I’m sure you are here to learn the terminologies you can use for doing business in the Philippines. Interested in the Tagalog business vocabulary used by most Filipino business people? Nothing beats having extra knowledge of specific jargon in the business world.
If you plan to land a job in the Philippines or work with any of the Filipinos, being able to use any of these simple Tagalog business words will undoubtedly make them impressed with your skills. If you are ready to learn Tagalog and be successful in your upcoming business in the Philippines, keep reading!
Table Of Contents
Business In The Philippines: A Quick Overview
As of 2023, the Philippines, the second-most densely populated country located In Southeast Asia after Indonesia, has generally had one of the region’s and the world’s fastest economic development rates. Thanks to a high level of English fluency and competency, the Philippines’ economy is also quickly developing in global services and commerce. Hence, Filipinos are ready to work overseas or with foreign nationals.
Learning Tagalog is more than memorizing words
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Moreover, the Philippines’ tropical weather and welcoming culture offer an excellent workplace for foreign nationals wishing to do business in the country. Although salaries are lower than in other nations, the government is devoted to strengthening the country’s economic growth and generating more sustainable cities, primarily throughout Manila.
Tagalog Business Vocabulary
In this section, I will introduce to you essential Tagalog business vocabulary that cover important areas such as financial transactions and company structure. This will enable you to have effective communication in professional settings.
If you want to learn these Tagalog words better, you should definitely try the Ling app.
Tagalog Financial Terms
First off, let’s discuss financial terms. These are the basic words you need to know about money and business dealings with Filipinos. It’s really important to understand how businesses talk about money, whether you’re in the Philippines or working with Filipino companies.
| English | Tagalog | Description | Pronunciation | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank | bangko | A place where people keep their money for safety. | BAHNG-koh | |
| Capital | puhunan | Money used to start or invest in a business. | poo-HOO-nahn | |
| Check | tseke | A written order to a bank to pay a specific amount. | CHEH-keh | |
| Debt | utang | Money that is owed to someone else. | oo-TAHNG | |
| Expense | gastos | Money spent on something. | gahs-TOHS | |
| Half | kalahati | Dividing something into two equal parts. | kah-lah-HAH-tee | |
| Increased profit or extra fee | patong/dagdag | Additional charges or earnings on top of the original amount. | pah-TONG/dahg-dahg | |
| Installment payment | hulugan | A payment made regularly to pay off a debt. | hoo-LOO-gahn | |
| Loan | pautang | Money that is borrowed, often from a bank. | pa-u-TAHNG | |
| Money | pera | The currency used to buy goods and services. | PEH-rah | |
| Money paid on someone’s behalf | abono | Advance payment or deposit. | ah-BOH-noh | |
| No profit | lugi | A situation where there is no financial gain. | LOO-ghee | |
| Payment | bayad | The act of paying money for something. | BAH-yahd | |
| Profit | kita | The financial gain from business activities. | KEE-tah | |
| Earned a profit | kumita | To have made money from business activities. | koo-MEE-tah | |
| Bit | kapiraso | A small piece or amount. | kah-pee-RAH-so | |
| Business | negosyo | The activity of making, buying, or selling goods or providing services in exchange for money. | neh-GOH-shyoh | |
| Tax | buwis | A compulsory contribution to government revenue. | BOO-wis | |
| Interest | tubo | The cost of borrowing money or the gain from lending it. | TOO-boh | |
| Interest on a loan | tubo sa utang | The interest charged on the amount borrowed. | TOO-boh sah oo-TAHNG | |
| No interest | walang tubo | A loan or debt without any added interest. | wah-LAHNG TOO-boh | |
| Payday/Salary | sweldo | Regular payment for employment. | SWEL-doh |
Business Operations And Transaction Vocabulary
Moving on, you should also know how businesses work every day and the deals they make. This part is all about the common Tagalog words used in the daily running of a company. It helps you get how businesses manage their work and make sure everything goes as planned.
