Travel - Filipino phrasebook

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Filipino is the national language of the Philippines. More or less the standard version of Tagalog, based on Tagalog (which in turn is partially based on the Malay language), Spanish, and English, Filipino is spoken by about 90 million people worldwide. The main difference with its grammar is that it is not word-order transitive like English. For example, the sentence Jill gives the book to Tom in Tagalog can't tell who's giving to whom without the personal markers si and ni. If an actor focus verb is used, Jill becomes si Jill (the subject), and Tom becomes ni Tom (the object). If a non-actor focus verb is used, then si and ni are reversed. This works something like active and passive voice in English, but neither form would seem passive in Tagalog.

Notably missing in Tagalog are the to be verbs, such as am, are, is, etc. This can be overcome in one of several ways:

Use "ay": This is not a verb, but means "is equal to"
Use "may": This is a verb which can mean "there is/are" (beginning of sentence only)
Skip it: Where not absolutely needed for meaning, it can be omitted--even though this sounds awful in English. Sino siya? literally who he? (or who she?)

The good news regarding word order in Filipino is that you can juggle the words just about any which way and still be understood (assuming the personal markers are attached to the correct person). Also, it's easy to substitute similar words within simple sentences -- like those found in this phrasebook. However, the bad news is that proper word order has a steep learning curve and can even be affected by the number of syllables. Also, Filipino is notorious for its large number of complicated verb forms which require several words in English. For example, "I accidentally spilled something" is all one very long, tongue-twisting word in Filipino.

edit] Pronunciation guide

Abbreviation (ng and mga)

Two very common words are always abbreviated:

ng: pronounced nang, genitive marker like English "of"
Republika ng Pilipinas → Republic of the Philippines
mga: pronounced mangá, plural marker like English "-s"
mga magulang → parents

Although Filipino words may seem long and tongue-twisting at first, pronunciation is easier than in many other languages. Long words are almost always based on smaller root words. The only foreign sound is an initial ng on a few words such as ngiti (smile). Unlike its neighboring languages (e.g. Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese) Filipino is NOT tonal. However, stressing the wrong syllable can often change the meaning of a word. Only very rarely does this occur in English (such as desert/dessert). Meanings in such cases can be either closely related such as buhay (alive or life), or totally unrelated such as hapon (afternoon or Japan). You have also the use of the -Glottal Stop- which makes a pause between two vowels. The glottal stop is used much in Filipino language. A space will be provided for the glottal stop eg. Naa (NAH ah)

edit] Vowels

a: like 'a' in "arrive"
e: like 'e' in "ten"
i: like 'i' in "fin"
o: like 'o' in "dog"
u: like 'oo' in "hoop"

edit] Consonants

b: like 'b' in "bed"
k: like 'k' in "kid"
d: like 'd' in "dog"
g: like 'g' in "go"
h: like 'h' in "help" (often silent in the English of UK and other Commonwealth countries)
l: like 'l' in "love"
m: like 'm' in "mother"
n: like 'n' in "nice"
ng: like 'ng' in "fang", but pronounced 'nang' as a standalone word
p: like 'p' in "pig"
r: like 'r' in "row", like 'r' in "feather" (often silent in the English of UK and other Commonwealth countries)
s: like 's' in "sun", like 'z' in "haze"
t: like 't' in "top"
w: like 'w' in "weight"
y: like 'y' in "yes", like 'ie' in "pie", like 'ee' in "flee"

c: like 's' in "supper", 'k' in "kid"
f: like 'f' in "fine"
j: like 'dg' in "edge", 'h' in "ham"
?: like 'ny' in "canyon"
q: like 'q' in "quest" (almost always with 'u')
v: like 'v' in "victory"
x: like 'cks' in "kicks", like 'z' in "haze" (at beginning of a word)
z: like 'z' in "haze"

edit] Diphthongs

ay: like 'i' in "high": tatay, father
aw: like 'ow' in "cow": kalabaw, carabao/water buffalo
ey: like 'ay' in "say": reyna, queen
iw: like "eew": baliw, crazy
oy: like 'oy' in "boy": apoy, fire

edit] Other Sounds

ts: as the 'ch' in "chip"
dy: as the 'j' in "jeep"

edit] Phrase list

Stress: So many Filipino words are stressed on the second to last syllable

edit] Basics

Two ways to state YES and NO|In Tagalog, the question "Are you married?" is answered very differently from the question "Do you have children?" The key is the word "have" in the second question. Questions with "is/are there?" are also answered in this second way.

oo (opo): Yes, I'm married.
hindi (po): No, I'm not married.
mayroon (po): Yes, I have children.
wala (po): No, I don't have children.

