The official language of the Philippines Filipino also known as Tagalog, acts as a link between the Philippines’ different cultural and historical backgrounds. It has more than 7,000 islands and a diverse language due to the impacts of American, Chinese, Malay, and Spanish civilizations.
Acquiring basic Filipino words improves your vacation experience in this dazzling country and leads to deeper conversations with locals. Learning a few key phrases in Filipino can enhance your trip and provide you with unforgettable experiences with the friendly and welcoming Filipino people, whether you intend to visit the vibrant streets of Manila, the immaculate beaches of Puerto Princesa, or the historic monuments of Cebu.
The helpful expressions listed below will allow you to travel throughout the Philippines with ease and assurance:
| ENGLISH | FILIPINO |
|---|---|
| How are you? | Kumusta ka? |
| How many? | Ilan? |
| How much? | Magkano? |
| How? | Paano? |
| I/We | Ako/Tayo |
| No | Hindi |
| Thank you | Salamat |
| Time | Oras |
| Welcome (greeting) | Mabuhay! |
| Bad | Masama |
| Beautiful | Maganda |
| You are beautiful | Maganda Ka |
| Cheap | Mura |
| Expensive | Mahal |
| Big | Malaki |
| Small | Maliit |
| Good afternoon | Magandang hapon |
| Good evening | Magandang gabi |
| Good morning | Magandang umaga |
| Good/Fine | Mabuti |
| Goodbye | Paalam |
| He/She | Siya |
| What? | Ano? |
| When? | Kailan? |
| Where? | Saan? |
| Who? | Sino? |
| Why? | Bakit? |
| Yes | Oo/Opo |
| You're welcome | Walang anuman |
| You | Ikaw |
| They | Sila |
| I love you | Mahal kita |
| Please | Pakiusap |
| Up | Taas |
| Down | Baba |
| Left | Kaliwa |
| Right | Kanan |
| North | Hilaga |
| East | Silangan |
| South | Timog |
| West | Kanluran |
| Far | Malayo |
| Near | Malapit |