Do you want to know what students in the Philippines talk about? Want to impress your Filipino friends or just sound like a total language genius? Well, we’ve got your back! In this post, we’re about to spill the beans on all the easiest school terms in Tagalog that fill Filipino classrooms. Let’s get started!
So, picture this: You’re strolling through the corridors of a lively Filipino school (paaralan), feeling the buzz of excitement in the air. You pass by some students scribbling furiously, teachers (mga guro) dropping knowledge bombs left and right, and colorful posters screaming inspiration from the walls. It’s like entering a language wonderland, my friend!
Now, imagine being able to crack the code of this linguistic adventure and join in on the action. From desks and chairs to pens and notebooks, we’re diving deep into the world of school objects. But wait, there’s more! We’ll also explore the verbs, phrases, and adjectives that’ll make you the talk of the campus🤓
Think of it as your backstage pass to the Filipino education scene. With these Tagalog school words in your arsenal, you’ll be impressing everyone with your mad language skills faster than you can say, “Kamusta ka?”
Oh, and here’s the best part: Learning Tagalog school words isn’t just about sounding cool—it’s about understanding a culture, connecting with people, and expanding your horizons. So get ready to soak up the Filipino vibes, my friend, because we’ll take you on a language rollercoaster you won’t want to get off!
Ready to rock the Tagalog classroom? Awesome! Grab your backpack, put on your thinking cap, and let’s dive headfirst into the awesome world of Tagalog school words. Buckle up, folks—this linguistic adventure is about to blow your mind!
The Philippines: Quick Facts

If you want to travel to the Pearl of the Orient Sea for whatever reason, we highly recommend that you get acquainted with some of the specifics related to this awesome country. To help you get started, we added here brief facts about the Philippines and where exactly it is located on the map.
Must-know facts for every traveler visiting the Philippines for the first time:
- Location: Southeast Asia (archipelagic country)
- Capital: Manila
- Largest City: Quezon City
- Population: Approximately 110 million
- Official Languages: Filipino, English
- Currency: Philippine peso ($1.00 = 52 Philippine pesos)
- Number of Islands: 7,000+
- Maritime Borders: Taiwan (north), Japan (northeast), Palau (east and southeast), Indonesia (south), Malaysia (southwest), Vietnam (west), China (northwest)
Make sure to remember these facts and any additional research you do on your own to impress the locals even more!
School Holidays In The Philippines
If you’re studying or living in the Philippines, you should know all the national and school holidays. To make things easier for you, we’ve already created a list of some of the major holidays in the Philippines!
- Lunar New Year: February 1
- People Power Anniversary: February 25
- Day of Valor: April 9
- Maundy Thursday: April 14
- Good Friday: April 15
- Labor Day: May 1
- Eidul-Fitr Holiday: May 3
- Independence Day: June 12
- Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha): July 10
- Ninoy Aqunio Day: August 21
- National Heroes Day: August 29
- All Saints’ Day: November 1
- Bonifacio Day: November 30
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception: December 8
Remember that these dates can change each year, but, in general, the holiday will fall around the date provided above. It’s similar to how Thanksgiving (US) is celebrated on different dates every year, yet it still takes place around the same time.
Easies Tagalog School Words For Beginners
Are you ready to breeze through your Tagalog language journey with some easy yet essential school words? In this section, we’ll introduce you to a selection of straightforward vocabulary that will have you impressing your Filipino friends in no time.
Classroom Objects & Furniture
Desk – “Lamesa”
Whether you’re sitting solo or partnering up for group work, the trusty “lamesa” will be your study companion.
- Ang lamesa ay malaki = The table is big.
- Sa lamesa kami kumain = We ate at the table.
Chair – “Upuan”
Pull up a chair, my friend! The “upuan” is where you’ll plant yourself for hours of learning and collaboration.
- Wala na akong upuan = I have no more chair to sit to.
- Bibili ako ng upuan = I will purchase a chair.
Blackboard – “Pisara”
Watch out for that cloud of chalk dust as you scribble away on the “pisara,” the traditional blackboard where teachers work their magic.
- Nagsulat ako sa pisara = I scribbled at the blackboard.
- Binura ko ang sulat sa pisara = I erased the writings on the blackboard.
Bookshelf – “Estante ng mga Aklat”
Need to grab a book for some serious studying? Look no further than the “estante ng mga aklat,” a treasure trove of knowledge.
- Pakikuha ang libro sa estante ng mga aklat = Please get the book from the bookshelf
- Nasa estante ng mga aklat ang iyong hinahanap = The book you’re looking for is on the bookshelf.