Negative tag questions are answered in the opposite way compared to English

Are you NOT married?: Hindi (No, I am married.)

Oo (Yes, I am not married.)

In a Full and Complete sentence "mayroon" can be shortened to MAY (sounds like English "May"). Most often this means have/has/there are rather than a direct yes.

May mga bata sa eskwela.: There are kids in the school.
May barya ka ba sa piso?: Do you have change for a peso?

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Add po at (or near) the end of a sentence or question to make it formal and polite. Exception: after an interrogative po immediately follows. Sino po siya? Who is he/she? (formal) It is important to note that "opo" (po) and "oho" (ho) are only used to be polite to one's elders. Ho (not used in this phrasebook) is a dialectal version of po and can virtually always be interchanged with it. Although its use is very limited in Manila and the Northern Katagalugan (The Tagalog Homeland), many people use it in Southern Luzon, especially in Batangas, Cavite and Laguna. Po (or Ho) and Opo (or Oho) is most commonly heard to show respect to elders or superiors. Po (and ho) are incompatible with ka and ikaw (use kayo) and with mo (use nila).

Yes (logical): Oo (OH oh) (informal) Opo (OH-poh) (formal)
No (logical): Hindi (HEEN-dee) (informal) Hindi po (HEEN-dee poh) (formal)
Yes (to have or there are some): Mayroon (MAI-roh ohn) (informal, also 'Meron') Mayroon po (MAI-roh ohn poh) (formal)
No (to not have or there is none): Wala (WAH-lah) (informal) Wala po (WAH-lah poh) (formal)
I don't know: Hindi ko alam. (HEEN-dee koh AH-lahm) (informal) Hindi ko po alam. (HEEN-dee koh poh AH-lahm) (formal)
Hi: Hi (hai)
Hello: Helów (heh-LOW)
How are you?: Kumusta ka? (koo-MOOS-tah kah?) (informal) Kumusta po kayo? (koo-moos-TAH poh kah-YOH?) (formal)
Fine, thank you.: Ayos naman, salamat. (AH-yohs NAH-mahn, sah-LAH-maht) Mabuti po, salamat. (mah-BOO-tee poh, sah-LAH-maht) (formal)
And you: Ikaw? (ee-KOW?) (informal) Kayó po? (kah-YOH poh?) (formal)
Good/Well: Mabuti (mah-BOO-tee) Mabuti po (mah-BOO-tee poh) (formal)
What is your name?: Anong pangalan mo? (AH-nohng pahn-GAH-lahn moh?) (informal) Ano po ang pangalan nila? (AH-noh poh ahng pahn-GAH-lahn NEE-lah?) (formal)
My name is ______ .: Ang pangalan ko ay _______. (ahng pahn-GAH-lahn koh eye___)

Note: As shown above, markers (Si / Ni / Kay) are mandatory before a person's name -- no exceptions (other than one word answers, and after ay)

"I'm John" Ako si John.

"John's" or "by John" (ownership/authorship) Kay John.

"Who does this belong to?" may be answered with either "It is John's" "Kay John" or "John's bag" Bag ni John.

