang ituro mo sa akin sa mapa ang _____? (ma-ah-ahree bahng ee-too-ro mo sah ah-keen sah mah-pa ahng____)
street: kalye (kal-YEH)
Turn left.: Kumaliwa. (KooMAH-Leewah)
Turn right.: Kumanan. (KooMAH-nun)
left: kaliwa (kah-lee-WAH)
right: kanan (kah-NAN)
straight ahead: dumiretso (doo-meeh-ret-SO)
towards the _____: patungo sa _____ (pah-too-ngo sah)
past the _____: lagpas sa _____ (lag-PAHS)
before the _____: bago sa _____ (bah-go sah)
Watch out for the _____.: Maging mapagmasid ka sa _____. (mah-geeng mah-pag-mah-seed kah sah)
intersection: interseksyon (een-ter-sek-shon)
north: hilaga (hee-LAH-gah)
south: timog (TEE-mohg)
east: silangan (see-LAHN-gahn)
west: kanluran (kahn-LOO-rahn)
uphill: paakyat ng burol (pah AH-kyaht nahng BOO-rohl)
downhill: pababa ng burol (pah-BAH-bah nahng BOO-rohl)

Taxi

Taxi!: Taksi! (TAHK-see)
Take me to _____, please (formal).: Pakihatid mo ako sa_____. (...)
To _____ , please (casual).: Sa ____. (sah)
I'm going to ____: Papunta akong _____ (pah-poon-tah ah-kong)
How much does it cost to get to _____?: Magkano papuntang _____? (mag-kah-no pah-poon-tang)
How much do you charge?: Magkano ang singil mo? (mag-kah-no ahng see-ngeel-mo)
How much is the fare?: Magkano ang bayad? (mag-ka-no ahng bah-yad)
Take me there, please.: Pakihatid mo ako doon. (pa-kee-ha-teed mo ah-ko do-ON)

Jeepney/Bus

One/Two/Three etc. to ____ (When paying the fare for number of people): Isa/Dalawa/Tatlo papuntang _____ ( insert the destination here)
Stop!!! (to get off the jeepney/bus): Para!!!! (PA-rah)
How much is the fare to _____?: Magkano ang pamasahe papuntang _____ (...)
Sir (driver) Where's my change?: Mama, nasaan ang sukli ko? ( Mam-ma na-sa-an ang sooklee ko)
Can you drop me off at ____?: Maari niyo ba akong ibababa sa ____?

Lodging

Do you have any rooms available?: Meron ba kayong kwarto na hindi ginagamit? (...)
How much is a room for one person/two people?: Magkano ang isang kwarto para sa isang/dalawang tao? (...)
Does the room come with...: Kasama ba sa kwarto ang ______ ? (...)
...bedsheets?: ...kumot? (koo-MOT)
...pillows?: ...unan
...a bathroom?: ...banyo? (BAHN-yoh)
...a telephone?: ...telepono? (te-LE-poh-NOH)
...a TV?: ...TV? (TV)
Can I see the room first?: Pwede bang makita muna ang kwarto? (...)
Do you have anything quieter?: Meron ba kayong mas tahimik? (...)
...bigger?: ...mas malaki? (...)
...cleaner?: ...mas malinis? (...)
...cheaper?: ...mas mura? ( )
OK, I'll take it.: Sige, kukunin ko. (...)
I will stay for _____ night(s).: Mananatili ako ng _____ gabi. (...)
Can you suggest another hotel?: Pwede ba kayong magmungkahi ng ibang hotel? (...)
Do you have a safe?: Meron ba kayong safe? (...)
...lockers?: ...lockers? (...)
Is breakfast/supper included?: Kasama ba ang almusal/hapunan? (...)
What time is breakfast/lunch/supper?: Anong oras ang almusal/tanghalian/hapunan? (...)
Please clean my room.: Pakilinis ang aking kwarto. (...)
Can you wake me up at _____ ( e.g. ten o'clock AM) ?: Pwede mo ba akong gisingin ng _____(e.g. alas diyes ng umaga)? (...)
I want to check out.: Gusto ko nang mag-check-out. (...')
Who's knocking the door?: Sino ang kumakatok sa pinto?
Who's there?: Sino yan?
The toilet is not working.: Sira ang inidoro.

