If you’ve ever been in a rush and needed someone to get a move on, you’ve probably said, “Hurry up!” That phrase is something we all know and use often. It’s kind of amazing how two simple words can hold so much impatience. I’m sure you’ve thought about how it would be nice to say that in another language, and now I’m going to tell you how to say and use “dalian mo” or hurry in Tagalog. So buckle up, and let’s embark on this linguistic journey!
What Is Hurry In Tagalog?
I remember an incident where I was running late for a meeting, and my friend told me, “Hurry up!” Out of nowhere, my Pinoy brain translated it to “Dalian mo!” I know that my friend does not have any intention to sound offensive to Filipinos. However, using that expression along with a brash tone can be interpreted incorrectly. If you want to be polite, the word “po” can be added at the end and turn it into “Dalian mo po,” which would be most appropriate.
Would you like to know how to urge someone to act faster while remaining EXTRA polite? If so, consider incorporating the word “Maari” into your speech. This way, you can have a question that still maintains politeness. For example, in English, you would say, “Can you please hurry?” Now this would be translated to “Maari bang dalian mo?” “maari bang” essentially conveys the same meaning as “can you please…”
In the Filipino language of Tagalog, hurry can be translated into multiple different words. For example, you could use “madaliin” and “bilis.” Each word has its own meaning in different contexts. If somebody is behind schedule and being told to move faster, you would say “madaliin mo na ‘yan” or “do it faster.” But if you want to ask a friend to speed up their pace, just say “bilis.” Here you would say “bilisan mo” or “hurry up.”
Using Dalian In Tagalog Like A Pro
When I was a child, my mother and I would frequent the local palengke (market) in Tondo, Manila, every weekend. On one occasion, we found ourselves running late for a family lunch, and I distinctly remember her gently saying to the vendor with the phrase, “Dalian mo, ate, may pupuntahan pa kami” (Hurry up, sister, we still have somewhere to go).
“Ate” means sister in our language. She appends it at the end of her sentences as a sign of respect and to add that “familial” tone to the expression. After all, Filipinos respond positively to all things family! The difference this small addition makes is like saying, “Please hurry up, sister because we truly must depart fast.” Pretty cool, eh?
In this part, allow me to offer you some valuable tips on how to employ “dalian mo” without unintentionally causing offense:
- Add a term of endearment or respect, such as “ate” (sister), “kuya” (brother), or “po” (a polite marker).
- Use a friendly tone—it is not solely about what you say but also how you convey it that matters.
- Provide context—explain why you find yourself in a hurry, similar to how my mother did.
- Donning a smile can work wonders in softening the urgency conveyed through your voice.
Remember that the key to being able to communicate effectively is not just about the words. It’s also about having meaningful connections and respecting others. So when the time comes when you need to say “dalian mo,” remember these tips, and you’ll be able to use polite urgency in no time.
Slang And Informal Tagalog Phrases Related To “Hurry”
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where a friend or family member leisurely took their time, and you simply wanted to convey the sentiment of “move it!”? We possess a couple of informal phrases in Tagalog that adeptly capture this sentiment.
One such phrase is “Bilis, bilis!“—have you ever heard someone say this while chuckling and playfully shaking their head? It translates to “Fast, fast!” and is commonly used in a lighthearted manner when one is not truly in a rush but rather teasing someone to hasten.
Another amusing phrase is “Parang kilos pagong!” which directly translates to “Like the movement of a turtle.” This expression is often employed humorously to jest at someone who is moving at a slow pace. It serves as an excellent means to inject humor into the situation and lighten the mood.
In Filipino, we have the phrase “andar na!” The word “andar” comes from Spanish and means “to move” or “to start walking.” It’s been slowly assimilated into our vocabulary. When combined with “na,” it conveys the same meaning of telling someone to get going, like the English phrase “let’s go!” It’s so flexible it can be used in plenty of ways. It can be used to urge your friend to get up for a movie or if you’re getting geared up for an exciting road trip.
Two words that are often used interchangeably for “hurry up” or “run fast” are “Kumaripas” and “Humaripas.” These words serve as Tagalog equivalents for terms like “bolt” or “dash.” Here’s an interesting fact: The word Humaripas frequently appears in Filipino action movies, wherein oftentimes, the hero relentlessly chases after the villain!
Lastly, we have “Atat” — a colloquial term employed to describe someone who is eager or in a hurry. It serves as a playful means of teasing a friend who is perpetually rushing. For instance, you might say, “Atat ka naman!” which translates to “You’re so eager!”
The Concept Of Filipino Time
Has a friend ever invited you to a gathering, and when you show up on time, the party is empty? They don’t call it “Filipino time” for nothing.
In the Philippines, there’s this unofficial practice where they start events later than the stated time. For example, if an invitation says 6 PM as the starting time, then people may actually start arriving at around 7 PM or even later. It’s like Filipino clocks operate on their own unique notion of time.
I clearly remember going to my friend’s wedding. The invitation said it would start at 3 PM, but the bride didn’t walk down the aisle until 5 PM. And guess what? No one even questioned it! Things like this are part of everyday life in the Philippines.
Now, I’m not saying that Filipinos are bad for doing this. I think it’s cool how we have our own way of doing things, and doesn’t that show what makes us so special? We basically live in our own alternate universe with its own set of rules when the concept of time is concerned.
However, we do need to acknowledge that not everyone is a fan of this custom. Some Pinoys are actively trying to break free from it and cultivate more punctuality. And I mean, who could blame them? Time is valuable, and we should always strive to respect other people’s time too, so don’t you agree?
Learn Tagalog With Ling
If you ever wanted to dive deep into the rich Filipino culture and learn the Tagalog language, I found an app that could be perfect for that! It’s called Ling, and you can find it on the App Store or Play Store. This app is designed to give you a friend that can be stored in your pocket. Imagine learning a language whenever, wherever.
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With all these features, I don’t know why you’re still here reading this. Go download the Ling app and start learning!