Nice/pleased to meet you.: Ikinagagalak kong makilala ka. (ee-kee-nah-gah-GAH-lahk kohg mah-kee-LAH-lah kah) Ikinagagalak ko po kayong makilala. (ee-kee-nah-gah-GAH-lahk koh poh KAH-yohng mah-kee-LAH-lah) (formal)
Please.: Pakiusap (po). (pah-KEE-oo-sahp (poh))
Thank you.: Salamat (sah-LAH-maht) (informal) Salamat po (sah-LAH-maht poh) (formal)
Thank you very much: Maraming salamat (mah-RAH-meeng sah-LAH-maht)(informal) Maraming salamat po (mah-RAH-meeng sah-LAH-maht poh)(formal)
You're welcome.: Walang anuman. (WAH-lahng ah-NOO-mahn) (literally It is nothing. or No problem.)
Take care.: Ingat! (een-GAHT!)
How old are you?: Ilang taon ka na? (EE-lahng TAH ohn kah nah?)
Where are you from?: Taga-saan ka? (tah-GAH sah AHN kah?)
Where do you live?: Saan ka nakatira? (sah AHN kah nah-kah-tee-RAH?)
Where have you been?: Saan ka galing? (sah AHN kah gah-LEENG?) (often used rhetorically)
Where are you going?: Saan ka pupunta? (sah AHN kah poo-poon-TAH?)
Can you accompany me to _____?: Pwede mo ba akong samahan sa _____? (pweh-DEH moh bah ah-KOHNG sah-mah-HAHN sah___?)
Can you take me to_____?: Pwede mo ba akong dalhin sa_____? (PWEH-deh moh bah AH-kohng DAHL-heen sah____?)
What is your work?: Anong trabaho mo? (ah-NOHNG trah-bah-HOH moh?)
What are you doing?: Ano ang ginagawa mo? (ano ang ge-nah-gah-WAH mo)
Where do you go to school?: Saan ka nag-aaral? (sah-AHN kah nahg-ah-ah-RAHL?)
Excuse me. (getting attention): Excuse me. (ehkz-KYOOZ mee) Mawalang galang na po. (Mah-wah-lang GAH-lung nah poh)
May I____ ? (To ask for permission): Maaari po bang____? (mah ah AH-ree____?)
I'm sorry.: Paumanhin. (pah oo-MAH-heen)
Goodbye: Paalam. (pah AH-lahm)
Goodbye (informal): Bye. (BAH-ee)
I can't speak (insert name of language) [well].: Hindi ako marunong mag-(insert name of language)[mabuti]. (HEEN-dee AH-koh mah-ROO-nohng mahg (insert name of language) [mah-BOO-tee])
Help!: Saklolo! (sahk-loh-LOH!) or Tulong! (too-LOHNG)
Look out!: Look out! (look owt!)
Good morning. (lit. 'beautiful morning'): Magandang umaga (ma-GAHN-dang oo-MAH-ga) (informal)
Magandang umaga po (ma-GAHN-dang oo-MAH-ga po) (formal)
Good day: Magandang araw (ma-GAHN-dahng AH-row)
Good afternoon: Magandang hapon (mah-GAHN-dahng HAH-pohn)
Good evening: Magandang gabi. (mah-GAHN-dahng gah-BEE)
Goodnight (to sleep): Magandang gabi. (mah-GAHN-dahng gah-BEE)
I don't understand.: Hindi ko maintindihan. (HEEN-dee koh mah-een-teen-DEE-hahn)
Where is the bathroom/washroom?: Nasaan ang C.R.? (nah-SAH ahn ahng C.R?) [where C.R. = Comfort Room ~ Rest Room]
What time is it?: Anong oras na? (ah-NOHNG oh-RAHS nah?)
Do you understand English?: Nakakaintindi ka ba ng Ingles? (nah-kah-kah-een-TEEN-dee kah bah nahng een-GLEHS?)
Do you speak English?: Marunong ka ba mag-Ingles?/Nakapagsasalita ka ba ng Ingles? (mah-ROO-nohng kah bah mahg-een-GLEHS?/nah-kah-pahg-sah-SAH-lee-tah kah bah nahng een-GLEHS?)
Yes, I speak/understand a little.: Oo, kaunti lang. (OH-oh, kah-OON-tee lahng)
I don't understand Tagalog.: Hindi ako nakakaintindi ng Tagalog. (HEEN-dee AH-koh nah-kah-kah-een-TEEN-dee nahng tah-GAH-lohg)
Is there someone here who speaks English?: Meron ba ditong marunong mag-Ingles? (meh-ROHN bah dee-TOHNG mah-roo-NOHNG mahg-een-GLEHS?)
Who is she/he?: Sino siya?(see-NOH shah)
What is she/he saying?: Anong sinasabi niya?(ah-NOHNG see-nah-sah-BEE nee-YAH?)
What do you mean?: Anong ibig mong sabihin? (ah-NOHNG ee-BEEG mohng sah-bee-HEEN?)
Please say it again/pardon.: Paki-ulit. (PAH-kee OO-leet)
Please write it down.: Pakisulat. (pah-kee-SOO-laht)
Let's go!: Tara (na)! (tah-RAH (nah)!) (very informal) Halika! (hah-lee-KAH!) (semi-formal)
Wait!: Teka! (teh-KAH!) or Sandali (lang)! (sahn-dah-LEE (lahng)!)
Can I speak to ____ ? (on the phone): Pwedeng makausap si _____? (PWEH-dehng mah-kah-OO-sahp see____?)
One moment: Sandali lang. (sahn-DAH-lee lahng)
Who?: Sino?(see-NOH?)
What?: Ano? (ah-NOH?)
Why?: Bakit?(bah-KEET?)
Where?: Saan? (sah AHN?)
When?: Kailan? (kah-ee-LAHN?)
How?: Paano? (pah ah-NOH?)
How many?: Ilan?(ee LAHN?)
How much?: Magkano?(mahg-KAH-noh?)

