40 Essential Filipino Words & Phrases for Travelers
The Philippines is a linguistically diverse country with more than 170 languages spoken. The official languages are Filipino, based on Tagalog, and English, both of which are used as mediums of instruction in education and are commonly spoken throughout the archipelago. English is also widely used in government, business, and law. However, regional languages are predominant in many areas. These include Cebuano, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, Waray, Bicolano, Kapampangan, and many others. The preservation and use of these regional languages contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines.
Here are 40 essential Filipino phrases that could be useful for travelers:
Hello - Kumusta (koo-mus-tah)
Good Morning - Magandang Umaga (mah-gahn-dahng oo-mah-gah)
Good Afternoon - Magandang Hapon (mah-gahn-dahng hah-pon)
Good Evening - Magandang Gabi (mah-gahn-dahng gah-bee)
Goodbye - Paalam (pah-ah-lam)
Yes - Oo (oh-oh)
No - Hindi (hin-dee)
Please - Pakisuyo (pah-kee-soo-yoh) or Please (used in a formal setting)
Thank You - Salamat (sah-lah-maht)
You're Welcome - Walang Anuman (wah-lahng ah-noo-mahn)
Excuse Me - Makikiraan (mah-kee-kee-rahn) or Excuse me (used in a formal setting)
I'm Sorry - Paumanhin (pah-oo-mahn-hin)
I Don't Understand - Hindi Ko Ma-intindihan (hin-dee koh mah-een-tin-dee-han)
Do You Speak English? - Nagsasalita Ka Ba Ng Ingles? (nahg-sah-sah-lee-tah kah bah ng een-glehs)
How Much? - Magkano? (mahg-kah-noh)
Where Is...? - Saan ang...? (sah-ahn ang...)
Bathroom/Toilet - Banyo/CR (bah-nyoh / C-R)
Food - Pagkain (pahg-kah-een)
Water - Tubig (too-big)
Help! - Tulong! (too-long)
Airport - Paliparan (pah-lee-pah-rahn)
Taxi - Taksi (tahk-see)
Hotel - Hotel (ho-tel)
Hospital - Ospital (os-pee-tahl)
Police - Pulis (poo-lees)
Market - Palengke (pah-leng-keh)
Restaurant - Restawran (res-tow-ran)
Beach - Plaia/Dagat (ply-yah / dah-gaht)
Cheers/Good Health - Mabuhay (mah-boo-hay)
Coffee - Kape (kah-peh)
Tea - Tsa (chah)
Beer - Serbesa (ser-beh-sah)
Left - Kaliwa (kah-lee-wah)
Right - Kanan (kah-nan)
Straight Ahead - Diretso (dee-reht-so)
Stop - Hinto (hin-toh)
I am... - Ako ay... (ah-koh ay...)
My name is... - Ang pangalan ko ay... (ahng pah-ngah-lahn koh ay...)
Where can I find a taxi? - Saan ako makakakita ng taksi? (sah-an ah-koh mah-kah-kah-kee-tah ng tak-see)
Can I have the menu, please? - Pwedeng makahingi ng menu, please? (pwe-deng ma-ka-hin-gee ng meh-noo, please)
Remember, Filipino pronunciation is phonetic and the stress is typically on the second to the last syllable, unless indicated by an accent mark. It's also worth noting that English is widely spoken in the Philippines, so you should be able to get by using English in most situations. However, locals appreciate it when travelers make an effort to use some Filipino phrases.
