A quick search here and there will probably make you think that the best translation for please in Tagalog is pakiusap. However, there really is no “direct” Filipino translation for this English word.
Now, you might wonder how exactly Filipinos politely express their requests, right? Well, worry no more because, in today’s post, we will walk you through some of the most specific equivalents of saying please in Tagalog that you can use for day-to-day conversations. Ready to learn Tagalog and expand your vocabulary? Let’s get to it!
Table Of Contents
3 Major Ways To Say The Word Please In Tagalog
Even if you look at a historical context, there is no one Tagalog word existing as a dictionary translation to “please.” Instead, Filipinos use alternatives depending on the situation and who they are asking.
If you want to go deeper and learn more about Tagalog and its rich culture, the Ling app is a great resource. You can get it for free on Google Play and the App Store. This language-learning app offers an easy way to learn 60+ languages.
1. Using Pakisuyo And Pasuyo
Let’s start with the most commonly used words for saying please in Tagalog. For instance, if you want to ask a stranger to pass your transportation fare while riding a local jeepney, then you can simply say pakisuyo or pasuyo, which is a polite term for a favor. You can use this one in both formal and informal interactions. If you want to sound polite, just add the word po at the end.
Here are some simple examples and explanations of how to use these:
2. Using Paki + Verb
Another way by which you can say your request or please in the Tagalog language is by using this sentence structure: Paki + verb. It is basically more of a command than a favor, and it leaves the other speaker with no choice but to do what is being asked. Therefore, this means that you have to be a bit careful, as using this when asking something can be quite rude, depending on the tone, facial expression, and context.
Here are some examples, along with the equivalent translation:
3. Using Pakiusap (Formal Way Of Saying Please In Tagalog)
If you are looking to sound formal and use a term for “please” that is mainly used by the older generation, you may also use the word pakiusap, which also refers to a request in the English language. You can use this Tagalog word regardless of situations or contexts, but please do remember that this is not really used in day-to-day conversations. Below are some examples:
Informal Ways To Say The Word Please In The Tagalog Language
The language of the Philippines can be a bit challenging for learners, especially for beginners, since some of the important English words may not have a direct (or even related) Tagalog version. Even if you search high and low on the dictionary or online resources, you can never find a Tagalized equivalent for please, and this is the best time for you to learn Taglish (the combination of English and Tagalog in a single statement) or other informal sentences. Below are some of my best examples:
Dos And Don’ts In Saying Please In Filipino
When you want to say please in Tagalog in the Philippines, always do it the right way. The Filipino people have their own rules for being polite. Let me give you some simple tips on what to do and what not to do.
Dos:
- Use Pakiusap for Big Requests: If you are asking for something important, use the word pakiusap. This way, you will sound more serious and sincere.
- Add Po to Be Respectful: When you talk to someone older or someone you want to show respect to, you may add polite Tagalog words like po to your sentences. It’s a way to be polite. For example, to ask someone to pass the salt, you can say, Pakiabot po ng asin.
- Use Pwede for Friendly Asks: When you are asking something in a friendly way, you can start with pwede, which means “can I.” If you add po, it will make it even nicer, like Pwede po bang magtanong? (Can I ask a question, please?).
- Be Kind in How You Speak and Act: Always be mindful of how you say please in the Philippines. Being polite means using a pleasant tone and being respectful with your body language too.
- Say Thank You Too: After someone helps you, don’t forget to say salamat (thank you). It shows you have good manners.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Forget Po and Opo: Not using po or opo (yes, in a respectful way) with older people or bosses can seem rude.
- Don’t Be Too Blunt: If you are too straight to the point, it might come off as rude. Try to soften your requests with po or by asking nicely.
- Don’t Use Pakiusap for Everything: Pakiusap is for serious requests. If you use it for everything. you may sound strange or too formal.
- Don’t Ignore Local Ways: The Philippines has many languages and ways of being polite. Try to see how people around you do it and follow their lead.
- Don’t Use the Same Approach Every Time: Think about who you are talking to and what you are asking. Sometimes, you need to be more formal, and other times, you can be more relaxed.
Did You Learn Something Today?
As we reach the end of this post, I hope that I was able to give you better equivalent words, notes, and examples for saying please in Tagalog. If you enjoyed content like this, then be sure to read our previous Tagalog blog posts and learn the answers to some of the most interesting questions about the Filipino language. So, keep learning and use the Ling app to do it fast, fun, effective, and, most of all, easy!
FAQs About Saying Please In Tagalog
1. How do you respond when someone says “please” in Tagalog?
If someone asks you something with “please,” you can reply with Sige (Sure) or Walang problema (No problem) if you are okay with it. If you can’t do what they are asking, a kind Pasensya na po (Sorry about that) works, and you can tell them why.
2. How do you politely ask for permission in Tagalog?
When you want to ask if you can do something, start with Pwede po ba akong… and then say what you want to do. Like, if you want to ask if you can leave early, you can say Pwede po ba akong umalis ng maaga? It’s a polite way to ask for permission.
3. Can “please” be used when you are sorry about something in Tagalog?
Yes, you can use “please” when you’re really sorry and want to ask for forgiveness. Saying Pakiusap, patawarin mo ako is like saying “Please, forgive me.” But for a simple sorry, just Pasensya na po or Patawad po is what people usually say, without adding “please.”
Updated By: Jefbeck
