Filipino/Tagalog Basics

The Philippines has two official languages: Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English. In addition, there are over 170 regional languages — Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Waray, and many more. In practice, most Filipinos speak "Taglish" — a constantly changing mix of Tagalog and English, resulting in sentences like "I'll go na sa mall, then balik ako agad" (I'm going to the mall now, then I'll come back right away).

For travelers, English is sufficient almost everywhere — in hotels, restaurants, tourist areas, and even in the countryside, most people speak at least the basics. But a few words of Filipino bring a smile to every face.

The Most Important Words

German	Filipino/Tagalog	Pronunciation
Welcome / Cheers!	Mabuhay!	Ma-bu-hai
Thank you	Salamat	Sa-la-mat
Thank you very much	Maraming salamat	Ma-ra-ming sa-la-mat
Please (request)	Paki- (+ verb)	Pa-ki
Yes / No	Oo / Hindi	O-o / Hin-di
Hello	Kamusta?	Ka-mus-ta
How much does this cost?	Magkano?	Mag-ka-no
Too expensive!	Mahal!	Ma-hal
Delicious!	Masarap!	Ma-sa-rap
Beautiful!	Maganda!	Ma-gan-da
Let's eat!	Kain tayo!	Ka-in ta-jo
Sorry	Pasensya na	Pa-sen-sja na
Where is …?	Nasaan ang …?	Na-sa-an ang
Toilet	CR (Comfort Room)	Si-Ar
Water	Tubig	Tu-big
One / Two / Three	Isa / Dalawa / Tatlo	I-sa / Da-la-wa / Tat-lo
Help!	Tulong!	Tu-long
I don't understand	Hindi ko maintindihan	Hin-di ko ma-in-tin-di-han

Useful Phrases

• "Po" and "Opo": Politeness particles that express respect (opo = respectful yes, po at the end of a sentence = sign of respect). Use them with elders: "Salamat po" instead of just "Salamat".
• "Kuya" (older brother) / "Ate" (older sister): Polite address for people slightly older than you. Also for strangers: "Kuya, magkano?" (Brother, how much?)
• "Bahala na": "Whatever happens" — the Filipino philosophy of life in two words.
• "Nosebleed": Slang for "this is too complicated / too much English" — if a Filipino says this, switch to simpler English.