Passion is a valuable thing when it comes to learning new languages. Especially, for Tagalog language learners.
Like learning any foreign language, mastering Tagalog requires time and effort.
So, if you’re wondering how long does it take to learn Tagalog, the answer depends on your enthusiasm for learning and the actions you’re willing to take to achieve results.
Let me guide you through the process of learning more about the Tagalog language.
Table of Contents
How Long Does It Take To Learn Tagalog? Breaking It Down
Learning Basic-Level Tagalog
Timeline: For beginners with no prior knowledge of Tagalog, achieving a basic level of proficiency may take approximately 3 to 6 months of regular study and practice. At this level, learners can understand and use simple phrases, engage in basic conversations, and grasp essential vocabulary and grammar.
The Tagalog language predominantly employs the basic Latin alphabet’s ISO, with the addition of ng and ñ.
As a beginner, you can start with simple words or questions, such as asking people how they are.
Additionally, try familiarizing yourself with common Tagalog words used for expressions, greetings, body parts, days, numbers, and more.
If you are in the Philippines and your native language is English, finding someone to converse with won’t be difficult.
The first step in learning more Tagalog words, phrases, and their usage is by speaking with native Tagalog speakers as often as possible.
If you commit an hour each day to a Tagalog lesson and are already fluent in English, it will take about 200 hours to achieve basic fluency.
Learning Intermediate-Level Tagalog
Timeline: To reach an intermediate level of Tagalog proficiency, learners may need around 6 months to 1 year of consistent learning. At this stage, learners can hold more complex conversations, understand native speakers at a reasonable pace, and express themselves with a wider range of vocabulary and grammar structures.
After you’ve mastered the basics, understanding more advanced usage of the words and phrases you’ve learned will become easier.
At the intermediate level, you will expand your vocabulary, including conjugation and intermediate Tagalog grammatical tenses.
The goal at this stage is to express yourself more effectively when sharing your experiences or describing actions to a native speaker.
It’s also crucial to start memorizing the proper pronunciation of the words.
In addition to formal lessons, make sure to engage in frequent conversations with native speakers.
Reading Filipino books or watching movies and shows with subtitles can also be helpful.
To reach the intermediate level, expect to invest around 300 hours if you consistently do your homework.
Learning Advanced-Level Tagalog
Timeline: Achieving an advanced level of proficiency in Tagalog typically requires 1 to 2 years or more of intensive study and immersion. At this level, learners can communicate fluently, understand colloquial expressions, and participate in various contexts, such as professional settings or cultural discussions.
To reach the advanced phase of learning Tagalog, it is advisable to have a tutor or take formal lessons.
While books and shows can aid in grasping the correct usage of words and phrases, having someone who can correct your mistakes and provide feedback on your progress will be even more beneficial.
Advanced Tagalog grammar is also tricky, as some of the words and formulation of sentences involve rarely used Tagalog words.
Achieving the advanced level of the language typically requires approximately 600 hours of dedicated learning and regular practice.
How Do You Say How Long Does It Take To Learn Tagalog In Tagalog?
The direct translation for how long does it take to learn Tagalog in Tagalog is Gaano katagal magaral ng Tagalog?
Basic Tagalog Sentences To Make Your Tagalog Language Learning Faster
How long does it take to learn Tagalog? Not much if you start learning basic Tagalog sentences now.
If you don’t know where you need to focus first, here is a list of sentences to memorize some Tagalog vocabulary.
Basic Tagalog consists of knowing colors in Tagalog, animal names in Tagalog, and even memorizing some common names in Tagalog.
Go ahead and try pronouncing each of these phrases and sentences.
You’ll come up with your own routine, too, as long as you are consistent with your goals.
How Long Does It Take To Learn Tagalog: Tips For Becoming A Pro Fast!
Are you a serious Tagalog language learner? Or are you just a beginner that wants to know how long does it take to learn Tagalog?
No matter what language level you are, you will still need tips to not get distracted with your Tagalog language learning.
Here are easy tips that we’ve come up for any language learner.
- If you’re starting a new schedule for your Tagalog studies, make sure to always commit too. There are countless stories of language learners that doesn’t finish their language learning as they don’t commit to finish them properly.
- While setting the calendar or schedule for your lessons, also create the curriculum or goals you want to finish during these months.