edit] Nouns

Like English, there is no gender assigned to common nouns, including those of Spanish origin. The only exception is Spanish-origin words refering to a type of person or occupation. But even here, the article (ang, ng, etc.) is gender neutral. Example: Ang abogado/a The lawyer or attorney (m/f). Ironically, Tagalog-origin words can even be more gender neutral than English. Example: kapatid brother or sister.

For plurals, add mga immediately before the noun. Example: Mga hayop Animals. Adding "_s" does not make anything plural, and is sometimes used on Spanish nouns regardless of whether the topic is plural or not. Example: mansanas apple; mga mansanas apples (from Spanish manzana) .

One point of confusion is the word Filipinas. It can mean either The Philippines (the country) or a group of Philippine females.

Girl/Female: Babae (bah-BAH eh)
Boy/Male: Lalaki (lah-LAH-kee)
Animal: Hayop (HAH-yohp)
Place: Lugar (LOO-gahr)
Name: Pangalan (pahn-GAH-lahn)
Nickname: Palayaw (pah-LAH-yow)
Surname: Apelyido (ah-pehl-YEE-doh)
Address: Tirahan (tee-RAH-hahn)
Age: Edad (EH-dahd)
Sex/Gender: Kasarian (kah-sah-REE-ahn)
School: Eskwelahan/Paaralan (ehs-kweh-LAH-hahn/pah ah-RAH-lahn)
Variety Store: Tindahan (teen-DAH-hahn)
Birthday: Kaarawan (kah ah-RAH-wahn)
Birthdate: Kapanganakan
Child: Anak (AH-nahk)(refers to son/daugther)/Bata (BAH-tah) (refers to young child)
Adult: Matanda (mah-TAHN-dah)
Tricycle: Traysikel (trai-SEE-kehl)
Jeepney: Jeepney (JEEP-nee)
Bus: Bus (boos)
Train: Tren (trehn)
Light: Ilaw (EE-law)
Water: Tubig (too-BEEG)
Electricity: Kuryente
Table: Mesa
Couch: Sofa
Chair: Silya
Living room: Sala
Kitchen: Kusina
Bedroom: Kwarto
Bathroom: Banyo(formal) (BAH-nyoh)/Kubeta (koo-BEH-tah)(informal)/CR(casual)
Picture: Litrato (lee-TRAH-toh)
Radio: Radyo (RAH-dyoh)
Air Conditioner: Aircon (ah EER-kohn)
Television: Telebisyon (teh-leh-BEE-syohn)
Refrigirator: Pridyider (pree-JEE-dehr)
Faucet: Gripo (GREE-poh)
Door: Pinto (PEEN-toh)
Window: Bintana (been-TAH-nah)
Friend: Kaibigan (kah-ee-BEE-gahn)
Mother: Nanay (NAH-nai)
Father: Tatay (TAH-tai)
Brother: Kapatid na lalaki (kah-PAH-teed nah lah-LAH-kee)
Sister: Kapatid na babae (kah-PAH-teed nah bah-BAH-eh)
Relative: Kamag-anak (KAH-mahg-AH-nahk)
Neighbor: Kapit-bahay (KAH-peet-BAH-hai)
Wife: Asawang babae (ah-SAH-wahng bah-BAH-eh)
Husband: Asawang lalake (ah-SAH-wahng lah-LAH-keh)
Fiancee: Nobyo/Nobya(for female) (NOH-byoh/NOH-byah)
Buddy: Pare (PAH-reh)

edit] Adjectives

Separate adjectives are sometimes used to describe things and people (e.g. tall building, tall person). Adjectives without a noun are often ended with the article na which roughly translates as "already" or "now." This is usually dropped when translating back into English. Madumi na. [It's] dirty (now/already). In Tagalog, an article such as na or pa is required when no noun follows the adjective. Na is a bit more immediate (i.e. shorter time than expected) than pa, but both have similar usage.