| English | Tagalog | Description | Pronunciation | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agreement | kasunduan | A mutual arrangement, contract, or understanding. | kah-soon-DOO-an | |
| Bargain (to bargain for a lower price) | tumawad | Negotiating a lower price. | too-MAH-wahd | |
| Businessman/Businesswoman | negosyante | A person engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities. | neh-goh-SYAN-teh | |
| Cheat (to cheat) | mandaya | To act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage. | man-DAH-yah | |
| Cheater | madaya | A person who acts dishonestly or unfairly. | mah-DAH-yah | |
| Cheat | daya | The act of cheating. | DAH-yah | |
| Contract | kontrata | A legal document that outlines the terms of an agreement. | kon-TRAH-tah | |
| Discount | diskwento/tawad | A reduction in price. | dis-KWEN-toh/TAH-wahd | |
| Free | libre | Without cost or payment. | LEE-breh | |
| Pay (to pay) | bayaran | To give (someone) money that is due for work done, goods received, or a debt incurred. | bah-YAH-rahn | |
| Rent (equipment) | renta | To pay someone for the use of (something, typically property, land, or a car). | REN-tah | |
| Rent (vehicle) | arkila | To pay for the use of a vehicle. | ar-KEE-lah | |
| Rent or borrow (equipment or money) | hiram | To obtain or receive (something) on loan with the promise or understanding of returning it or its equivalent. | HEE-rahm | |
| Steal | kupit | To take (another person’s property) without permission or legal right and without intending to return it. | KOO-pit | |
| Steal (to steal) | mangupit | Engaging in the act of stealing. | mang-KOO-pit | |
| Collect money | singil | To ask for payment of a debt. | SEEN-gil |
Corporate Structure And Stakeholders Terminologies
Now, let’s talk about the structure of companies and the people who are important to them. This section shows you who does what in a company and how everyone fits together. It’s good for figuring out different roles and how they all connect.
| English | Tagalog | Description | Pronunciation | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shareholder | kasosyo | A person who owns shares in a company. | kah-SOH-sho | |
| Stakeholder | kasapi | An individual or group with an interest in a business’s success. | kah-SAH-pee | |
| Staff | tauhan | Employees or personnel of a company. | TAH-oo-han | |
| Company | kumpanya | A business organization that sells goods or services. | koom-PAN-yah | |
| Official | opisyal | A person holding a position of authority in a company. | oh-PEES-yal | |
| Honorary term in a business context | ma’am/sir/boss | A term of respect used for superiors. | madam/ser/boss | |
| Trustee/Overseer | katiwala | A person appointed to oversee a business interest. | kah-tee-WAH-lah | |
| Cashier | kahero/kahera | An employee who handles cash transactions. | kah-HEH-ro/kah-HEH-rah | |
| Owner of the business | boss | The person who owns a business enterprise. | boss | |
| Employees | mga tauhan | The group of individuals employed in a business. | Ma-ngah TAH-oo-han |
Marketing And Sales Vocabulary
Next up, let’s look at marketing and sales. This is where you learn about the vocabulary that help businesses sell things and attract customers. It’s all about how to get people interested in what a company is selling.
| English | Tagalog | Description | Pronunciation | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bribe | suhol | Money or favor given or promised to influence a person’s judgment or conduct. | SOO-hol | |
| Sale or discounted price | barato | A lower price offered on goods or services. | bah-RAH-toh | |
| Cheap/Affordable | mura | Offering a low cost or representing a good value. | MOO-rah | |
| Costly/Highly expensive | mahal | Having a high price or high cost. | MAH-hal | |
| Worth the cost or price | sulit | Offering good value for the amount paid. | SOO-lit | |
| Slang term for very little profit | tubong-lugaw | Earning a minimal profit, often with little investment. | too-BONG LOO-gaw | |
| The first sale of the day | buena mano | Believed to bring good luck, often sold at a discount. | BWE-nah MAH-no | |
| Given to friends at a reduced price | presyong kaibigan | A special price offered to friends. | prehs-YONG kah-EE-bee-gan | |
| General merchandise | sari-sari | A variety of small retail items sold in a single place. | SAH-ree SAH-ree | |
| How much? | magkano? | Asking the price of something. | mag-KAH-noh |
Products And Services Terms
Alright, let’s focus now on the things businesses sell or do for their customers. This part includes words for all kinds of items and help that companies offer. It’s fundamental when talking about what a business provides to make customers happy.
