Tagalog is one of the most exciting Asian languages to learn. It is unique yet shares similarities with languages like English, Spanish, and Chinese.
I think this is why many are interested in mastering the common Tagalog vocabulary and sentence structure.
Especially if you have a family living in the Philippines or have met some Filipino friends online or around your city. If you are one of them, you landed on the right post.
We have a great list of common Tagalog vocabulary that even beginner Tagalog language learners can understand. Check them all below!
Table of Contents
What Are The Common Tagalog Vocabulary You Should Learn?
Learning Tagalog can be overwhelming. Sure, you’ve heard it from your family or friends. But it’s different to learn Tagalog as a beginner without any guide.
Hence, we’ll give you the common Tagalog vocabulary list that your Filipino relatives or friends use. Add these words to your basic Tagalog sentences when conversing with them.
If we could give one tip, it would be to memorize some of these words. Speaking in Tagalog will help you instantly connect with Filipinos.
Why? Tagalog native speakers appreciate it when you try to speak with them in a language close to their heart.
So, here are the common Tagalog vocabulary and familiar words used in the Philippines. Let’s start learning!
| English | Tagalog |
|---|---|
| I | Ako |
| This | Ito |
| Right | Kanan (Right direction), Tama (Correct) |
| Left | Kaliwa (Left direction), Naiwan (Left behind) |
| Goodbye | Paalam |
| Yes | Oo |
| No | Hindi |
| Want | Gusto |
| Correct | Tama (Right, Correct) |
| True | Totoo |
| Free | Libre (No cost), Malaya (Freedom) |
| Hand | Kamay |
| Need | Kailangan |
| Election | Eleksyon |
| Change | Pagbabago |
| Newspaper | Dyaryo |
| News | Balita |
| Thank You | Salamat |
| Teach | Magturo |
| Computer | Kompyuter |
| Read | Basahin |
| Book | Libro |
| Pencil | Lapis |
| Travel | Paglalakbay |
| Neighbor | Kapit-bahay |
| Kill | Pumatay |
| Act | Kumilos (Move, Act), Gawa (Deed, Act) |
| Example | Halimbawa |
| War | Digmaan |
| Dead | Patay |
| Afraid | Takot |
| Play | Maglaro (Play a game), Magpatugtog (Play a Music) |
| Slow | Mabagal |
| Loud | Malakas (High volume) |
| Large | Malaki (Big in size), Malaki (Big in a general sense) |
| Delicious | Masarap |
| Where | Saan |
| Smile | Ngiti |
| Love | Pag-ibig |
| Why | Bakit |
| How | Paano |
| When | Kailan |
| Fat | Taba (Fat, Chubby), Mataba (Fat person) |
| Hair | Buhok |
| Bank | Bangko |
| Money | Pera |
| Smell | Amoy (Noun), Maamoy (Adjective) |
| Road | Kalsada |
| Rain | Ulan |
| Bed | Kama |
| Eat | Kumain |
| Sugar | Asukal |
| Egg | Itlog |
| Bread | Tinapay |
| Milk | Gatas |
| Ice | Yelo |
| Heart | Puso |
| Blood | Dugo |
| Summer | Tag-araw |
| Buy | Bumili |
| Store | Tindahan |
| Ask | Magtanong |
| Run | Tumakbo |
| Write | Sulat (Noun), Sumulat (Verb) |
| Cool | Malamig (Temperature), Astig (Slang for “cool”) |
| Soil | Lupa (Soil, Land) |
| Winter | Taglamig |
| Climb | Umakyat |
| Hill | Burol (Hill, Funeral wake) |
| Glass | Salamin (Mirror, Glass) |
| Grass | Damo |
| Job | Trabaho |
| Class | Klase |
| Song | Kanta |
| Sound | Tunog |
| Visit | Pagbisita |
| Soft | Malambot |
| Fun | Saya, Kasayaan (Joy, Fun) |
| Million | Milyon |
| Rich | Mayaman (Wealthy, Affluent), Mataba (For soil: fertile, rich) |
| Plane | Eroplano |
| World | Mundo |
| Hat | Sumbrero |
| Truck | Trak |
| Nose | Ilong |
| Hear | Pakinggan (To listen intentionally), Marinig (To hear unintentionally) |
| Listen | Makinig |
| House | Bahay |
| Picture | Larawan (Photograph, Painting, Visual representation) |
| Us | Atin (Inclusive: you and me), Amin (Exclusive: we, but not you) |
| Self | Sarili |
| Near | Malapit |
| Sky | Langit |
| Pay | Bayaran (Payment), Magbayad (To pay) |
| Clock | Orasan |
| Radio | Radyo |
| Ring | Singsing (Ring), Tumunog (Sound, Ring) |
| Chair | Silya |
| Iron | Bakal (Iron, Metal) |
| Street | Kalye |
| Office | Opisina |
| Trip | Paglalakbay (Journey, Trip), Madapa (Stumble, Trip) |
| Flower | Bulaklak |
| Hope | Umaasa (Hoping), Pag-asa (Hope) |
| Place | Lugar |
| Where | Saan |
| Live | Mabuhay (Live, Long live) |
| After | Pagkatapos |
| Man | Tao (Person, Human being), Lalaking Tao (Male person), Lalaki (Male) |
| Came | Dumating |
| Good | Mabuti |
| Name | Pangalan |
| Very | Napaka, Sobra |
| Tired | Pagod |
You’re all set to start a conversation in Tagalog with these words and phrases. Remember, every bit of effort counts. So, keep practicing! Do you want more? Then, let’s go!