Many nouns can become adjectives by adding the prefix Ma, such as Dumi (dirt) becoming Madumi (dirty).

Adjective-noun pairs must be linked. Na (not the same na as above) is used if the adjective ends in a constant, and _ng is used if it ends in a vowel. Magandang babae (beautiful girl). Malinis na kusina (clean kitchen).

Beautiful: Maganda (mah-GAHN-dah)
Handsome: Guwapo/Pogi (goo-WAH-poh/POH-gee)
Ugly: Pangit (PAHN-geet)
Good: Mabuti (mah-BOO-tee)
Bad: Masama (mah-SAH-mah)
Smart/Intelligent: Matalino (mah-tah-LEE-noh)
Tall (person): Matangkad (mah-TAHNG-kahd)
Short/Small: Maliit (mah-LEE-eet)
Clean: Malinis
Dirty: Madumi
Delicious: Masarap
Bland: Matabang
Large: Malaki
Medium: Katamtaman
Small: Maliit
Cold: Malamig
Hot: Mainit
Happy: Masaya
Sad/Lonely: Malungkot
Far: Malayo
Close/Near: Malapit (mah-LAH-peet)
Strong: Malakas (mah-LAH-kahs)
Noisy: Maingay (mah-EEN-gai)
Silent: Tahimik (tah-HEE-meek)
High: Mataas (mah-TAH-ahs)
Low: Mababa (mah-BAH-tah)
Old (person): Matanda (mah-TAHN-dah)
Old (things): Luma (LOO-mah)

edit] Prepositions

Here: Dito (DEE-toh)
There: Doon (DOH-ohn)
Outside: Sa labas (sah LAH-bahs)
Inside: Sa loob (sah LOH-ohb)
Upstairs: Sa itaas (sah ee-TAH-ahs)
Downstairs: Sa ibaba (sah ee-BAH-bah)
Behind: Sa likod (sah LEE-kohd)
Next: Katabi (kah-TAH-bee)
Beside: Katabi (kah-TAH-bee)
Front: Harapan (hah-RAH-pahn)
Back: Likuran (lee-KOO-rahn)

edit] Problems

What's the matter/problem?: Anong problema? (ah-NOHNG proh-bleh-MAH?)
Are you ok?: OK ka lang? (oh-kay kah lahng?)
Leave me alone.: Lumayo ka sa akin. (loo-MAH-yoh sah AH-keen)
Don't touch me!: Huwag mo akong hawakan. (HOO-wahg moh AH-kohng hah-WAH-kahn)
Let go of me!: Bitawan mo ako! (bee-tah-wahn moh ah-KOH!)
I'll call the police.: Tatawag ako ng pulis.
Police!: Pulis(POO-lees)
Police Headquarters: Pulisiya (poo-LEE-syah)
There's an accident: May aksidente.
There's a fire!!: May sunog!! or Sunog!! (lit. "burning")

Note: Tagalog always refers to what's burning and not the flames. Fire (controlled or in abstract) : Apoy

Stop! Thief!: Tigil! Magnanakaw!
I need help.: Kailangan ko ng tulong.
It's an emergency.: Emergency ito. (...)
I'm lost.: Nawawala ako.
I'm tired: Pagod ako.
I'm not feeling well.: Masama ang pakiramdam ko.
I can't sleep: Hindi ako makatulog.
I can't eat: Hindi ako makakakain.
I have a headache: Sumasakit ang ulo ko.
I'm hungry: Gutom na ako.
I'm thirsty: Nauuhaw ako.
I ran out of money: Naubusan na ako ng pera.
I lost my bag.: Nawala ang bag ko. (nah-WAH-lah ahng bahg koh)
I lost my wallet.: Nawala ang walet ko. (nah-WAH-lah ahng WAH-leht koh)
I'm sick.: May sakit ako. (mai SAH-keet AH-koh)
I've been injured.: Nasugatan ako. (nah-soo-GAH-tahn AH-koh)
I need a doctor.: Kailangan ko ng duktor/mangagamot.
Can I use your phone?: Pwedeng makigamit ng telepono? (pweh-DEHNG mah-kee-gah-MEET nahng teh-leh-poh-NOH?)
Where's the hospital?: Saan ang ospital? (SAH-ahn ahng ohs-pee-TAHL?)
I need to get you to the hospital.: Kailangan kitang dalhin sa ospital. (kah-ee-LAHN-gahn KEE-tahng DAHL-heen sah ohs-PEE-tahl)
Do you know how to speak English?: Marunong ka ba mag-Ingles? (mah-roo-NOHNG kah bah mahg-een-GLEHS?)

edit] Numbers

Note: In some cases Spanish numbers (with Filipino spelling) are used.