| English | Tagalog | Description | Pronunciation | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deliver | ihatid | To take and hand over (goods) to the intended recipient. | ee-HA-teed | |
| Distribute | mamigay | To give out shares or items to a group of people. | mah-mee-GAHY | |
| Goods | kalakal | Merchandise or items for sale. | kah-LAH-kahl | |
| To acquire or sell in pieces instead of whole | tingi | Selling goods in smaller quantities. | TI-ngee | |
| Authentic/Genuine | tunay | Real or made to be exactly the same as the original. | TOO-nigh | |
| Slang term for fake | peke | Not genuine; counterfeit. | PEH-keh |
Documentation And Planning Terminologies
You should also need to learn how businesses plan and keep records. What are the terms Filipinos use when companies make plans for the future or write down important information? Well, this is really useful for you to understand how businesses prepare and organize their ideas.
| English | Tagalog | Description | Pronunciation | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propose | panukala | To suggest a plan or idea for consideration. | pah-NOO-kah-lah | |
| Document | dokumento | An official paper or electronic record that provides information or evidence. | doh-koo-MEN-toh | |
| Documents | mga dokumento | Plural form of “document,” referring to multiple records or papers. | Ma-NGAH doh-koo-MEN-toh | |
| Papers | papeles | Sheets of paper with written or printed information. | pah-PEH-les | |
| Details | mga detalye | Specific pieces of information about something. | Ma-NGAH deh-TAHL-yeh | |
| Published | inilathala | Something made public, especially printed or online content. | ee-nee-LAHT-hah-lah | |
| Data | datos | Facts or figures from which conclusions can be drawn. | DAH-tos | |
| Categories | mga kategorya | Groups or classes of things that have similar characteristics. | Ma-NGAH kah-teh-GOHR-yah | |
| Computation | kuwenta | The action of calculating mathematical figures. | Ku-WEN-tah | |
| Account | salaysay | A report or description of an event or experience. | sah-LAI-sigh | |
| Downpayment | paluwal | An initial payment made when something is bought on credit. | pah-LOO-wahl | |
| Improve | mapabuti | To make or become better. | mah-pah-BOO-tee | |
| Agree | sumang-ayon | To have the same opinion or to consent to a plan. | soo-mahng-ah-YOHN |
Business Tagalog Miscellaneous Terms
Finally, let’s wrap up with a mix of other useful words that did not fit elsewhere. This section is a collection of extra Tagalog business vocabulary that is also good to know. They help fill in the gaps and give you a wider range of terminology for different business situations.
| English | Tagalog | Description | Pronunciation | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competitor | katunggali | A person or company that competes against others. | kah-toong-GAH-lee | |
| Expect | asahan | To regard as likely to happen. | ah-sah-HAN | |
| Interest | interes | The feeling of wanting to know or learn about something. | een-TEH-res | |
| Damaged | sira | Impaired in condition or functioning. | SEE-rah | |
| Department | departamento | A division of a large organization. | deh-pahr-MEN-toh | |
| Companies | mga kompanya | Plural of company, referring to multiple business entities. | Ma-NGAH kom-PAN-yah | |
| Occupation | hanapbuhay | A job or profession. | hah-nahp-BOO-hai | |
| Bankrupt | bangkarote | Unable to pay outstanding debts. | bang-kah-ROH-teh | |
| Economic difficulty/Financial difficulty | taghirap | A period of economic struggle. | tahg-HEE-rap | |
| Rich/Wealthy | mayaman | Having a great deal of money or assets. | mah-YAH-mahn | |
| Unsteady business | matumal | A slow or not busy period in business. | mah-TOO-mahl | |
| Work | trabaho | Activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose. | trah-BAH-ho | |
| Capital | kapital | Wealth in the form of money or assets owned by a person or organization. | kah-pee-TAHL | |
| Industrial | industriyal | Related to the manufacturing or production of goods. | een-doos-TREE-yahl | |
| Agricultural | agrikultural/pagsasaka | Related to the science or practice of farming. | ah-gree-kool-TOO-rahl/pahg-sah-SAH-kah | |
| Size | laki | The overall dimensions or magnitude of something. | LAH-kee | |
| Width | luwag/luwang | The measurement or extent of something from side to side. | LOO-wag/LOO-wahng | |
| Weight | bigat | The heaviness of a person or thing. | BEE-gaht | |
| Weight | timbang | A measure of how heavy something is. | TIM-bahng | |
| Stolen | kinupit/ninakaw | Taken something without permission. | kee-NOO-pit/nee-Nah-kaw | |
| Join | sumali | To become a member or part of something. | soo-MAH-lee | |
| There is no actual capital, only sales talk | laway lang ang puhunan | A phrase indicating that persuasive talking is the only investment. | LAH-wai lahng ahng poo-HOO-nahn |
11 Other Tagalog Business Vocabulary
Do you think that’s all the Tagalog business vocabulary Filipinos have? The Philippine languages have many of vocabulary about commerce, business, and being an entrepreneur. These Tagalog terms show the values, practices, and economic situation of Filipino business. Here are more common terms used in the Philippine business setting:
1. Masigasig Na Trabahador (Team Player)
Refers to someone who works cooperatively and effectively as part of a team. Filipinos are known for their strong teamwork and camaraderie stemming from close family ties and communal spirit. Being a good team player is highly valued in the Philippine work culture.
