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#1 Best Guide To Tagalog Vocabulary

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Stephanie Ann Cisneros

By Stephanie Ann Cisneros
Last updated November 18, 2025
Published on April 3, 2024

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Picture yourself standing in the heart of Manila, chatting away and blending in with Filipinos without peeping at your flipbook about the Tagalog vocabulary. Isn’t that exciting?

Whether you are a traveler or merely curious about learning about the beauty of the Tagalog language, making an effort can help you a long way. Communication and understanding between cultures are made possible through language, which acts as a connecting thread. Additionally, among the world’s diverse languages, Tagalog holds a unique place, enriched with history, culture, and an extensive vocabulary.

Ready to impress the Pinoys? In this article, we’ll go over the intriguing world of Tagalog vocabulary, exploring its origins and essential phrases. So join us on this linguistic journey as we uncover the beauty and depth that the Tagalog language offers!

Learning Tagalog is more than memorizing words

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What Is The Tagalog Word For Vocabulary?

The Tagalog term for vocabulary is bokabularyo. bokabularyo

Practice this word when learning on your own or while trying to remember some of your favorite Tagalog words.

Tagalog Vocabulary Common Tagalog Phrases &Amp; Expressions

Common Tagalog Phrases & Expressions

Thinking of ways to express yourself more and fluently interact with the locals like a native speaker? Well, folks, we got you! Below are common Tagalog phrases and expressions you can use to impress Filipinos:

What Are Some Basic Greetings & Phrases In Tagalog?

Want to speak to the locals like a real pro? Try out these basic greetings in Tagalog!

EnglishTagalogSound
HelloKamusta /
Kumusta (informal)
Kamusta
Kamusta
HiHi / Hello (used similarly to English) Hi
Good morningMagandang umaga Magandang umaga
Good afternoonMagandang hapon Magandang hapon
Good evening, Good nightMagandang gabi Magandang gabi
I’m fineAyos lang ako Ayos lang ako
What’s your name?Anong pangalan mo? Anong pangalan mo?
My name is (Your Name)Ako si (Iyong Pangalan) Ako si
Nice to meet youNalulugod akong makilala ka /
Masaya akong makilala ka (informal)
Nalulugod akong makilala ka
Masaya akong makilala ka
Thank youSalamat Salamat
You’re welcome/No problemWalang anuman Walang anuman
PleasePaki (used to make a request polite) Paki
Excuse me / SorryPasensya / Pasensya na Pasensya
Pasensya na
Please forgive mePatawarin mo sana ako Patawarin mo sana ako
GoodbyePaalam Paalam
See you laterHanggang sa muli Hanggang sa muli
Take careIngat ka Ingat ka
I love youMahal kita Mahal kita
Have a nice dayMagandang araw Magandang araw

Examples Of Tagalog Pronouns

Remember that we’ve told you how Tagalog nouns are essential for every Tagalog sentence? Well, there’s another part to be aware of. Here are some pronouns, like demonstrative pronouns in Tagalog, to review.

Want to hear how Tagalog really sounds?

Tap to hear native speakers pronounce common phrases

Hello Hello
Kumusta ka How are you
ang aking pangalan My name is

This is how Ling teaches — with real speaker voices! Ready to practice more?

Try a free lesson!
EnglishTagalogSound
IAko Ako
YouIkaw /Ka (Singular)
Kayo (Plural)
Ikaw /
Ka
Kayo
When pertaining to another personSiya Ako
WeTayo (Inclusive), Kami (Exclusive) Tayo
Kami
TheySila Sila

How Do You Express Your Feelings In Tagalog?

Want to express what you are currently feeling? Here are the basic sentences for mood and emotions in Tagalog that you need to know!

EnglishTagalogSound
I’m happy.Masaya ako. Masaya ako.
I’m sad.Malungkot ako. Malungkot ako.
I’m excited.Nasasabik ako. Nasasabik ako.
I’m nervous.Kinakabahan ako. Kinakabahan ako.
I’m tired.Pagod ako. Pagod ako.
I’m angry.Galit ako. Galit ako.
I’m surprised.Nagulat ako. Nagulat ako.
I’m confused.Nalilito ako. Nalilito ako.
I’m grateful.Nagpapasalamat ako. Nagpapasalamat ako.
I’m disappointed.Nadidismaya ako. Nadidismaya ako.
I’m worried.Nag-aalala ako. Nag-aalala ako.
I’m lonely.Nag-iisa ako. Nag-iisa ako.
I’m sorry.Pasensya na. Pasensya na.
I’m hopeful.Umaasa ako. Umaasa ako.
I’m scared.Natatakot ako. Natatakot ako.

Who says you must spend a lot of money on language learning? Well, Ling has beginner lessons for free! Amazing, isn’t it?

So what are you waiting for? Download the Ling app in the Google Play Store or App Store now!

Shopping Words In Tagalog

Ready to go shopping in the Philippines? If yes, check out these must-know expressions!

