If you are planning to go on a trip to a foreign country, it is highly recommended that you try to memorize or save a list of essential sentences that you might use throughout your journey. Planning to visit the beaches of the Philippines?
Enjoy without any worry in the world as we have here a comprehensive list of Tagalog emergency phrases to use when you need to call the attention of authorities or seek the help of the locals.
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Learning Tagalog is more than memorizing words
Explore more →30 Tagalog Emergency Phrases
But aside from all of the aforementioned set of words and phrases, one of the things that will always be handy wherever you go in the country is the set of Tagalog emergency expressions. I think that we can all agree that sudden situations may just happen in an instant, no matter how safe or protected a place is.
It is true that you can easily be understood by some locals when you use English, but some of the things will definitely be lost in translation, especially if you happen to chance on someone who does not speak English.
To help you get started, we have listed here the top phrases that you can use to ask for help, to report to someone about your condition, or when you are speaking with the local police.
| English | Tagalog | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| I feel dizzy | Nahihilo ako | |
| I lost my passport | Nawawala ang aking pasaporte | |
| Where is the nearest pharmacy? | Saan ang pinaka malapit na botika? | |
| I have been robbed! | Nanakawan ako! | |
| I have run out of medication | Naubusan ako ng gamot | |
| I do not feel well | Masama ang aking pakiramdam | |
| I am lost | Ako ay nawawala | |
| I cannot find Mark! | Hindi ko mahanap si Mark! | |
| I cannot find this place | Hindi ko makita ang lugar na ito | |
| Please help me | Kailangan ko ng tulong | |
| I need your help (when speaking to two or more people) | Kailangan ko ng tulong ninyo | |
| Help me | Tulungan mo ako | |
| Help me (two or more people) | Tulungan niyo ako | |
| Get out of here | Umalis ka rito | |
| Get off me | Lumayo ka sakin | |
| I need the police | Kailangan ko ng pulis | |
| How do I get to the police station? | Paano ako makakarating sa istasyon ng pulisya? | |
| Where is the police station? | Saan ang himpilan ng police? | |
| Call an ambulance | Tumawag ka ng ambulansya | |
| I need a doctor! | Kailangan ko ng doktor! | |
| Where is the nearest hospital? | Saan ang pinakamalapit na ospital? | |
| I ate something bad | May nakain akong masama | |
| I sprained my ankle | Ako ay natapilok | |
| Help! | Tulong! | |
| Take care [of yourself] | Mag-ingat ka | |
| Please hurry or go fast | Paki bilisan | |
| Please slow down | Paki bagalan | |
| Please stop | Paki tigil / paki hinto | / |
| There is a thief! | May magnanakaw! | |
| There is fire! | May sunog! | |
| A gun was pointed | May itinutok na baril | |
| Can I please borrow a cellphone? | Maari bang humiram ng cellphone? |
Kumusta? Are you ready to level up your Tagalog more? Let’s discover more words and sentences in the Tagalog language.
How Do You Say Emergency In Tagalog?
The Tagalog translation for emergency is kagipitan or emerhensiya . However, most Tagalog people still use the English word emergency for referring to a dire situation in need.
More Sentences To Practice For Tagalog Emergency Phrases
Want to practice your memorization skills? Check the list below for more Tagalog vocabulary about emergency phrases.
| English | Tagalog | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Let’s help people who had their items burned | Tulungan natin ang mga nasunugan | |
| Help! The branches fell on our rooftop! | Tulong! Nahulog ang mga sanga sa bubong namin! | |
| Take care of your belongings when you are in Quiapo | Ingatan mo ang dala mo pag nasa Quaipo ka. | |
| Call the police already! | Tumawag ka na ng pulis! | |
| She’s about to give birth! Please hurry! | Manganganak na siya! Pakibilisan! |
Frequently Asked Questions About Tagalog Emergency Phrases
What Is The Hotline To Call In Case Of Emergency In The Philippines?
The hotline for emergencies in the Philippines is 911 or 117. You can call this number on your cellphone or any landline number free of charge. However, there is also another emergency hotline for complaints, which is 8888.
What Are Important Tagalog Words Or Phrases To Remember In Case of Emergency?
The basic Tagalog word for calling for help is Tulong! This word is mutually intelligible for all Filipinos, even those who can’t speak Tagalog very well. Saklolo! also has the same intensity as tulong, as instantly, anyone will try to find you and give you assistance.
You may also hear other people say, tulungan niyo po ako! (Help me!)
How Do You Say Calm Down In Tagalog?
The Tagalog phrase for calm down is huminahon ka. However, medical assistants and nurses will often say, hinga ka ng malalim or breathe deep.

More About The Tagalog Language
Unlike other Asian languages, Tagalog is much easier to learn as it has a number of loan words. The locals usually use Taglish (a combination of Tagalog and English) in day-to-day conversations. You will also see that they do not have complicated writing systems such as Tagalog writing, as they mainly use Latin or Roman letters. If you plan to use English as a language when visiting populous cities, that will indeed be enough, and you can easily find a Filipino who will understand you.
However, if you intend to visit remote places, it is advisable that you speak with some Tagalog sentences and use native-sounding words instead. In this way, you will be able to immerse yourself in the language, expand your vocabulary (because Filipino people enjoy teaching foreigners some of the basic words), and establish a stronger connection. You can start by memorizing the basics, such as the following:
- The Filipino way of introducing yourself in Tagalog
- Ask the basic questions in Tagalog to start a conversation
- Start a friendly discourse by using a Tagalog greeting of your choice
- Learn the Tagalog slang words to sound like a total pro!
Learn Tagalog Words And Phrases Today!
As I end this article, I hope that I was able to provide you with the most useful expressions to use when you need help or if someone comes to you asking for it. If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to share it on social media and help us reach language enthusiasts who might be interested in learning Tagalog lessons.
For other Tagalog-related lessons, I highly suggest that you check out the Ling app, my most recommended way of learning any language for free! It is accessible via the web or even through an application. You see, it has always been my favorite since it allows anyone to practice the target language with any amount of time they have. Interested in learning in just 10 minutes? This application will notify you to remind you that you have to finish a lesson every day in order to build consistency and ultimately… master Tagalog right away!