Your Essential Guide to Tagalog Travel Phrases

A quick and friendly phrasebook for travelers who want to explore the Philippines like a local.

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Dreaming of pristine beaches, vibrant markets, and heartwarming smiles?

The Philippines awaits, and learning a few simple Tagalog phrases can unlock an even deeper, richer experience! Imagine confidently navigating bustling streets, ordering delicious street food, or simply sharing a laugh with a local, all by speaking a few words of their language.

Are you planning your trip soon?

Are you curious about the local language?

If the answer is not a resounding 'Yes!' yet, consider this your friendly nudge to learn some helpful Tagalog phrases and vocabulary. It's the best way to make your Philippine adventure fun and unforgettable, and the good news is, it's easier than you think! With a little effort, you'll be speaking Tagalog in no time.

In the Philippines, Filipino is our national language. While Tagalog is the most common dialect, especially in the bustling Metro Manila region and widely understood across the archipelago, English is also an official language. This means you'll regularly see documents, street signs, and announcements in English, making navigation a breeze for many visitors—another great reason to explore our islands!

Ready to speak like a local? Let's get to it!

Greetings and Basic Responses

● Mabuhay! - Our warm Filipino 'Welcome!' You'll hear this joyous greeting often—from the moment you step off the plane at the airport, to checking into your hotel, and dining in restaurants. It's always delivered with those famous Filipino smiles!

● Kumusta (also heard as 'Kamusta' or 'Musta') - Meaning 'How are you?' This phrase has evolved to become our most common way to say 'Hello' or 'Hi.' You'll use this a lot!

● Magandang Umaga - 'Good morning'

● Magandang Tanghali - 'Good noon' (used around midday)

● Magandang Hapon - 'Good afternoon'

● Magandang Gabi - 'Good evening'

● Salamat - 'Thank you'

● Maraming Salamat - 'Thank you very much'

● Walang anuman - 'You're welcome' (the standard reply to 'thank you')

● Walang problema - 'No problem' or 'No worries' (more informal, used like 'it's nothing' or 'don't worry about it')

● Oo - 'Yes'

● Hindi - 'No' or 'Not'

● Wala - 'None' or 'Nothing'

● Pwede - 'Allowed' or 'Possible'

● Hindi pwede - 'Not allowed' or 'Not possible'

● Siguro - 'Maybe'

● Ano? - 'What?'

● Bakit? - 'Why?'

● Kailan? - 'When?'

● Paumanhin - 'Sorry' or 'Excuse me'

● Taga saan ka? - 'Where are you from?'

● Taga [your nationality] - 'I am from [your nationality/country]'

● Ingat! - 'Take Care!'

● Opo - 'Yes' (the polite and respectful way to say 'yes', especially to elders or those in authority)

Cultural Tip: Use the power of "Po" and "Opo". While in the Philippines, you'll hear "Po" and "Opo" frequently. These small words are incredibly significant and are used to show politeness and respect towards the person you're speaking to. You'll often hear them at the beginning or end of a sentence. Using them yourself will undoubtedly earn you extra points with locals!

Getting Around

● Saan? - 'Where?'

● Nasaan ang...? - 'Where is (the)...?'

● Magkano? - 'How much?'

● Pamasahe - 'Fare'

● Lugar - 'Place'

● Pupunta ako sa... - 'I am going to...'

● Para (po)! - 'Stop!' (Polite way to tell a jeepney or tricycle driver to pull over)

● Dito na lang - 'Just here' (A common phrase to tell a driver where to drop you off, often accompanied by a gesture)

● Eroplano - 'Airplane'

● Barko - 'Boat'

● Jeepney - Our iconic, vibrant public transport (often called 'jeep' for short)

Pro-Tip: Enjoy riding the iconic Philippine Jeepney! Jeepneys aren't just transport but rolling pieces of art and a truly iconic Filipino experience! They're the most popular and cheapest way to get around in cities and towns. Know that you won't find schedules online. Just flag one down on the street, check the destination displayed on its front placard, and hop aboard for an authentic ride!

Shopping, Dining, and Expressing Yourself

● Pabili (po) - 'Can I buy?' or 'I'd like to buy…' (Use this when you want to purchase something from a vendor)

● Magkano ito? - 'How much is this?'

