Picture yourself standing in the heart of Manila, chatting away and blending in with Filipinos without peeping at your flipbook about the Tagalog vocabulary. Isn’t that exciting?
Whether you are a traveler or merely curious about learning about the beauty of the Tagalog language, making an effort into this can help you a long way, as communication and understanding between cultures are made possible through language, which acts as a connecting thread. Additionally, among the world’s diverse languages, Tagalog holds a unique place, enriched with history, culture, and an extensive vocabulary.
Ready to impress the Pinoys? In this article, we’ll go over the intriguing world of Tagalog vocabulary, exploring its origins and essential phrases. So join us on this linguistic journey as we uncover the beauty and depth that Tagalog vocabulary offers!
The Tagalog Language
The official language of the Philippines, Filipino, has a significant role in the linguistic and cultural landscape of the nation. Basically, it was based on the Tagalog language, which has a long history and strong cultural roots and connects the various people that make up the archipelago. Tagalog is a language that symbolizes the Philippines’ colorful history and developing present through its beautiful blending of native vocabulary, Spanish influences, and contemporary phrases.
Today, there are millions of Filipinos who speak Tagalog, so it’s impossible not to find a native speaker wherever you are in the world!
Interested in Tagalog grammar? Before you dive into its intricacies, we highly recommend focusing on the pronouns first.
Common Tagalog Phrases & Expressions
Thinking of ways to express yourself more and fluently interact with the locals like a native speaker? Well, folks, we got you! Below are common Tagalog phrases and expressions you can use to impress Filipinos:
Basic Greetings & Phrases
Want to greet the locals like a real pro? Try out these basic expressions!
| English | Tagalog |
| Hello | Kamusta / Kumusta (informal) |
| Hi | Hi / Hello (used similarly to English) |
| Good morning | Magandang umaga |
| Good afternoon | Magandang hapon |
| Good evening, Good night | Magandang gabi |
| I’m fine | Ayos lang ako |
| What’s your name? | Anong pangalan mo? |
| My name is (Your Name) | Ako si (Iyong Pangalan) |
| Nice to meet you | Nalulugod akong makilala ka |
| Thank you | Salamat |
| You’re welcome | Walang anuman |
| Please | Paki (used to make a request polite) |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Pasensya / Pasensya na |
| Please forgive me | Patawarin mo sana ako |
| Goodbye | Paalam |
| See you later | Hanggang sa muli |
| Take care | Ingat ka |
| I love you | Mahal kita |
| Have a nice day | Magandang araw |
Pronouns
| English | Tagalog |
| I | Ako |
| You | Ikaw / ka (Singular), Kayo (Plural) |
| When pertaining to another person | Siya |
| We | Tayo (Inclusive), Kami (Exclusive) |
| They | Sila |
Feelings
Want to express what you are currently feeling? Here are the basic sentences you need to know!
| English | Tagalog |
| I’m happy. | Masaya ako. |
| I’m sad. | Malungkot ako. |
| I’m excited. | Nasasabik ako. |
| I’m nervous. | Kinakabahan ako. |
| I’m tired. | Pagod ako. |
| I’m angry. | Galit ako. |
| I’m surprised. | Nagulat ako. |
| I’m confused. | Nalilito ako. |
| I’m grateful. | Nagpapasalamat ako. |
| I’m disappointed. | Nadidismaya ako. |
| I’m worried. | Nag-aalala ako. |
| I’m lonely. | Nag-iisa ako. |
| I’m sorry. | Pasensya na. |
| I’m hopeful. | Umaasa ako. |
| I’m scared. | Natatakot ako. |
Shopping
Redy to go shopping? If yes, check out this must-know expressions!
| English | Tagalog |
| How much is this? | Magkano ito? |
| What’s the final price? | Ano ang huling presyo? |
| Where can I find this product? | Saan ko pwede mahanap ang ganitong produkto? |
| I’ll take it. | Kunin ko na ‘to. |
| Can you help me find something? | Pwede mo ba akong tulungan hanapin ang isang bagay? |
| Do you accept credit/debit cards? | Tinatanggap niyo ba ang credit/debit card? |
| Can I pay with cash? | Pwede bang magbayad ng pera? |
Directions
Lost and unsure where to go? Here’s everything you need to know related to asking directions.
| English | Tagalog |
| Excuse me, where is (place)? | Pasensya na, saan ang (lugar)? |
| Can you help me find my way to (location)? | Pwede mo ba akong tulungan hanapin ang daan papunta sa (lokasyon)? |
| Which way should I go? | Aling daan ang dapat kong tahakin? |
| How do I get to (place)? | Paano ako makakarating sa (lugar)? |
| I’m lost. | Naliligaw ako. |
Family
Want to point out a specific family member? Here are the must-know Tagalog words!
| English | Tagalog |
| Family | Pamilya |
| Mother | Ina/Nanay |
| Father | Ama/Tatay |
| Parents | Magulang |
| Daughter/Son | Anak |
| Older Sister/Woman | Ate |
| Older Brother/Man | Kuya |
| Grandmother | Lola |
| Grandfather | Lolo |
| Aunt | Tiya |
| Uncle | Tito |
| Niece/Nephew | Pamangkin |
| Cousin | Pinsan |
| Husband/Wife | Asawa |
Is Tagalog Hard To Learn?
Basically, Tagalog isn’t hard to learn. One of the reasons I can say this is because Tagalog utilizes the Latin alphabet, which means learners with English proficiency already have a head start. Additionally, due to historical interactions, Tagalog shares similarities with Spanish, opening up even more opportunities for language learners. These similarities provide a solid foundation for beginners to build upon.
Dive More Into The Tagalog Vocabulary With Ling
Do you feel like learning Filipino is like climbing the famous Mount Apo? But as beautiful as it may look from afar, reaching the view from the top is undoubtedly worth it and will keep you motivated. Well, the good thing is the Ling app got your back during this journey!
The Ling app can enhance your language skills and help you learn Filipino vocabulary through online courses, interactive lessons, and fun quizzes! But who says you must spend a lot of money on language learning? Well, Ling can be downloaded for free! Amazing, isn’t it?
So what are you waiting for? Download the Ling app in Google Play Store or App Store!