2. Negosyante (Entrepreneur)
An entrepreneur establishes and manages a business venture with significant financial risk. The entrepreneurial spirit runs strong among Filipinos, with many starting small businesses like sari-sari stores or food stalls to provide for their families and community.
3. Panimula (Start-Up)
A newly created business or enterprise. The start-up scene is growing in the Philippines as young entrepreneurs tap into skilled local talent to launch innovative tech products and services.
4. Pagpapalawak (Expansion)
Involves broadening operations of an existing business. Successful Philippine companies like San Miguel Corporation and other retailers, restaurants, etc., actively expand by opening new branches, franchises, or exporting goods as the economy grows.
5. Malayang Manggagawa (Freelance)
Working independently for multiple clients rather than long-term for one employer. Online freelancing provides Filipinos with specialized skills and flexible income-earning opportunities in areas like virtual assistance, design, programming, content writing, and more.
6. Mamuhunan (Invest)
Spending money to purchase financial assets or property or start a business to generate profits over time. Overseas Filipino workers channel part of their earnings to investments back home, like real estate, local companies, etc., to build passive income.
If you are a business investor or just want to venture out in the Philippines, it’s time to find out the best assets to invest on.
More than that, it’s important to know Tagalog words for investment to make sure you and your Filipino investment partner are on the same page.
7. Kasangguni (Consultant)
An expert who provides professional advice in their area of specialization. Philippine businesses increasingly hire local and foreign consultants to get strategic advice on improving operations and expanding as they scale up.
8. Badyet (Budget)
An estimation of expected income and expenditure over a set period of time. Prudent financial planning through a badyet is critical for Filipino entrepreneurs and families with limited resources to manage cash flow.
9. Dagdag Na Halaga (Added Value)
Anything that enhances the perceived value or usefulness of a product/service to customers. Philippine companies innovate to add features and services that provide additional benefits to stay competitive.
10. Pagpapanatili (Sustainability)
Refers to business practices that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. There is growing sustainability awareness among Philippine enterprises to meet green regulations and consumer demand.
11. Paghahanap Ng Manggagawa Sa Labas (Outsourcing)
Hiring a third party to perform tasks or provide services previously done in-house. To reduce costs, many multinational firms outsource routine processes like customer service to the Philippines due to its large skilled, English-proficient workforce.
How Do You Say Business In Tagalog?
To say business in Tagalog, you can just say negosyo.
Other Vocabulary Words To Learn For Tagalog Business Vocabulary
Tagalog vocabulary is a good way to converse with your business associates and some Filipinos who want to start a business with you.
| English | Tagalog | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| How much is your capital for this? | Magkano ang punuhan mo para dito? | |
| What kind of business are you thinking of doing this year? | Anong klaseng negosyo ang naiisip mong gawin ngayong taon? | |
| Are you going to franchise a business for food? | Magffranchise ka ba ng negosyo para sa pagkain? | |
| Can you please give the process for this business? | Maarami mo bang ibigay ang proseso para sa negosyong ito? | |
| He has many competitors for his business that’s why he is having a hard time. | Marami siyang mga katunggali sa negosyo niya kaya siya ay nahihirapan. |
Frequently Asked Questions For Tagalog Business Vocabulary
What Are The Philippine Business Etiquette When Running A Business?
There are a few business etiquette for Filipinos that represent what the Philippine culture is as well as how the Filipinos interact with each other and with foreigners. Some of these are:
- It is known good manners for business owners not to build the same kind of business anywhere near the vicinity of their competitor.
- Gifts are not required for you to give to your business partners. However, if you are meeting them for the first time, gifts are a sign of respect and good manners.