0: sero (SEH-roh)
1: isá, uno (ee-SAH, OO-noh)
2: dalawá, dos (dah-lah-WAH, dohs)
3: tatlo, tres (taht-LOH, trehs)
4: apat, kuwatro (AH-paht, koo-wah-TROH)
5: limá, singko (lee-MAH, SEENG-koh)
6: anim, sais (AH-neem, says)
7: pito, siyete (PEE-toh, SYEH-teh)
8: walo, otso (WAH-loh, OHT-soh)
9: siyam, nuwebe (SEE-yahm, noo-WEH-beh)
10: sampu, diyes (SAHM-poo, dyehs)
11: labing-isa, onse (LAH-beeng-EE-sah, OHN-seh)
12: labing-dalawa, dose (LAH-beeng-dah-LAH-wah, DOH-seh)
13: labing-tatlo, trese (LAH-beeng-taht-LOH, TREH-seh)
14: labing-apat, katorse (lah-beeng-AH-paht, kah-tohr-SEH)
15: labing-lima (...)
16: labing-anim (...)
17: labing-pito (...)
18: labing-walo (...)
19: labing-siyam (...)
20: dalawampu (da-la-wam-POO)
21: dalawampu't isa (da-la-wam-POOT)
22: dalawampu't dalawa (...)
23: dalawampu't tatlo (...)
30: tatlumpu : trenta (for currency, e.g. trenta pesos, 30 pesos) (...)
40: apatnapu : kwarenta (currency)(kwaren-tah)
50: limampu : singkwenta (currency)(singkwen-tah)
60: animnapu : sisenta (currency) (seesen-tah)
70: pitumpu : sitenta (currency) (seeten-tah)
80: walumpu : otsenta (currency)(otsen-tah)
90: siyamnapu : nobenta (currency)(noben-tah)
100: isang daan (eesang dah-ahn)
200: dalawang daan (...)
300: tatlong daan (...)
400: apat daan (...)
500: limang daan (...)
600: anim sandaan
700: pito sandaan (PEE-toh sahn-DAH-ahn)
800: walo sandaan (WAH-loh sahn-DAH-ahn)
900: siyam sandaan (SEE-yahm sahn-DAH-ahn)
1000: isang libo (EE-sahng LEE-boh)
2000: dalawang libo (dah-LAH-wahng LEE-boh)
1,000,000: isang milyon (EE-sahng MEE-lyohn)
1,000,000,000: isang libong milyon (EE-sahng LEE-bohng MEE-lyohn) for British English, isang bilyon (EE-sahng BEE-lyohn) for American English
1,000,000,000,000: isang bilyon (EE-sahng BEE-lyohn) for British English, isang trilyon (EE-sahng TREE-lyohn) for American English
number _____ (train, bus, etc.): bilang _____ (BEE-lang) : numero _____ (noo-MEH-roh) (usually with a Spanish number, e.g. numero uno, (noo-MEH-roh OO-noh) number one)
half: kalahati (kah-lah-HAHN-tee)
less: kaunti (kah-OON-tee) or konti (KOHN-tee)
more: madami (mah-DAH-mee) or marami (mah-RAH-mee)

For numbers above 10, Spanish is frequently used.

edit] Ordinal Numbers

First: Ika-isa (EE-kah-EE-sah
Second: Ika-dalawa (EE-kah-dah-LAH-wah)
Third: Ika-tatlo (EE-kah-TAHT-loh
Fourth: Ika-apat (EE-kah-AH-paht)
Fifth: Ika-lima (EE-kah-LEE-mah)
Sixth: Ika-anim (EE-kah-AH-neem)
Seventh: Ika-pito (EE-kah-PEE-toh)
Eight: Ika-walo (EE-kah-WAH-loh)
Ninth: Ika-siyam (EE-kah-SEE-yahm)
Tenth: Ika-sampu (EE-kah-SAHM-poo)
Twentieth: Ika-dalawampu (EE-kah-dah-lah-WAHM-poo)
Hundreth: Ika-isang daan (EE-kah-EE-sahng DAH-ahn)

