Good morning: Magandáng umaga Good afternoon: Magandáng hapon Good evening: Magandáng gabí Hi: Hi Bye: Paalam
Yes: Oo (informal) / Opo (formal) No: Hindi (informal) / Hindi po (formal) Thank you: Salamat po Thank you very much: Maraming salamat You’re welcome: Waláng anumán (literally, “nothing at all”) “Po” is the correct word to show respect. Technically, it means “sir” or “ma’am. ” Add it after the phrase, such as with the formal “yes” and “no” or “thank you. ”
My name is: Ang pangalan ko ay (your name) Are you OK?: Ayos ka lang ba? How are you?: Kamusta ka na? I’m fine: Ayos lang I love you: Mahál kitá How much does it cost?: Magkano ba ito? Where is the restroom?: Nasaán ang banyo?
Food: Pagkain Water: Tubig Rice: Kanin
Delicious: Masaráp I’m hungry: Gutóm na ako I’d like some food, please: Pakibigyán niyo po ako ng pagkain The food was delicious: Masaráp ang pagkain.
Beautiful: Maganda Ugly: Pangit Nice: Mabaít Help: Tulong Helpful: Matulungín Dirty: Marumí Clean: Malinis Respect: Paggalang Respectful: Magalang
Mother: Iná Father: Amá Sister (eldest): Ate Brother (eldest): Kuyà Youngest sibling: Bunsô Grandma: Lola Grandpa: Lolo Uncle: Tito Aunt: Tita Niece/Nephew: Pamangkín Cousin: Pinsan
Dog: Aso Puppy: Tutà Cat: Pusà Fish: Isdâ Cow: Báka Chicken: Manók Monkey: Unggóy
1: isá 2: dalawá 3: tatló 4: apat 5: limá 6: anim 7: pitó 8: waló 9: siyám 10: sampû
Check out, for instance, the following examples, in which the Tagalog words are phonetic forms of their English counterparts: Automobile / Awtomobil; Economics / Ekonomiks; Website / Websayt. With further practice and immersion in the language, you’ll be able to pick up on some of the limited phonetic variations in Tagalog.
If you have a background in English or Spanish, you’ll likely pick up on many phonetic (sound-alike) connections to Tagalog. These can help you follow along and pick up new words more quickly. If you’re in the Philippines, try to follow Tagalog conversations and ask questions or for clarifications in English. Most Filipinos speak a fair amount of English, and they’re usually happy to help someone who wants to pick up some Tagalog!
A quick search on YouTube or similar video sites will provide you with a wide range of Tagalog-language videos with subtitles.
Though it may seem a bit old-fashioned, creating flash cards with Tagalog words/phrases can be a helpful way to build your vocabulary. Many online programs utilize some form of flash card-style learning.
Prioritize becoming conversant in everyday Tagalog, then spend time learning the finer details of the language, pronunciation, grammar, and so on.