Eraser – “Pambura”
Oops! Made a mistake? Time to reach for your trusty “pambura” to wipe away those pencil marks.
- Pakibura mo nga ito gamit ang pambura = Erase this using the eraser.
- May pambura ka ba? = Do you have an eraser?
Writing & Stationery Items
Pen – “Panulat”
When taking notes or unleashing your creative side, a reliable “panulat” is a must-have tool.
- Pwede makahiram ng panulat? = May I borrow a pen?
- Wala ng tinta ang aking panulat. = My pen doesn’t have ink.
Pencil – “Lapis”
Need to fill in those bubble sheets or sketch your next masterpiece? The versatile “lapis” has got your back.
- Mapurol na ang aking lapis = My pencil is blunt.
- Bumili ako ng bagong lapis = I bought a new pencil.
Notebook – “Talaarawan”
Your personal hub of knowledge, the “talaarawan” is where you’ll record your thoughts, ideas, and epic doodles.
- Isulat mo ito sa iyong talaarawan = Write this in your notebook.
- Nawawala ang aking talaarawan = My notebook is missing.
Scissors – “Gunting”
From arts and crafts projects to cutting out important study materials, the “gunting” is your go-to cutting companion.
- Pahiram naman ako ng iyong gunting? = Can you please lend me the scissors?
- Mag-ingat sa paggamit ng gunting. = Be careful when using scissors.
School Subjects & Areas Of Study
Mathematics – “Matematika”
Get your brain cells fired up for some exciting problem-solving adventures in the realm of “matematika.”
- Hindi ako magaling sa matematika = I am not good in mathematics.
- Magaling si Jon sa matematika = Jon excels in mathematics.
Science – “Agham”
Prepare to be amazed by the wonders of the natural world as you delve into the realm of “agham.”
- Ayoko sa mga usapin tungkol sa agham = I do not want conversations related to science.
- Sana ay tumaas ang aking grado sa agham = I hope my grades in Science will be better.
History – “Kasaysayan”
Time to travel back in time! “Kasaysayan” will take you on a journey through the rich tapestry of past events.
- Lahat ng ito ay nakatala sa kasaysayan = All of these are recorded in history.
- Tayo na’t alamin ang kasaysayan = Let’s explore the history.
Geography – “Heograpiya”
Explore the world from the comfort of your classroom with “heograpiya,” where you’ll learn about lands near and far.
- Mag-aral tayo ng heograpiya = Let’s study geography.
- Hindi ako magaling sa heograpiya = I am not good in geography.
Physical Education – “Edukasyong Pisikal”
Time to get moving and break a sweat! “Edukasyong Pisikal” is where you’ll unleash your inner athlete.
- Maganda sa katawan ang Edukasyong Pisikal = Physical Education is good for the body.
- Maraming matututunan sa Edukasyong Pisikal = There’s a lot to learn in Physical Education.
Get familiar with these basic Tagalog school words, and you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any classroom adventure that comes your way. So, grab your “lamesa,” settle into your “upuan,” and let the learning begin!
School-related Actions & Verbs
Now that you’re familiar with the essential school objects, let’s dive into the exciting realm of school-related actions and verbs in Tagalog. These words will help you navigate classroom interactions, express yourself, and engage in the educational experience. Get ready to expand your vocabulary and rock the school scene!
Common Verbs Used In School Settings
Study – “Mag-aral”
Time to hit the books! “Mag-aral” is the verb that encapsulates studying and acquiring knowledge.
- Mag-aral ka nang mabuti anak = Study well, my child.
- Mahirap mag-aral kapag walang gana = It’s difficult to study without motivation.
Learn – “Matuto”
Every day is an opportunity to “matuto,” to gain new insights and expand your intellectual horizons.
- Pursigido siyang matuto = She is determined to learn.
- Gusto niyang matuto mag gitara = He wanted to learn how to play the guitar.
Write – “Sumulat”
Whether it’s taking notes, crafting essays, or jotting down your thoughts, “sumulat” is the verb that represents the act of writing.
- Si Gen ay sumulat ng liham para kay Jon = Gen wrote a letter for Jon.
- Marunong nang sumulat si Joe Ben = Joe Ben now knows how to write.
Read – “Magbasa”
Grab a book, a newspaper, or a thrilling story, and get ready to “magbasa” your way into new worlds and ideas.
- Magbasa ka na ng iyong libro = Read your book now.
- Mahilig siyang magbasa ng komiks = He enjoyes reading comics.
Listen – “Makinig”
Attentiveness is key in the classroom. “Makinig” is the verb that captures the act of actively listening and absorbing information.
- Lahat ng kanyang mga estudyante ay marunong makinig = All of his/her students know how to listen.