Money

Do you accept ...: Tumatanggap ba kayo ng ... (Too-mah-tang-GAP ba ka-YO nang...)
... credit cards?: ... credit card?
... checks?: ... tseke? (CHE-ke)
... dollars?: ... dolyares? (dol-YAH-res)
Can you change my money to _____?: Pwede mo bang papalitan ang pera ko sa _____? (PWE-de moh BANG pa-pa-li-TAN ang PE-ra ko sa _____)
I want to change my money to Philippine pesos.: Gusto kong papalitan ang pera ko sa peso. (Goose-toh kong pa-pa-li-TAN ang PE-ra ko sa pe-so)
Where can I get my money changed?: Saan pwedeng magpapalit ng pera? (Sa-AHN PWE-deng MAG-pa-pa-lit nang PE-ra?)
Can you change a traveler's check for me?: Pwede bang papalitan ang tseke ko? (PWE-de BANG pa-pa-li-TAN ang CHE-ke ko?)
Where can I get a traveler's check changed?: Saan ko pwedeng papalitan ang tseke ko? (Sa-AHN ko PWE-deng pa-pa-li-TAN ang CHE-ke ko?)
What is the exchange rate in _____?: Magkano ang palitan sa _____? (Mag-KA-noh ang pa-LI-tan sa _____)
Where is the ATM (Automatic Teller Machine)?: Saan merong ATM? (Sah-AHN MEH-rong ATM?)
I want to withdraw money from an ATM.: Gusto kong mag-withdraw (sa ATM). (Goose-toh kong mag-with-draw)