How Do You Say Vocabulary In Tagalog?
Bokabularyo is the commonly used word to refer to vocabulary in Tagalog.
But, you can also say leksikon when talking to your Filipino friends. It might be a handful when trying to improve pronouncing Tagalog words like these but try speaking it out loud.
Now, how do you say, “I want to learn Tagalog vocabulary?” in Tagalog?
For this phrase, you should use the question, “Paano ako matututo ng Tagalog na bokabularyo?”
Other Tagalog Vocabulary: Essential Phrases
You know what? There are more essential Tagalog phrases that can enrich your conversations.
These are the phrases Filipinos use in their day-to-day interactions.
Here are some of them:
| English | Tagalog | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Beautiful day | Magandang araw | |
| Good morning | Magandang umaga | |
| Good afternoon | Magandang hapon | |
| Good evening | Magandang gabi | |
| How are you? | Kamusta ka? | |
| Please pass my payment to the driver | Pakiabot po ng bayad sa drayber | |
| This is my Payment | Ito ang bayad ko | |
| How much? | Magkano? | |
| This is expensive! Can you give me a cheaper price? | Ang mahal naman! Pwede bang bigyan mo ako ng mas mababang presyo? | |
| Have you eaten? | Kumain ka na? | |
| I’m full | Busog na ako | |
| I will just take a shower | Maliligo lang ako | |
| It’s too hot outside | Sobrang init sa labas | |
| I’m tired | Pagod na ako | |
| I want it too | Gusto ko din | |
| It’s time to go home | Oras na para umuwi sa bahay | |
| Thank You | Salamat |
Tips To Memorize These Common Tagalog Vocabulary
Now, what can you do with all these words you’ve learned?
Just like toddlers, beginners like you will need more tips to remember this Tagalog vocabulary instantly. Here are some tips that will prepare you to speak to your aunt, uncles, and friends in Tagalog.
- Check out memorizing techniques from memory gurus. There are tons of YouTube videos about powerful memorization devices like mnemonics or flashcards.
- Use the Ling app as your beginner-friendly language learning app to learn more about common Tagalog vocabulary.
- Start with basic words first. Check out Tagalog animal names, how to say hello in Tagalog, or other words you’ve learned from our lists.
- Create some flashcards or trivia for yourself to answer quickly and repeat them.
There are more tips apart from the things we’ve come up with. But it’s up to you to learn your vocabulary every day. At least spend fifteen (15) minutes daily to pick up new Tagalog words.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tagalog Vocabulary
What Is The Longest Tagalog Word?
The longest Tagalog word in Tagalog officialy is Pinakanakapagpapabagabag-damdamin Pinakanakapagpapabagabag-damdamin which is made of 32 letters with 14 syllables. It is a Tagalog movie made in 2020 which means the most upsetting or disturbing thing ever. Back then, people thought that nakakapagpabagabag was the longest word, but this Tagalog phrase takes over the lead!
How Many Tagalog Vocabulary Should I Memorize?
In all honesty, you don’t need to memorize tons of Tagalog words or phrases to make yourself fluent in Tagalog or any language. Daily practice and your effort to include Tagalog words in your thoughts or speaking will be highly effective in becoming fluent in the Tagalog language. You can also try reading the Tagalog news. They are short, informative, and have tons of vocabulary that are also used by Filipinos every day.
How Do I Learn Tagalog Vocabulary Fast?
To learn Tagalog vocabulary fast, you need an effective strategy to retain the words you’ve memorized. There are many methods like Tagalog language learning apps or even knowing how to write Tagalog sentences that will enhance your sentence pattern recognition. Many beginners start with basic Tagalog introductions and asking Tagalog question words so that they’ll know the most commonly used Tagalog words and phrases.
Time To Practice These Common Tagalog Words And Phrases
What is oo or hindi again? It’s yes or no right? How about kaliwa or kanan? It’s the Tagalog directions saying left or right.
Reading the Tagalog news will also train you in determining context clues, too.
If you’ve answered these correctly, you’re on the right track. Now go and try to say kumain ka na? to your friend or your cousin right now.
Practice your skills by using Tagalog language learning apps while you talk to your relatives.
See their reactions, and you can even pick up tips on how to speak Tagalog better.
Master Common Tagalog Vocabulary Now!
Do you feel more confident in speaking some of these words now? You should try it out with your mom or siblings first.
It’s a great way to master any language when you have a guide as well.
Remember when I told you you could use the Ling app as your basic language learning app?
The beginner units there let you form basic sentences first.
So you’ll figure out the Tagalog sentence pattern. Then, you can just replace those words in the Tagalog sentences with the common Tagalog vocabulary you’ve learned here.
See how easy that can be?
So, learn Tagalog language quickly with the Ling app today!
