First thing first, the Tagalog word for “business” is negosyo, and I’m sure you are here to learn the terminologies you can use for doing business in the Philippines. Interested in the Tagalog business vocabulary used by most Filipino business people? Nothing beats having extra knowledge of specific jargon in the business world.
If you plan to land a job in the Philippines or work with any of the Filipinos, being able to use any of these simple Tagalog business words will undoubtedly make them impressed with your skills. If you are ready to learn Tagalog and be successful in your upcoming business in the Philippines, keep reading!
Table Of Contents
Business In The Philippines: A Quick Overview
As of 2023, the Philippines, the second-most densely populated country located In Southeast Asia after Indonesia, has generally had one of the region’s and the world’s fastest economic development rates. Thanks to a high level of English fluency and competency, the Philippines’ economy is also quickly developing in global services and commerce. Hence, Filipinos are ready to work overseas or with foreign nationals.
Moreover, the Philippines’ tropical weather and welcoming culture offer an excellent workplace for foreign nationals wishing to do business in the country. Although salaries are lower than in other nations, the government is devoted to strengthening the country’s economic growth and generating more sustainable cities, primarily throughout Manila.
Tagalog Business Vocabulary
In this section, I will introduce to you essential Tagalog business vocabulary that cover important areas such as financial transactions and company structure. This will enable you to have effective communication in professional settings.
If you want to learn these Tagalog words better, you should definitely try the Ling app. You can find it on Google Play and the App Store. Plus, there’s a 7-day free trial to get you started.
Tagalog Financial Terms
First off, let’s discuss financial terms. These are the basic words you need to know about money and business dealings with Filipinos. It’s really important to understand how businesses talk about money, whether you’re in the Philippines or working with Filipino companies.
Business Operations And Transaction Vocabulary
Moving on, you should also know how businesses work every day and the deals they make. This part is all about the common Tagalog words used in the daily running of a company. It helps you get how businesses manage their work and make sure everything goes as planned.
Corporate Structure And Stakeholders Terminologies
Now, let’s talk about the structure of companies and the people who are important to them. This section shows you who does what in a company and how everyone fits together. It’s good for figuring out different roles and how they all connect.
Marketing And Sales Vocabulary
Next up, let’s look at marketing and sales. This is where you learn about the vocabulary that help businesses sell things and attract customers. It’s all about how to get people interested in what a company is selling.
Products And Services Terms
Alright, let’s focus now on the things businesses sell or do for their customers. This part includes words for all kinds of items and help that companies offer. It’s fundamental when talking about what a business provides to make customers happy.
Documentation And Planning Terminologies
You should also need to learn how businesses plan and keep records. What are the terms Filipinos use when companies make plans for the future or write down important information? Well, this is really useful for you to understand how businesses prepare and organize their ideas.
Business Tagalog Miscellaneous Terms
Finally, let’s wrap up with a mix of other useful words that did not fit elsewhere. This section is a collection of extra Tagalog business vocabulary that is also good to know. They help fill in the gaps and give you a wider range of terminology for different business situations.
11 Other Tagalog Business Vocabulary
Do you think that’s all the Tagalog business vocabulary Filipinos have? The Philippine languages have many of vocabulary about commerce, business, and being an entrepreneur. These Tagalog terms show the values, practices, and economic situation of Filipino business. Here are more common terms used in the Philippine business setting:
1. Masigasig Na Trabahador (Team Player)
Refers to someone who works cooperatively and effectively as part of a team. Filipinos are known for their strong teamwork and camaraderie stemming from close family ties and communal spirit. Being a good team player is highly valued in the Philippine work culture.
2. Negosyante (Entrepreneur)
An entrepreneur establishes and manages a business venture with significant financial risk. The entrepreneurial spirit runs strong among Filipinos, with many starting small businesses like sari-sari stores or food stalls to provide for their families and community.
3. Panimula (Start-Up)
A newly created business or enterprise. The start-up scene is growing in the Philippines as young entrepreneurs tap into skilled local talent to launch innovative tech products and services.
4. Pagpapalawak (Expansion)
Involves broadening operations of an existing business. Successful Philippine companies like San Miguel Corporation and other retailers, restaurants, etc., actively expand by opening new branches, franchises, or exporting goods as the economy grows.
5. Malayang Manggagawa (Freelance)
Working independently for multiple clients rather than long-term for one employer. Online freelancing provides Filipinos with specialized skills and flexible income-earning opportunities in areas like virtual assistance, design, programming, content writing, and more.
