Before visiting the Philippines, you should try learning basic Tagalog words and phrases to improve your vocabulary. If you learn Tagalog, you can wow the locals by speaking in their native language!
This blog post will go over Tagalog market words and phrases that can be used anywhere at any time in the Philippines when purchasing products and other items from shops, otherwise known as tindahan, or wet markets!
Market In The Philippines
Several Filipinos have a basic understanding of the English language and will attempt to communicate with you if possible. Some might be kind enough to even start a conversation, but some might be too hesitant to engage in an open English conversation, especially if they are not fluent.
Before we talk about specific Tagalog market phrases and words, you should be familiar with some basic Filipino phrases and general greetings. Knowing these introductory phrases will help you interact with locals better at the market!
- Magandang umaga: Good morning
- Magandang hapon: Good afternoon
- Magandang araw: Beautiful day
- Salamat po: Thank you
- Walang anuman: You’re welcome
- Paano pumunta sa (lugar): How to go to (a place)
- Pakihatid po ako sa (lugar): Please take me to (a place)
- Para po: Filipino phrase used to signal the motorist to stop (ex. tricycle, jeepney, or taxi drivers)
- Paalam: Goodbye
- Aalis na ako: I’m leaving.
- Opo: A polite way of saying yes
Filipino markets often feature a wide range of locally made items and goods. Whether you’re visiting the Philippines or have been staying there long-term, markets are definitely a must-see location!
What you can find in the markets varies greatly depending on the location and season that you’re visiting. Now it’s time that we introduce you to some common words and phrases used by most Filipinos when visiting the markets!
Tagalog Market Words And Phrases
Pabili Po?: Can I Buy This?
This Filipino expression shows a desire to buy something from a vendor of a specific item or product.
Pabili Ng Isa: I Will Buy One
Most Filipinos in the Philippines don’t buy the whole product, instead, they buy in pieces. As a result, if you forget something, it’s easy to buy a single piece of it either at numerous stores or marketplaces around the Philippines.
Gusto Ko Ito: I Like This
This is one of the most common Filipino expressions used by customers to indicate to the vendor that they like the goods and wish to purchase them.
Suki: Regular Customer/Buyer
Filipino vendors use this Filipino word to call their loyal buyer who purchases items or products on a regular basis!
Magkano Po Ito?: How Much Is This?
This Tagalog phrase is typically used to inquire about something or clarify the cost of an item or service being offered.
Magkano Po Ang Lahat?: How Much For Everything?
This question is useful when you’re buying large quantities of different items from the same vendor.
For example, if you’re buying different types of vegetables or meat from a dealer. After telling the dealer what you want to buy and before proceeding to pay, you need to ask, “magkano po ang lahat?”
Ano Po Ito?: What Is This?
This Tagalog phrase is typically used to ask what the seller is selling or promoting.
Ang Mahal Naman!: This Is Too Expensive!
This Tagalog phrase is typically used to convey that the cost of the products or items being sold is extremely high.
Wala Na Po Bang Tawad?: May I Ask For A Bargain?
Another way to translate this Tagalog phrase is “Please reduce the price.” Customers will typically ask the vendor this in hopes of them reducing the cost of the item or goods being sold.
Sa Inyo Na Lang Po Ang Sukli: Keep The Change
You can use this Tagalog phrase if you want the seller to keep the leftover money for the products or services you purchased.
Tiyangge: Bazaar
If you visit the Philippines, you will be able to access several bazaars in various parts of the country. The good news is that you can haggle as much as you like with the Filipino vendors at these bazaars!
Talipapa: Small Wet Market
Aside from bazaars, the Philippines is known for having several small wet markets due to the abundance of fisheries in various locations of the country. The small wet market mostly sells wholesale seafood at a discount.
Tindera/Tindero: Seller/Vendor
This term refers to the vendor operating the shop or market, typically this person is the owner.
Papunta Ba Kayo Sa Palengke?: Are You Going To The Market?
Going to and shopping at the market is a big part of Philippines culture. Typically, it is the mother or grandmother who goes to the marketplace and purchases items.
Other Related Tagalog Words
| Tagalog Words | English Translation |
| Chicken | Manok |
| Fish | Isda |
| Beef | Baka |
| Market | Palengke |
| Pork | Baboy |
| Meat | Karne |
| Shrimp | Hipon |
| Vegetable | Gulay |
| Fruits | Prutas |
| Pepper | Paminta |
| Salt | Asin |
| Cooking Oil | Mantika |
| Sugar | Asukal |
| Fish Sauce | Patis |
| Soy Sauce | Toyo |
| Vinegar | Suka |
| Bread | Tinapay |
| One Hundred Pesos | Isang Daan |
| Thrift Shop | Ukay-Ukay |
Do You Want To Learn Other Basic Tagalog Phrases? The Ling App Has You Covered!
That’s all about Tagalog market words and phrases! If you’re looking for a tool to help you kickstart your Tagalog, Ling is easy and convenient. Of course, don’t forget to check out some of our other blog posts about Tagalog, such as business Tagalog phrases, accommodation, and ingredients!
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