Eating

A table for one person/two people, please.: Mesa para sa isa/dalawang katao, please. (...)
Can I look at the menu, please?: Pwedeng makita ang menu, please? (pweh-deng mah-kee-tah ahng meh-noo)
Can I look in the kitchen?: Pwedeng makita ang kusina? (pweh-deng mah-kee-tah ahng koo-see-nah)
Where's the bathroom/washroom?: Nasaan ang C.R.? (nah-sah-ahn ahng see-ar)
Is there a house specialty?: Meron ba kayong specialty? (meh-ron bah kah-yong spe-shal-tee)
Is there a local specialty?: Meron ba kayong local specialty? (...)
I'm a vegetarian.: Vegetarian ako. (...)
I don't eat pork.: Hindi ako kumakain ng baboy. (Heendee ako koomah-kain nang ba-boy)
I don't eat beef.: Hindi ako kumakain ng karne. (...)
I only eat kosher food.: Kosher lang ang kinakain ko. (...)
Can you make it "lite", please? (less oil/butter/lard): Pwede mong gawing "lite", please? (...)
It's salty.: Maalat ito
It's so sweet.: Napakatamis nito
It's so spicy.: Napakaanghang nito
fixed-price meal: fixed-price meal (...)
à la carte: a la carte (...)
breakfast: almusal (al-moo-sal)
lunch: tanghalian (tang-hah-lee-ahn)
snack (meal): meriyenda (mer-yen-dah)
supper: hapunan (ha-poo-nan)
I want _____.: Gusto ko ng _____. (GOOS-to koh)
I want a dish containing _____.: Gusto ko ng ulam na naglalaman ng _____. (...)
chicken: manok (mah-nok)
beef: karne (kar-ne)
fish: isda (is-DAH)
ham: hamon (...)
food: pagkain (pag-kah-een)
drinks: inumin (ee-noo-min)
sausage: longganisa (local sausage) (...)
cheese: keso (keh-soh)
eggs: itlog (eet-LOG)
salad: ensalada (...)
corn: mais
(fresh) vegetables: (sariwang) gulay (goo-LIE)
(fresh) fruit: (sariwang) prutas (proo-TAS)
bread: tinapay (ti-nah-PIE)
fastfood: fastfood
toast: tustado (...)
noodles: pansit or noodles (...)
rice: kanin (KA-nin)/bigas (bee-GAS, used for uncooked rice)
beans: priholes (pree-ho-les) or beans (...)
raw: hilaw (HEE-law)
cooked: luto (LOO-to)
fried: prito
fried chicken/fish/egg: pritong manok/isda/itlog
grilled/roasted: inihaw
boiled: nilaga
salt: asin (uh-SEEN)
sugar: asukal (ah-SOO-kal)
cooking oil: mantika (man-TEE-ka)
garlic: bawang
onion: sibuyas
black pepper: paminta (...)
soy sauce: toyo (to-yo)
butter: margarina or mantikilya (...)
Can/May I have a glass of _____?: Pwedeng/Maaaring makahingi ng isang baso ng _____? (pweh-deng/mah-ah-ring mah-kah-hee-ngi nahng ee-sang bah-song)
Can/May I have a cup of _____?: Pwedeng/Maaring makahingi ng isang tasa ng _____? (...)
Can/May I have a bottle of _____?: Pwedeng/Maaaring makahingi ng isang bote ng _____? (...)
coffee: kape (ka-PEH)
tea (drink): tsaa (cha-AH)
iced tea: iced tea (no direct translation)
chocolate: tsokolate (cho-KOH-lah-TEH)
ice: yelo (yeh-lo)
juice: juice (...)
water: tubig (TOO-BEEG)
beer: serbesa (formal), beer (casual)(...)
red/white wine: red/white wine (...)
May I have some _____?: Maaaring makahingi ng_____? (...)
dessert: panghimagas (formal), dessert (casual) (...)
Excuse me, waiter? (getting attention of server): Excuse me, waiter? (...)
I'm finished/done.: Tapos na ako. or Tapos na akong kumain. (tah-pohs NAH uh-KOH or tah-pohs NAH uh-KOHNG KOO-mah-in)
It was delicious.: Masarap ang pagkain. (muh-suh-RAHP yan)
Please clean the table.: Pakilinis ang mesa. (...)
Can I get the bill, please.: Yung bill, please. (...)

KTV (Karaoke Bars)

Can we get a room to sing?: Pwede ba kaming kumuha ng kuwarto para kumanta? (...)

Bars

Do you serve alcohol?: Meron ba kayong alak? (...)
Do you have cigarettes?: Meron ba kayong sigarilyo?
Is there table service?: Meron ba kayong 'table service'? (...')
A beer/two beers, please.: Isang/dalawang beer/s, please. (...)
A glass of red/white wine, please.: A glass of red/white wine, please. (...)
A pint, please.: A pint, please. (...)
A bottle, please.: Isang bote, please. (...)
_____ (hard liquor) and _____ (mixer), please.: _____ and _____, please. (...)
whiskey: whiskey (...)
vodka: vodka (bod-KAH)
rum: rum (rahm)
water: tubig (too-beeg)
club soda: club soda (...)
tonic water: tonic water (...)
orange juice: orange juice (...)
Coke (soda/pop): Coke (soft drinks)
Do you have any snacks?: Meron ba kayong chicherya? (meh-RON bah kaYONG chee-cheer-YAH)
One more, please.: Isa pa nga ulit, please. (Isa pa.)
Another round, please.: Isa pa ulit. (...)
When is closing time?: Kailan (or Anong oras) kayo magsasara? (?)
Cheers!: Tagay!