edit] Time

now: ngayon (nahn-GAH-yon)
a while ago/earlier: kanina (kah-NEE-nah)
later: mamaya (mah-MAH-yah)
before: bago (BAH-goh)
after: pagkatapos (pahg-kah-TAH-pohs)
morning: umaga (oo-MAH-gah)
noon: tanghali (tang-HAH-lee)
afternoon: hapon (HAH-pohn)
evening: gabi (GAH-bee)
night: gabi (GAH-bee)
midnight: hatinggabi (hah-teeng-GAH-bee)
dawn: madaling-araw (mah-DAH-leeng-AH-row)

edit] Clock time

"ng" is pronounced 'nang' (rhymes with sang)

What time is it?: Anóng oras na? (ah-NOHNG OH-rahs nah?)
At what time...?: Anóng oras...? (ah-NOHNG OH-rahs...?)

one o'clock AM: ala una ng madaling araw (ah-lah OO-nah nahng mah-DAH-leeng AH-raw)
two o'clock AM: alas dos ng madaling araw (AH-lahs dohs nahng mah-DAH-leeng AH-raw)
three o'clock AM: alas tres ng madaling araw
four o'clock AM: alas kwatro ng madaling araw
five o'clock AM: alas singko ng madaling araw
six o'clock AM: alas sais ng umaga
seven o'clock AM: alas siyete ng umaga
eight o'clock AM: alas otso ng umaga
nine o'clock AM: alas nuwebe ng umaga
ten o'clock AM: alas diyes ng umaga
eleven o'clock AM: alas onse ng umaga
twelve o'clock/noon: alas dose ng tanghali
one o'clock PM: ala una ng hapon
two o'clock PM: alas dos ng hapon
three o'clock PM: alas tres ng hapon
four o'clock PM: alas kwatro ng hapon
five o'clock PM: alas singko ng hapon
seven o'clock PM: ala siyete ng hating gabi
six o'clock PM: ala sais ng hating gabi
eight o'clock PM: alas otso ng hating gabi
nine o'clock PM: alas nuebe ng hating gabi
ten o'clock PM: alas dies ng hating gabi
eleven o'clock PM: alas onse ng hating gabi
one o'clock PM: ala una ng hapon
two o'clock PM: alas dos ng gabi
twelve o'clock/midnight: alas dose ng madaling araw
one thirty o'clock PM: ala una y media ng hapon
two thiry PM: alas dos y media ng hapon
one thirty AM: ala una y media ng madaling araw
nine thirty AM: alas nuwebe ng umaga
one forty five AM: ala una kwarenta y singko ng umaga (AH-lah OO-nah kwah-REHN-tah ee SEENG-koh nahng oo-MAH-gah)
nine forty five AM: alas nuebe kwarenta y singko ng umaga (AH-lahs noo-EH-beh kwah-REHN-tah ee SEENG-koh nahng oo-MAH-gah)

edit] Duration

A vowel ending number must be suffixed with "-ng" while consonant-ending numbers must be followed by "na", e.g. isaNG minuto (one minute) or apat NA minuto (four minutes).

_____ second(s): _____ segundo (seh-GOON-doh)
_____ minute(s): _____ minuto (mee-NOO-toh)
_____ hour(s): _____oras (OH-rahs)
_____ day(s): _____araw (AH-row)
_____ week(s): _____ linggo (LEENG-goh)
_____ month(s): _____buwan (BOO-wahn)
_____ year(s): _____taon (TAH-ohn)

The Filipino language borrowed its terms for the days of the week and months of the year from the Spanish language.

edit] Days

today: ngayon (nga-yohn)
yesterday: kahapon (ka-HA-pon)
tomorrow: bukas (BOO-kas)
this week: ngayong linggo (nga-YONG ling-go)
last week: nakaraang linggo (na-ka-ra-ang ling-go)
next week: sa isang linggo (sah EE-sahng LEENG-goh)

