Before visiting any of the markets in the Philippines, you should try learning basic Tagalog market words and phrases to improve your vocabulary. If you learn the local language, you can wow the Filipino people 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. Are you ready to learn and expand your Tagalog language skills? Let’s get started.
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Market In The Philippines
The Tagalog term for the English word “market” is palenge. But it is not limited to that. A market in the Philippines can also be called in Tagalog as lugar na pamilihan, tindahan, and merkado.
Most Filipinos have a basic to intermediate 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. But surely, they will try their best to respond to you.
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 in Tagalog will help you interact with locals better at the market!
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.
Tagalog Market Words And Phrases
Now it’s time that we introduce you to some common words and phrases used by most Filipinos when visiting the markets! Be sure to take note of them. But if you want to learn more Tagalog other than phrases and words to use in the Filipino market, try learning with the Ling app. You can get it from Google Play and App Store and use it for free.
1. Pwede Pong Pabili? (Can I Buy?)
This Filipino expression shows a desire to buy something from a vendor of a specific item or product. You are basically asking if it’s ok to buy something.
2. 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.
3. 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. After you say this Tagalog market phrase, the vendor will most likely entertain you and tell you more about the product or item he/she is selling.
3. Suki (Regular Customer/Buyer)
Suki is the Tagalog word for a regular customer or a person who always buys from them. Filipino vendors use this word to call their loyal buyer who purchases items or products on a regular basis!
4. Magkano Po Ito? (How Much Is This?)
The Tagalog phrase for asking for the price of a certain item is magkano po ito. This polite Tagalog phrase is typically used to inquire about something or clarify the cost of an item or service being offered.
5. 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. Let’s say you are 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? The vendor will then compute the total price you have to pay.
6. Ano Po Ito? (What Is This?)
The Tagalog phrase ano po ito is typically used to ask what the seller is selling or promoting. Use this when you don’t know about the item so that the seller can tell you more about it and then you decide whether you will buy it or not.
7. 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. The Tagalog word mahal translates to love, but when you use it in purchasing or buying, the word mahal means expensive.
8. Wala Na Po Bang Tawad? (Is There No More Room For A Discount?)
Another way to translate this Tagalog phrase is “Please reduce the price.” Customers will typically ask the vendor this in hopes of reducing the cost of the item or goods being sold. Filipinos are one of the best hagglers. This is especially true if they know the real price of the item. Just remember, a smile and a polite tone can sometimes make all the difference in getting that sweet deal.
9. Sa Inyo Na Lang Po Ang Sukli (You Can Keep The Change)
You can use this Tagalog phrase if you want the seller to keep the leftover money or “change” for the products or services you purchased. It shows appreciation, especially for good service or when dealing with small transactions.
10. Tyangge (Bazaar/Flea Market)
If you visit the Philippines, you will be able to access several bazaars or tyangge 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!
A tyangge is like a big outdoor market. Here, people sell many things like clothes, toys, and stuff for your house. You can find cool things at low prices. Also, you can try to ask for a lower price, which is fun. So, when you go to a tyangge, look around carefully. You might find something special and cheap!
11. 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 in the country. The small wet market mostly sells wholesale seafood at a discount.
A talipapa is not as big as a supermarket. People like to buy here because everything is fresh and the prices are good. So, if you need to buy food for cooking, going to a talipapa is a smart choice. You can find one in many neighborhoods. It’s a great place to shop for your daily meals!
12. Tindera / Tindero (Seller/Vendor)
A tindera (if it’s a woman) or tindero (if it’s a man) means a seller or vendor. These are the people who sell things, maybe in stores, markets, or even on the street. They help you find what you need and tell you the prices.
If you go shopping at a talipapa or tiyangge, you’ll meet many tindera and tindero. They’re very important because they help us buy our everyday stuff. So, next time you buy something, you’ll know who they are.
13. Papunta Ba Kayo Sa Palengke? (Are You Going To The Market?)
Papunta Ba Kayo Sa Palengke? means “Are you going to the market?” in English. It’s a question you might ask someone if you’re wondering if they’re headed to buy things like food, clothes, or other things at the market.
Markets are busy places where people get fresh food and other goods. So, if someone asks you this, they’re probably curious if you’re off to shop or look around the market, too.
Going to the market is a big part of the Filipino shopping culture. Typically, it is the mother or grandmother who goes to the marketplace and purchases items.
Other Useful Tagalog Market Words
Now that you know some Tagalog market words and phrases, let’s add more vocabulary to help you communicate even better with the vendors. Here are some other related Tagalog words you can use in the Philippines markets:
What Are The Dos And Don’ts In Markets In The Philippines?
Okay, you have learned some Tagalog words to use in the market. But there is more to know to make your visit better. Let’s talk about what you should and shouldn’t do in Philippine markets. This way, you can shop like a local and enjoy your time.
Dos:
- Be polite when haggling: It is normal to ask for a cheaper price, but always be nice about it. Smile, and don’t push too hard if they say no. Remember, a friendly tone and way of haggling can sometimes lead to a better price.
- Check your change: Always look and count your change to make sure it is right. Mistakes can happen in busy places.
- Watch your belongings: Keep your bag and wallet close. Markets are crowded, and it is easy to get distracted.
- Try local treats: Markets are great for finding delicious Filipino snacks you won’t see in big stores. Give them a try, but make sure they look clean and fresh.
Don’ts:
- Don’t block the way: Markets in the Philippines can get super busy, especially the wet markets. Make sure you are not stopping others from moving around. If you need more time to look at something, step to the side.
- Don’t take photos without asking: Some vendors might not like their goods to be photographed. It is polite to ask first.
- Don’t just grab items: If you want to check something out, ask the vendor first. They will usually be happy to show you and tell you more about it.
- Don’t litter: Keep the market clean by putting trash in proper places like trash cans and garbage bins. If you can’t find one, keep your trash until you do.
Remember these tips, and you will have a good time exploring the markets in the Philippines. It’s all about respect, safety, and enjoying the local culture.
Final Thoughts
Going to markets in the Philippines is more than buying things. A market is a place where you can meet people and see their way of life. With the Tagalog words and phrases you now know, you can talk better with sellers and find out more about what you’re buying. This makes shopping fun and helps you learn about the culture.
When you’re in the market, trying new foods, or finding a special item, the words you have learned will help a lot. Each time you speak Tagalog, you will feel closer to the people and the place. So, use what you have learned and enjoy every visit.
Updated By: Jefbeck