Shopping

Where can I buy ____?: Saan makakabili ng _____? (sah-ahn mah-kah-kah-bee-lee nahng)
Do you have size ____ (e.g. 8/9/10) ?: Meron kayong size _____(e.g. 8/9/10)? (...)
How much is it?: Magkano ito? (mag-kah-no ee-to)
That's too expensive.: Napakamahal naman niyan. (nah-pah-kah-mah-hal nah-man nyan)
Do you accept credit card?: Tumatanggap ba kayo ng credit card? (...)
expensive: mahal (mahHAL)
cheap: mura (mooRAH)
I can't afford it.: Hindi ko kayang bilhin. (...)
I don't want it.: Hindi ko gusto. (hinDIH ko GOOSto)
You're cheating me.: Dinadaya mo ako. (...)
I'm not interested.: Hindi ako interesado. (..)
OK, I'll take it.: Sige, kukunin ko. (...)
Can I have a bag?: Pwedeng makahingi ng bag? (...)
It's too big.: Sobrang laki nito
It's too small.: Sobrang liit nito
Do you have a size smaller/bigger than this?: Meron ba kayong size na mas maliit/malaki dito?
Can i change the size to ____?: Pwedeng papalitan sa size na ____ ?
Do you ship (overseas)?: Nagpapadala ba kayo sa ibang bansa? (...)
Do you have ____?: Meron kayong ______?
I need...: Kailangan ko ng ... (KYE-LAHNG-uhn ko)
...toothpaste.: ...toothpaste. (...)
...shoes: sapatos
...clothes: damit
...jewelry: alahas
...necklace: kwintas
...earings: hikaw
...ring: singsing
...a toothbrush.: ...sipilyo. (SEEpeelyo)
...tampons.: ...napkins. (...)
...soap.: ...sabon. (SAHbon)
...shampoo.: ...syampu. (SHAHM-poo)
...pain reliever. (e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen): ...pain reliever. (...)
...cold medicine.: ...gamot sa sipon. (Gahmot sa see-pon)
...stomach medicine.: ...gamot sa tiyan. (Gahmot sa chan)
...a razor.: ...pang-ahit. (...)
...an umbrella.: ... payong. (...)
...sunblock lotion.: ...sunblock lotion. (...)
...a postcard.: ...postkard. (...)
...postage stamps.: ...selyo. (...)
...batteries.: ... baterya. (...)
...writing paper.: ...papel. (...)
...a pen.: ...panulat. (...)
...pencil: ...lapis. (LahPEEs)
...English-language books.: ...mga librong Ingles. (lee-brong EEHNG-glehs)
...English-language magazines.: ...English-language magazines. (...)
...an English-language newspaper.: ...dyaryong Ingles (JAHR-yong EEHNG-glehs)
...an English-English dictionary.: ...diksyonaryong Ingles. (...)

Driving

I want to rent a car.: Gusto kong mag-renta ng kotse. (GOOS-to kong mag ren-tah nang koh-CHEH)
Can I get insurance?: Pwedeng kumuha ng insurance? (...)

Most Philippine road signs are in English.

stop (on a street sign): stop ( )
one way: one way (...)
yield: yield (...)
no parking: walang paradahan(formal)/parking(casual) (walang paradahan)
speed limit: speed limit (...)
gas (petrol) station: gas station/gasolinahan (...)
petrol: petrol (...)
diesel: diesel (...)

Authority

I haven't done anything wrong.: Wala po akong nagawang masama. (...)
It was a misunderstanding.: Iyon ay isang hindi pagkakaunawaan. (...)
Where are you taking me?: Saan mo/niyo ako dadalhin? (Use mo if you are talking to one person and niyo or nyo if you are talking to two or more people)
Am I under arrest?: Aarestuhin mo/niyo ba ako? (...)
Where's the warrant?: Nasaan ang warrant?
I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen.: Ako ay isang mamamayang Amerikano/Britaniko/Kanadyano. (Formal) (...); Mamamayang Amerikano/Britaniko/Kanadyano ako. (Casual) (...)
I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate.: Gusto kong makipagusap sa embahadang/konsuladong Amerikano/Britaniko/Kanadyano. (...)
I want to talk to a lawyer.: Gusto kong makipagusap sa isang abogado. (GOOS-toh koh ma-KEY-PAHG-OOH-SAHP sah ah-boh-GAH-do)
Can I just pay a fine now?: Pwede na lang ba akong magbayad ng multa? (...)
Law: Batas
Judge: Hukom or Huwes
Lawyer: Abugado/Abogado
Court: Hukuman or Korte
Jail: Bilangguan or Kulungan
Cop: Pulis

