Like in other languages, saying “thanks” is a way to express gratitude and appreciation. The simplest way to do this in Tagalog is by using the word or phrase salamat or salamat po. Salamat po is the polite way to say thanks, while salamat is used in everyday situations.
In this article, we will explore Tagalog phrases for expressing appreciation and how to use them in everyday Tagalog conversations. These phrases are both formal and informal, so you can practice your language skills while showing respect to your Tagalog-speaking peers. Ready to speak Tagalog? Let’s go!
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Tagalog Phrases For Expressing Appreciation
Expressing gratitude is an essential lesson for Filipinos in the household, much like showing respect. Parents teach their children to be polite and well-mannered by encouraging them to use these words with family and friends. As in many cultures, this practice has become a vital part of nurturing a loving family.
Just like greeting someone with “good morning,” “good afternoon,” or “good evening,” saying “thank you” is a form of respect for Filipinos while also expressing gratitude.
There are many ways to express gratitude and appreciation. In this section, we will break down the polite form, demonstrate how to show immense gratitude, and even explain how to say it just the way a Filipino would.
How To Express Gratitude And Appreciation In Tagalog?
The Tagalog word for showing appreciation is salamat, which literally means “thank you.” The polite and formal way to say this is by adding po at the end of the word, making it salamat po.
Salamat is usually said to friends, loved ones, and people in the same age group. You can say this when you’re given a gift by a special someone or when a friend offers good advice.
While salamat is used with friends, salamat po is a phrase reserved especially for the elderly or those in authority. These Tagalog word combinations show both respect and appreciation. It’s the perfect phrase to use when someone offers you a cup of coffee as they welcome you into their home.
Adding po is an extra layer of politeness in the Tagalog language. Just like good afternoon and good morning in Tagalog, saying thank you is important and polite.
Ways To Express Deep Gratitude In Tagalog
Adding maraming (root word marami, meaning “a lot”) to salamat is one way to express immense gratitude to someone. Together, maraming salamat translates to “thank you very much.”
Similar to the previous example, using the phrase maraming salamat po is a polite way to express this to elders and figures of authority. It is comparable to addressing someone as “ma’am” or “sir” in English.
Express Gratitude Like A Filipino
When you say “thank you,” “thanks,” or “I appreciate this” in English, you often pair these phrases with a few more words to make them sound more natural. For example, you might say, “Yay! Thank you!” or “This is exactly what I needed, thanks!”
Enhancing Your Tagalog Appreciation Skills
In Tagalog, we often associate what we sense with salamat (thank you). Your five senses will be your best friend when showing appreciation. Here are a few examples:
- If something tastes good, you say, “Ang sarap naman nito, salamat!” (This tastes delicious, thank you!) Alternatively, a polite way to say this is, “Ang sarap naman po nito, salamat po!“
- If something looks good, you say, “Ang ganda naman, nako salamat!” (Oh, this is beautiful. Thank you!) Again, you may say this politely by adding po at the end of either naman or salamat, or at the end of both words. You can think of the comma (,) as a way to distinguish the two phrases. Both or either phrase may end in po.
In this context, the word nako is an expression similar to “oh.” Context clues and intonation are needed to understand which emotion is present when using nako. You may also use this word negatively, as in “Nako, nasunog yung kanin!” (Oh no, the rice got burnt!)
- If something is soft to the touch, you say, “Ang lambot, salamat!” (This is so soft, thank you!) The polite way to say this is, “Ang lambot po, salamat po!” Or you may take one po away from either phrase.
- If something smells good, you say, “Ang bango, salamat!” (This smells good, thank you!) “Ang bango po, salamat!” is the polite form. You may add another po at the end of salamat, or just use one phrase with po.
People often compliment waking up to the smell of food cooking by saying, “Magandang umaga, ang bango naman ng niluluto mo.” (Good morning, the food you’re cooking smells good.) In this context, a “thank you” is implied. Simple compliments go a long way.
- If something sounds good, you say, “Ang ganda ng tunog, salamat!” (This sounds good; thank you!) As with the others, the polite and respectful way to say this is to add po after either or both the first and second phrases.
When expressing admiration for someone’s singing, it’s important to compliment their voice. In this case, you may say, “Ang ganda ng boses mo, Anna” (Your voice is beautiful, Anna). To which the other person will reply, “Salamat.“
By now, you may realize that giving compliments is another way to express gratitude and appreciation. The examples above not only show how deeply you appreciate someone but also demonstrate respect.
How Do You Say Appreciation In Tagalog?
Appreciation in Tagalog is pagpapahalaga.
FAQs About Showing Appreciation In Tagalog
1. When Do You Show Appreciation In The Philippines?
You say salamat and maraming salamat in the Philippines when someone makes an effort for your well-being. For example, if you excuse yourself to the bathroom and someone takes the extra effort to show you where it is, you would use these expressions. You can show your appreciation to anyone or anything at any time! Filipinos love it when their small efforts of hospitality are recognized. The simple phrases maraming salamat and salamat are always good to hear.
When someone is offering you something you don’t want, you can say hindi na po or hindi po. Adding salamat at the end of the sentence makes it warmer.
2. How Do You Respond When Shown Appreciation In Tagalog?
The ideal phrase to use when someone is showing their appreciation is walang anuman. This translates to “nothing” or “this is nothing.” It is the way to say “you’re welcome” in Tagalog. Similarly, you may use the word po to show respect.
Alternatively, you may also use the word sige or the phrase sige po in informal situations. This translates to “sure.” If you’re interested in speaking more languages like Tagalog, try the Ling app. It will get you to speak Filipino in no time.
3. Why Is Showing Appreciation A Big Deal For Filipinos?
The Philippines is renowned for its hospitality. Filipinos are naturally warm and thoughtful, which also makes them very respectful. Being warm, kind, thoughtful, and naturally caring are traits that Filipinos possess. These qualities are just a few of the standards for being a well-mannered Filipino.
Sometimes, Filipinos will add po at the end or middle of their sentences, even when speaking to young children. That being said, learning to appreciate and knowing what to say when you are appreciated will melt any Filipino’s heart. It shows that their efforts, no matter how small, are recognized. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a special someone, you can be sure they’ll appreciate it.
If you’re practicing these phrases for a special someone, this might help make occasions like Valentine’s Day more meaningful.
Maraming Salamat!
A simple thank you, or salamat, shows respect, love, gratitude, and appreciation. Appreciation is important to Filipinos because it lets them know that their efforts are seen and heard. From a young age, Filipinos are taught how to show appreciation, as it demonstrates good manners.
By learning how to thank someone politely or casually and adding a few compliments to adjust your sentence to sound more native, you’ll be able to create stronger bonds built on sincerity.
Maraming Salamat for reading! Your journey to expressing appreciation starts here.