- Makinig ka ng mabuti = Listen carefully.
Actions Performed By Students & Teachers
Teach – “Magturo”
Teachers play a vital role in our educational journey. They “magturo” or teach us valuable lessons and skills.
- Magaling siyang magturo = She teaches well.
- Hilig niya ang magturo ng direksyon
Ask – “Magtanong”
Curiosity fuels the learning process. When you have a question or need clarification, don’t hesitate to “magtanong.”
- Huwag kang mahihiyang magtanong = Don’t be shy to ask.
- Puwede ka magtanong sa akin = You can ask me.
Answer – “Sumagot”
Speaking up and providing responses is an important part of classroom interaction. “Sumagot” when the teacher calls on you or when engaged in discussions.
- Si Jon ay sumagot ng pabalang = Jon answered sarcastically.
- Huwag kang sumagot kapag hindi ikaw ang kausap = Don’t answer if you’re not the one being spoken to.
Raise hand – “Itaas ang kamay”
When you have something to say or a question to ask, the polite way to get the teacher’s attention is to “itaas ang kamay” or raise your hand.
- Kung may nais kang itanong, itaas mo ang iyong kamay = If you have a question, raise your hand.
- Maari mo bang itaas mo ang iyong kamay = Can you please raise your hand?
By familiarizing yourself with these school-related actions and verbs, you can actively participate in classroom activities, engage with your peers, and make the most of your educational journey. So, get ready to “mag-aral,” “sumulat,” and “magtanong” your way to academic success!
Other School-Related Terms To Know Plus Great Examples

Now that you’re more familiar with the Philippines and the school system within the Philippines, it’s time to talk about essential school terms! Get your notebook or tablet out and start taking some notes! We’ve included the English word with the corresponding Tagalog word for your convenience.
General Terms
- Books (mga libro)
- Bus (bus)
- Class (klase)
- Classroom (silid-aralan)
- College (kolehiyo)
- Education (edukasyon)
- Elementary school (elementarya)
- Grade (grado)
- High school (mataas na paaralan)
- Kindergarten (kindergarten)
- Middle school (gitnang paaralan)
- Project (proyekto)
- Schedule (iskedyul)
- School (paaralan)
- School holidays (bakasyon sa paaralan)
- Students (mga mag-aaral)
- Teacher (guro)
- Test (pagsusulit)
- University (unibersidad)
School Supplies
- Backpack (napsak)
- Crayons (mga krayola)
- Eraser (pambura)
- Glue (pandikit)
- Marker (pananda)
- Notebook (kuwaderno)
- Paper (papel)
- Pen (panulat)
- Pencil (lapis)
- Ruler (tagapamahala)
- Scissors (gunting)
- Tape (teyp)
Example Sentences
- Do you have a pen I could borrow? (Mayroon ka bang panulat na maaari kong hiramin?)
- Do you have an extra pencil? (May extra ka bang lapis?)
- Do you like your teacher? (Gusto mo ba ang iyong guro?)
- How far is your school? (Gaano kalayo ang iyong paaralan?)
- Is kindergarten fun? (Masaya ba ang kindergarten?)
- Was the test easy or hard? (Madali ba o mahirap ang pagsusulit?)
- What bus do you take to school? (Anong bus ang sinasakyan mo papunta sa paaralan?)
- What college are you going to? (Saang kolehiyo ka pupunta?)
- What grade are you in? (Nasa anong antas ka?)
- What’s your schedule? (Anong schedule mo?)
- When is the project due? (Kelan ang due ng project?)
Keep Practicing Tagalog With The Ling App!

That’s all you need to know about school terms in Tagalog! If you want to learn more common words and phrases or details about Tagalog, use the Ling app!
Ling is a language learning application specifically made to accommodate every type of language learner. No matter if you’re a beginner or a more advanced learner, this app is perfect for you. With over 60 languages to choose from, you’re also likely to find the language you want to learn, whether it’s a popular or smaller language. From Tagalog to Ukrainian to Spanish, Ling has it all!
In terms of features, the app offers comprehensive lessons designed to help you retain information, useful vocabulary that can be used in conversations with locals, fun exercises to improve your writing skills, audio from native speakers, quizzes to track your progress, and an AI chatbot to practice everything you have learned. Are all these features really in just one app? The answer is yes!
Besides the app, which is available in both the App Store and Google Play, Ling has an awesome language blog that’s free. It’s filled with thousands of content related to languages, countries, cultures, food, and even language tips! If you’re ever curious to learn more or need a question answered, this blog will be your best friend.
Go on and discover everything that we’re talking about by using the Ling App yourself!