6. Mamuhunan (Invest)
Spending money to purchase financial assets or property or start a business to generate profits over time. Overseas Filipino workers channel part of their earnings to investments back home, like real estate, local companies, etc., to build passive income.
7. Kasangguni (Consultant)
An expert who provides professional advice in their area of specialization. Philippine businesses increasingly hire local and foreign consultants to get strategic advice on improving operations and expanding as they scale up.
8. Badyet (Budget)
An estimation of expected income and expenditure over a set period of time. Prudent financial planning through a badyet is critical for Filipino entrepreneurs and families with limited resources to manage cash flow.
9. Dagdag Na Halaga (Added Value)
Anything that enhances the perceived value or usefulness of a product/service to customers. Philippine companies innovate to add features and services that provide additional benefits to stay competitive.
10. Pagpapanatili (Sustainability)
Refers to business practices that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. There is growing sustainability awareness among Philippine enterprises to meet green regulations and consumer demand.
11. Paghahanap Ng Manggagawa Sa Labas (Outsourcing)
Hiring a third party to perform tasks or provide services previously done in-house. To reduce costs, many multinational firms outsource routine processes like customer service to the Philippines due to its large skilled, English-proficient workforce.
What Are The Most Popular Businesses In The Philippines?
In the Philippines, you’ll see lots of different businesses everywhere. From small stands by the road to big shops online, these businesses are a big part of everyday life.
Online Business
Online selling is booming, with platforms like Lazada and Shopee leading the way. Small entrepreneurs also thrive by using Facebook and Instagram to sell handmade crafts, baked goods, or even offer online tutoring services. For instance, many individuals have started successful online clothing stores, offering everything from everyday wear to custom-made outfits.
Small Business
Neighborhoods are filled with small businesses such as karinderyas (local eateries) that serve home-cooked meals, or small tailoring shops for clothing repairs and alterations. A great example is a family-owned karinderya near schools or office areas which offers affordable lunch options for students and workers.
Franchise
Franchising is huge, with Jollibee, a local success story, now competing globally. International franchises like 7-Eleven and KFC are also widespread. Aqua Best is an example of a successful water refilling station franchise that provides clean drinking water in various communities.
Sari-Sari Store
Almost every Filipino neighborhood has a sari-sari store, such as Annie’s Sari-Sari Store in San Antonio Nueva Ecija which sells goods from candies to canned goods to rice grains and even freshly baked breads. These stores often become community hubs where neighbors catch up on daily news.
Food Cart
Food carts are a common sight, offering affordable eats like siomai from Master Siomai or isaw (grilled chicken intestines) near public places. Mang Larry’s Isawan in Quezon City is a famous spot known for its grilled street food, and in Calapan City, nothing compares to Aling Paring’s BBQ stall.
Insurance
The insurance market has grown, with companies like Sun Life and Philam Life offering various life and investment plans. They cater to a growing middle class that’s becoming more aware of the value of financial planning.
Ukay-Ukay (Thrift Shop)
Ukay-ukay shops can be found in places like Baguio City, where people flock to find branded clothes at a fraction of their original price. These shops offer a sustainable option for fashion enthusiasts on a budget. Ukay-ukay doesn’t stop at physical stores, in fact, a Facebook page named Bokninay Bokninay sells assorted clothes, gadgets, and beauty essentials through Facebook live.
Rice Retail
Rice retailers, such as Mer-le Rice Retailing in Calamba Laguna, play a crucial role in the food supply chain, offering different varieties of rice, from local to imported. They cater to both households and businesses to ensure this Filipino staple food is always available.
Airbnb
The rise of Airbnb in the Philippines has allowed homeowners to turn their properties into vacation rentals. Beachfront properties in Boracay or mountain retreats in Baguio are popular listings that provide travelers with unique accommodation options beyond traditional hotels.
Pawnshop
Pawnshops like Cebuana Lhuillier and Palawan Pawnshop offer pawning services and remittance, bill payments, money change, and more. They serve as vital financial service providers, especially in areas with limited banking facilities.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! I hope this overview of Tagalog business vocabulary was helpful for you. As you can see, there are so many useful terms that can give you a deeper understanding of commerce and work culture in the Philippines.
Even if you just pick up a few words, it shows respect for the local language. And for those looking to build connections in the Philippine market, making this small effort can really pay off significantly! When Filipino partners or customers hear you use Tagalog, they will ll be impressed and more likely to trust you.
Of course, do not stress if you can not master all these terms immediately. Just try to incorporate a couple into your interactions whenever it feels natural. The more you practice, the more familiar the words will become. So give it a go – being conversational in Tagalog is a great way to open doors in business!
Updated By: Jefbeck
