If you are planning a trip to the Philippines, this tutorial will show you some of the commonly used words and phrases that may be important to know. Let's see them together.
Steps
Step 1. To get started, learn and practice the following basic phrases:
- Nasaan ang banyo? (Where is the toilet?)
- Hindi ako marunong mag-Tagalog (I don't speak Tagalog)
- Marunong ka ba mag-Ingles? (Do you speak English? Note you can replace the word 'Ingles' with 'English' as this is a word no longer used by most Filipinos.
- Salamat (Thanks). You can also just say 'Thank You'. In fact, 'Thank You' is the best form.
- Walang Anuman (You're welcome).
- Puwede ba ninyo akong tulungan? (Can you help me?).
Step 2. Try learning a few more detailed sentences:
- Mahal kita (I love you).
- Tulong! (Help!).
- Point ka finger (Come here).
- Kumusta ka? Or just Kamusta? (How are you?).
- Magkano? (How many?).
- Anong pangalan mo? (What's your name?).
- Ilang taon ka na? (How old are you?).
- Saan ka nakatira? (Where do you live?).
Step 3. Learn to ask the following questions:
- Ito (This).
- Iyon or 'yon (That).
- Ano 'yan? (What is that?).
- Sino 'yan? (Who is that?).
- Bakit? (Because?).
- Anus? (What?).
- Yes No? (Who?).
- Saan? (Where is it?).
- Kailan? (When?).
Step 4. Let's start counting:
- Isa (1)
- Dalawa (2)
- Tatlo (3)
- Apat (4)
- Lima (5)
- Anim (6)
- Pito (7)
- Walo (8)
- Siyam (9)
- Sampu (10)
- Labing-isa (11)
- Labing-dalawa (12)
- Labing-tatlo (13)
- Labing-apat (14)
- Labing-file (15)
- Labing-anim (16)
- Labing-pito (17)
- Labing-walo (18)
- Labing-siyam (19)
- Dalawampu (20)
Step 5. How to say Yes or No:
- Hindi (No).
- Oo (Yes, pronounced O-o).
Advice
- If you can't remember all these words, speak in English. Most Filipinos speak perfect English.
- Some of these words are not in modern use, but are often found in literature. Try talking to a native speaker to broaden your knowledge.