- Expect Filipino food to be given in any kind of business meeting
- Filipinos like asking personal questions apart from your business topic. So, be prepared to still stay on your ground and boundaries but give them tidbits of what they can only hear.
If you want to know more about Philippine business etiquette, it’s best to say that you need to experience it with real Filipino coworkers and business clients.
What Filipino Words Represent Community?
Did you know that Filipinos have unique words for showing camaraderie with business and the community in general? Some Tagalog words to memorize are:
- Pagkakaisa (unity)
- Magkaisa (to unite)
- Masigasig na empleyado (Team player)
- Komunidad (community)
- Bayanihan
- Tulong-tulong
What Are Some Deep Tagalog Words For Business?
If you want to impress your Filipino clients, you can pop in some of these words on your Tagalog sentences. Take note of how they are used, though. Some of these Tagalog words are rarely used, not appropriate, or not up-to-date anymore.
- Patuusan – Accounting
- Tagapamahala – Manager
- Pagpupulong – Meeting
- Estratehiya – Strategy
What Are The Most Popular Businesses In The Philippines?
In the Philippines, you’ll see lots of different businesses everywhere. From small stands by the road to big shops online, these businesses are a big part of everyday life.
Online Business
Online selling is booming, with platforms like Lazada and Shopee leading the way. Small entrepreneurs also thrive by using Facebook and Instagram to sell handmade crafts, baked goods, or even offer online tutoring services. For instance, many individuals have started successful online clothing stores, offering everything from everyday wear to custom-made outfits.
Small Business
Neighborhoods are filled with small businesses such as karinderyas (local eateries) that serve home-cooked meals, or small tailoring shops for clothing repairs and alterations. A great example is a family-owned karinderya near schools or office areas which offers affordable lunch options for students and workers.
Franchise
Franchising is huge, with Jollibee, a local success story, now competing globally. International franchises like 7-Eleven and KFC are also widespread. Aqua Best is an example of a successful water refilling station franchise that provides clean drinking water in various communities.
Sari-Sari Store
Almost every Filipino neighborhood has a sari-sari store, such as Annie’s Sari-Sari Store in San Antonio Nueva Ecija which sells goods from candies to canned goods to rice grains and even freshly baked breads. These stores often become community hubs where neighbors catch up on daily news.
Food Cart
Food carts are a common sight, offering affordable eats like siomai from Master Siomai or isaw (grilled chicken intestines) near public places. Mang Larry’s Isawan in Quezon City is a famous spot known for its grilled street food, and in Calapan City, nothing compares to Aling Paring’s BBQ stall.
Insurance
The insurance market has grown, with companies like Sun Life and Philam Life offering various life and investment plans. They cater to a growing middle class that’s becoming more aware of the value of financial planning.
Ukay-Ukay (Thrift Shop)
Ukay-ukay shops can be found in places like Baguio City, where people flock to find branded clothes at a fraction of their original price. These shops offer a sustainable option for fashion enthusiasts on a budget. Ukay-ukay doesn’t stop at physical stores, in fact, a Facebook page named Bokninay Bokninay sells assorted clothes, gadgets, and beauty essentials through Facebook live.
Rice Retail
Rice retailers, such as Mer-le Rice Retailing in Calamba Laguna, play a crucial role in the food supply chain, offering different varieties of rice, from local to imported. They cater to both households and businesses to ensure this Filipino staple food is always available.
Airbnb
The rise of Airbnb in the Philippines has allowed homeowners to turn their properties into vacation rentals. Beachfront properties in Boracay or mountain retreats in Baguio are popular listings that provide travelers with unique accommodation options beyond traditional hotels.
Pawnshop
Pawnshops like Cebuana Lhuillier and Palawan Pawnshop offer pawning services and remittance, bill payments, money change, and more. They serve as vital financial service providers, especially in areas with limited banking facilities.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! I hope this overview of Tagalog business vocabulary was helpful for you. As you can see, there are so many useful terms that can give you a deeper understanding of commerce and work culture in the Philippines.
Even if you just pick up a few words, it shows respect for the local language. And for those looking to build connections in the Philippine market, making this small effort can really pay off significantly! When Filipino partners or customers hear you use Tagalog, they will ll be impressed and more likely to trust you.
Of course, do not stress if you can not master all these terms immediately. Just try to incorporate a couple into your interactions whenever it feels natural. The more you practice, the more familiar the words will become. So give it a go – being conversational in Tagalog is a great way to open doors in business!