● Pa-order ako ng… - 'I will order…'

● Gusto ko umorder ng… - 'I would like to order…'

● Ulam - 'Dish' or 'Main dish'

● Kanin - 'Rice'

● Sabaw - 'Soup'

● Tubig - 'Water'

● Mainit na tubig - 'Hot water'

● Malamig na tubig - 'Cold water'

● Yelo - 'Ice'

● Masarap - 'Delicious'

● Ang sarap! - 'It's delicious!'

● Sobrang sarap! - 'Super delicious!'

● Malasa - 'Tasty'

● Hindi masarap - 'Not delicious'

● Isa pa - 'One more'

● Tama na - 'That's enough'

● Ang mahal! - 'It's expensive!'

● Ang mura! - 'It's cheap!'

● Pwede bang tumawad? - 'Can we lower the price?' (For bargaining!)

● Bibilhin ko ito - 'I will buy this'

● Meron kayong...? - 'Do you have...?'

Foodie Fun Fact: Prepare for 'Unli Rice'! This popular concept means 'unlimited rice’. Yes, you can get free refills at many eateries and restaurants! Places like Mang Inasal are famous for offering it with every meal. And while you're there, you must try their grilled chicken paired with unli rice as you say, 'Sobrang Sarap!' (Super delicious!)

Days, Dates and Meeting Up

● Oras - 'Hour'

● Anong oras na? - 'What time is it?'

● Magkita (or Magkita-kita) - 'To meet' or 'to see each other'

● Kailan tayo magkita? - 'When are we meeting?'

● Saan tayo magkita? - 'Where are we meeting?'

● Anong oras tayo magkita? - 'What time are we meeting?'

● Ngayon - 'Today'

● Kanina - 'Earlier'

● Mamaya - 'Later'

● Bukas - 'Tomorrow'

● Umaga - 'Morning'

● Hapon - 'Afternoon'

● Gabi - 'Evening'

● Madaling araw - 'Late night' / 'In the middle of the night'

● Lunes - 'Monday'

● Martes - 'Tuesday'

● Miyerkules - 'Wednesday'

● Huwebes - 'Thursday'

● Biyernes - 'Friday'

● Sabado - 'Saturday'

● Linggo - 'Sunday'

Spanish Influence. Did you know Spain colonized the Philippines for over 333 years? This long history means you'll often encounter Tagalog words that sound, and sometimes even look, remarkably similar to Spanish, though their spellings might differ. The days of the week, many time-related terms, and countless street names are perfect examples of this fascinating linguistic legacy!

In Case of Emergency

● Pulis - 'Police'

● Ospital - 'Hospital'

● Saan ang ospital? - 'Where is the hospital?'

● Botika - 'Pharmacy'

● Saan ang malapit na botika dito? - 'Where is the nearest pharmacy here?'

● Tulong! - 'Help!' (General call for assistance)

● Saklolo! - 'Help!' (More urgent, often used in emergencies)

● Kailangan ko ng tulong! - 'I need help!'

● Kawatan! - 'Thief!' (Often shouted in the moment)

● Magnanakaw! - 'Thief!' (General term for a thief)

● Nawawala ang passport ko! - 'I lost my passport!', ‘My passport is missing’

Practice Makes Progress

Learning a new language might seem daunting, and while there aren't many shortcuts, it can be fun and incredibly rewarding!

The more you practice, the more confident you'll become in understanding and being understood by the amazing people around you. Filipinos are renowned for their warmth, hospitality, and genuine kindness so don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they're simply stepping stones on your learning journey!

And here’s a secret: using even just a few Tagalog words can go along way among locals. By speaking a little of our language, you're not just navigating; you're genuinely connecting with the heart and soul of the Filipino people, transforming your trip into an unforgettable and deeply personal experience.

Here are some fun and effective ways to immerse yourself in Tagalog:

● Tune in to OPM (Original Pilipino Music)! From heartfelt ballads to upbeat pop, OPM is a fantastic way to pick up new words and feel the rhythm of Filipino culture.

● Binge-watch Filipino movies and TV shows! Platforms like Netflix offer a growing collection of captivating Filipino films and series—a perfect excuse for some entertaining language immersion.

● Download a language learning app like Ling App or Duolingo. These interactive tools make learning Tagalog on the go easy and fun!

Feeling ready to embrace the warmth and wonder of the Philippines? We hope this guide empowers you to connect with locals and experience our unique culture on a deeper level.