When in Danger

A thief!: Magnanakaw! (mag-NAH-NAH-KAHW)
Help!: Saklolo! or Tulong! (Actually, both 'Saklolo' and 'Tulong' mean the same thing for 'Help', and both words are understood by locals, thus they're interchangeable. Usage of them depends on your personal preference.) (sak-LOH-LOH o TOO-long)
I was robbed by that thief and now my purse is gone. What should I do now?: Ninakawan ako ng magnanakaw na iyon at ngayon wala na yung purse ko. Ano na ang gagawin ko ngayon? (knee-NAH-COW-WON ah-ko ng mag-NAH-NAH-KAHW na ee-YOHN at NGA-yon wa-lah NAH YOONG purse KOH. a-NOH na ang gah-GAH-WEEN koh?)
Call the police about the incident: Tawagan mo ang pulisya ukol sa pangyayari. (tah-WAH-GAHN moh ang POOH-lee-SHAH ooo-KOHL sah nang-YAH-ree)
Fire!: Sunog! (SOO-NOG!)
Call the nearest fire station, quick!: Tawagan mo na ang pinakamalapit na istasyon ng bumbero, bilis! (tah-WAH-GAHN mo na ang pee-nah-kah-MAH-LAH-PEAT na ees-TAH-SHON ng BOOM-BE-ROH)
Let's get out of here!: Umalis na tayo dito! (OOH-mah-lees na ta-YOH DEE-TOH)
There's an earthquake!: May lindol! (MY lean-DOLL)
Get some hard stuff to protect your heads, now!: Kumuha kayo ng matigas na bagay upang maprotektahan ang inyong mga ulo, ngayon din! (coo-moo-HAH KAH-yoh ng ma-TEE-GAS na BAH-GAHY oo-PANG ma-pro-TEHK-TAH-HAN ang in-YONG mga OO-LOH, nga-YON DEAN)
Tsunami!: Tsunami! (Filipinos don't have their own word for tsunami)
Let's evacuate!: Sumilong na tayo! (soo-MEE-long nah TAH-yoh!)
Run!: Takbo! (tuck-BO)
It's dangerous there!: Delikado diyan! (del-lee-KAH-do jahn)
Am I going to die now?: Mamamatay na ba ako ngayon? (mah-mah-mah-TAHY na bah a-KOH nga-YON)

As natural disasters happen to the Philippines, if such disaster is severe, you might hear some locals saying this sentence, mainly because they're panicking. This sentence is just added to understand some of the locals' expressions during these calamities.

This Tagalog phrasebook has guide status. It covers all the major topics for traveling without resorting to English. Please contribute and help us make it a star!

Filipino language

Tagalog phrasebook

Contents

Grammar

Pronunciation guide

Vowels

Consonants

Diphthongs

Other sounds

Phrase list

Basics

Nouns

Adjectives

Prepositions

Problems

Numbers and currency

Ordinal Numbers

Time

Clock time

Duration

Days

Months

Holidays

Writing times and dates

Colors

Transportation

Bus and train

Directions

Taxi

Jeepney/Bus

Lodging

Money

Eating

KTV (Karaoke Bars)

Bars

Shopping

Driving

Authority

When in Danger

Navigation menu

Tagalog phrasebook

Grammar

Pronunciation guide

Vowels

Consonants

Diphthongs

Other sounds

Phrase list

Basics

Nouns

Adjectives

Prepositions

Problems

Numbers and currency

Ordinal Numbers

Time

Clock time

Duration

Days

Months

Holidays

Writing times and dates

Colors

Transportation

Bus and train

Directions

Taxi

Jeepney/Bus

Lodging

Money

Eating

KTV (Karaoke Bars)

Bars

Shopping

Driving

Authority

When in Danger

Navigation menu

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