English TagalogSound
How much is this?Magkano ito? Magkano ito?
What’s the final price?Ano ang huling presyo? Ano ang huling presyo?
Where can I find this product?Saan ko pwede mahanap ang ganitong produkto? Saan ko pwede mahanap ang ganitong produkto?
I’ll take it.Kunin ko na ‘to. Kunin ko na ‘to.
Can you help me find something?Pwede mo ba akong tulungan hanapin ang isang bagay? Pwede mo ba akong tulungan hanapin ang isang bagay?
Do you accept credit or debit cards?Tinatanggap niyo ba ang credit o debit card? Tinatanggap niyo ba ang credit o debit card?
Can I pay with cash?Pwede bang magbayad ng pera? Pwede bang magbayad ng pera?

Directions In Tagalog

Lost and unsure where to go? Here’s everything you need to know related to asking directions in Tagalog.

EnglishTagalogSound
Excuse me, where is (place)?Pasensya na, saan ang (lugar)? Pasensya na, saan ang
Can you help me find my way to (location)?Pwede mo ba akong tulungan hanapin ang daan papunta sa (lokasyon)? Pwede mo ba akong tulungan hanapin ang daan papunta sa
Which way should I go?Aling daan ang dapat kong puntahan? Aling daan ang dapat kong puntahan?
How do I get to (place)?Paano ako makakarating sa (lugar)? Paano ako makakarating sa
I’m lost.Naliligaw ako. Naliligaw ako.

How To Say Family In Tagalog

Want to point out a specific Filipino family member? Here are the must-know Tagalog words!

EnglishTagalogSound
FamilyPamilya Pamilya
MotherIna/Nanay Ina /
Nanay
FatherAma/Tatay Ama /
Tatay
ParentsMagulang Magulang
Daughter/SonAnak Anak
Older Sister/WomanAte Ate
Older Brother/ManKuya Kuya
GrandmotherLola Lola
GrandfatherLolo Lolo
AuntTiya Tiya
UncleTito Tito
Niece/NephewPamangkin Pamangkin
CousinPinsan Pinsan
Husband/WifeAsawa Asawa

There are various vocabulary you’ll encounter in Tagalog, not just for relatives, friends, food, how to order, and directions. You’ll also encounter advanced Tagalog verbs for job duties or hard-to-pronounce Tagalog words.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tagalog Vocabulary

Frequently Asked Questions For Tagalog Vocabulary

How Do I Improve My Tagalog Vocabulary?

Try flashcards or your phone to improve your Tagalog vocabulary. Most language enthusiasts agree that language-learning apps are some of the best methods. As a language learner, you will find it convenient to enroll in online classes and then combine your lessons with a language app at home or when you are traveling. Why not start learning famous Tagalog words first? From there, you can choose which niche you want to dive in.

How Many Words Are In Tagalog Vocabulary?

Up to this day, there is no absolute number for the number of words in Tagalog vocabulary. Realistically speaking, we can assume that there are hundreds of Tagalog words or even thousands of Tagalog phrases.

Want to know another fun fact? Pinakanakapagpapabagabag-damdamin is the longest Tagalog word!

How Do I Learn Tagalog Vocabulary?

You’ll learn Tagalog vocabulary by meeting a Filpino friend who can speak it. Not every Filipino can talk in Tagalog. But if you want to learn Tagalog vocabulary and become fluent, you’ll have to be consistent with your routine.

Use a language learning app like Ling to help you memorize and practice these words daily.

Two Filipinas Holding Shopping Bags Tagalog Vocabulary What Is Tagalog Language

What Is The Tagalog Language?

The official language of the Philippines, Filipino, has a significant role in the linguistic and cultural landscape of the nation. Basically, it was based on the Tagalog language, which has a long history and strong cultural roots and connects the various people that make up the archipelago. Tagalog is a language that symbolizes the Philippines’ colorful history and developing present through its beautiful blending of native vocabulary, Spanish influences, and contemporary phrases.

Today, there are millions of Filipinos who speak Tagalog, so it’s impossible not to find a native speaker wherever you are in the world!

Interested in Tagalog grammar? Before you dive into its intricacies, we highly recommend focusing on the Tagalog nouns first.

Is Tagalog Hard To Learn?

Basically, Tagalog isn’t hard to learn. There might be some Tagalog words that are hard to pronounce. Yet, it isn’t really something that would literally take decades to learn. One of the reasons I can say this is because Tagalog utilizes the Latin alphabet, which means learners with English proficiency already have a head start.

Additionally, due to historical interactions, Tagalog shares similarities with Spanish, opening up even more opportunities for language learners. These similarities provide a solid foundation for beginners to build upon. The benefits of being multilingual outweigh the cons of learning them!

Dive More Into The Tagalog Vocabulary With Ling

Do you feel like learning Filipino is like climbing the famous Mount Apo? But as beautiful as it may look from afar, reaching the view from the top is undoubtedly worth it and will keep you motivated to learn a language. Well, the good thing is the Ling app has your back during this journey!

The Ling app can enhance your language skills and help you learn Filipino vocabulary through online courses, interactive lessons, and fun quizzes!