- Don’t have a Tagalog speaking partner? You should consider getting one, especially if you’ve decided to pick this up as another language you want to master.
- Stop worrying when you’ll finish. According to study, cramming information doesn’t help with memorization. Cramming is even considered the worst way to learn anything. If you are not going to use specific Tagalog vocabulary anytime soon, don’t spend too much time on them.
- Tagalog language depends on VSO sentence pattern.
- Start creating simple then complex sentences with Tagalog nouns, Tagalog pronouns, Tagalog adjectives and Tagalog verbs.
Frequently Asked Questions On How Long Does It Take To Learn Tagalog
Now that you have an idea of how long it will take to learn the language, let’s address some frequently asked questions related to the process:
Can I Learn Tagalog By Myself?
Yes, you can! You can achieve this by frequently interacting with native speakers, reading books, or watching movies and shows with subtitles.
Additionally, language translation apps like Ling can be useful for practicing the language whenever you want.
Is Tagalog Difficult To Learn?
It can be, especially for native English speakers.
However, nothing is impossible with dedication and commitment to learning the language.
How Fast Can I Learn Tagalog?
With regular practice and consistently learning more words, phrases, and their usage, you can progress beyond the intermediate level in 3 to 4 years.
How Many Hours Do You Need To Learn Tagalog?
According to research from the Foreign Service Institute, the U.S. government center for foreign language learning, learning Tagalog takes up to 1100 hours.
This is because it falls under a category III language, meaning it’s considered more challenging to learn compared to Spanish, French, or Italian.
Is Tagalog Worth Learning?
Absolutely! Learning something new, whether it’s a hobby, sport, or language, is always worth the effort.
Apart from adding another language to your skills, learning Tagalog will be beneficial if you plan to travel to the Philippines.
It will make it easier to navigate the place, interact with locals, and make the most of your stay.
Is It Too Late To Learn Tagalog?
No. You can learn anything, including Tagalog, regardless of age, as long as you put your heart into it.
Just make sure that you’ll commit to a certain level that you want first to not overwhelm yourself.
For example, set a few months for basic Tagalog until you can get the hang of it.
Then, you can move on to the next level of the Tagalog language.
Tagalog 101
Mabuhay! It’s a Tagalog word that translates to “live,” but when used as a greeting, it conveys “welcome” or “cheers.”
So, “mabuhay” to your first lessons in expanding your Tagalog vocabulary and learning the language spoken by most Filipinos.
To avoid confusion, it’s essential to note that Filipino is the national language of the Philippines.
However, the term is often used interchangeably with Tagalog, which specifically refers to the people living in the region of Luzon and their dialect.
Tagalog is the most widely spoken language in the archipelago, with an estimated native-speaker population of over 80 million. It also ranks among the most spoken languages in Asia.
As more Filipinos migrate, travel, or work in different parts of the globe, they bring their language with them.
Consequently, Tagalog has spread its usage to countries where Filipinos frequently visit, including the U.S., the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.
The Constitution of the Philippines emphasizes the importance of its national language in promoting unity and identity.
It is used in conversations, cultural expressions, and various forms of arts and media.
What Will You Do Next To Become A Tagalog Pro?
Have you decided when you’ll start your next Tagalog lessons? We hope that you remember the
Just to summarize everything, remember that for beginner Tagalog language level, it’s expected to take at least three (3) to six (6) months to finish this level.
For intermediate Tagalog language level, it’s six (6) months to one (1) year.
And finally, for advanced Tagalog language level, it’s one (1) to two (2) years.
By this time, you should already set a schedule for all of your Tagalog language lessons.
Along this road, we hope that you can continue pursuing to become a pro in the Tagalog language.
Speed Up Learning Tagalog Now!
Didn’t catch how many hours in the first read? It’s 1100 hours! Pretty overwhelming if you ask me. But that’s only for English speakers in general.
Some people can pick up language learning at a fast pace. It all depends on your language learning skills as well as your plans on learning it.
Now you can have a buddy in learning the Filipino language and a host of other languages, ranging from Asian to Eastern European languages, thanks to Ling – a language learning application that makes the process easy and enjoyable.
The app is designed to help learners retain new words and phrases through interactive activities and games.
Wondering how long it takes to learn Tagalog language?
With the Ling app, the process will undoubtedly be faster and more efficient.
Download it on your phone now and embark on your journey to becoming a Tagalog master.