Sunday: Linggo (LEENG-goh)
Monday: Lunes (LOO-nehs)
Tuesday: Martes (MAHR-tehs)
Wednesday: Miyerkoles (myehr-KOH-lehs)
Thursday: Huwebes (hoo-WEH-behs)
Friday: Biyernes (BYEHR-nehs)
Saturday: Sabado (sah-BAH-doh)

edit] Months

January: Enero (eh-NEH-roh)
February: Pebrero (peh-BREH-roh)
March: Marso (MAHR-soh)
April: Abril (AH-breel)
May: Mayo (MAH-yoh)
June: Hunyo (HOON-nyoh)
July: Hulyo (HOO-lyoh)
August: Agosto (ah-GOHS-toh)
September: Setyembre (seh-TYEHM-breh)
October: Oktubre (ohk-TOO-breh)
November: Nobyembre (noh-BYEHM-breh)
December: Disyembre (dee-SYEHM-breh)

edit] Holidays

Christmas: Pasko (PAHS-koh)
New Year: Bagong Taon (BAH-gohng TAH-ohn)
Easter: Pasko ng Pagkabuhay (PAHS-koh nahng pahg-kah-BOO-hai) (lit. Christmas of Living)
All Souls Day: Araw ng mga Patay (AH-row nahng mgah PAH-tai)(formal)/Todos los Santos (TOH-dohs lohs SAHN-tohs) (casual)

edit] Writing times and dates

Dates can be written as follows:

English format: September 19, 2005 would be Setyembre 19, 2005
Spanish format: September 19, 2005 would be Ika-19 ng Setyembre, 2005

Times are written as in English (as in 6:23 AM) but are spoken as in Spanish.

edit] Colors

black: itim (ee-TEEM)
white: puti (pooh-TEE)
red: pula (pooh-LAH)
orange: orange, kahel (ka-HEL)
yellow: dilaw (dee-LAO)
green: berde (BER-de), luntian (loon-TEE-ahn)
blue: asul (ah-SOOL), bughaw (boog-HOW)
purple: ube (OOH-beh), lila (LEE-la)
pink: pink, rosa (ROH-sa)
brown: brown, tsokolate (cho-ko-LAH-teh) (for objects); kayumanggi (kah-yoo-MANG-gee), moreno (for skin color) (moh-REH-noh)
gold: ginto (geen-TOH)

edit] Transportation

car: kotse (KOHT-seh)
taxi: taxi (TAHK-see)
bus: bus (boos)
van: bungad (BOON-gahd)
truck: trak (trahk)
ship: barko (BAHR-koh)
boat: bangka (BAHNG-kah)
ferry: tawiran (tah-WEE-rahn)
helicopter: helikoptero (heh-lee-kohp-TEH-roh)
airplane: eroplano (eh-roh-PLAH-noh)
airline: kompanya ng eroplano (kohm-PAH-nyah nahng eh-roh-PLAH-noh)
bicycle: bisikleta (bee-see-KLEH-tah)
motorcycle: motorsiklo (moh-tohr-SEE-kloh)
scooter: iskuter (ees-KOO-tehr)
carriage: karwahe (kahr-WAH-heh)
jeepney: jeepney (zheh-EHP-nay) [form of transportation common in the Philippines]

edit] Bus and train

How much is a ticket to _____?: Magkano ang isang tiket papuntang _____? (mahg-KAH-noh ahng ee-SAHNG TEE-keht pah-poon-TAHNG____?)
How much is the fare to _____?: Magkano ang pamasahe sa ______? (...)
One ticket to _____, please.: Isang ticket papuntang _____, please. (...)
Where does this train/bus go?: Saan papunta ang tren/bus na ito? (...)
Where is the train/bus to _____?: Saan papunta ang tren/bus na ito_____? (...)
Does this train/bus stop in _____?: Hihinto ba ang tren/bus na ito sa _____? (...)
I'm going to take a ( bus/jeepney/taxi): Sasakay ako ng (bus/jeep/taxi). (...)
When does the train/bus for _____ leave?: Kelan aalis ang tren/bus papuntang _____ ? (...)
What time is this bus going to leave?: Anong oras aalis itong bus? (...)
When will this train/bus arrive in _____?: Kelan dadating yung bus na ito sa _____? (...)
What time will the bus arrive?: Anong oras dadating ang bus? (')

edit] Directions

How do I get to _____ ?: Paano pumunta ng/sa ______? (...)
...the train station?: ...istasyon ng tren (...)
...the bus station?: ...istasyon ng bus? (...)
...the airport?: ... airport ? (English)
...downtown?: ...bayan? (bah-YAN)
...supermarket?: ...supermarket? (English) (Western style supermarkets)
...wet market?: ...palengke? (pah-LENG-keh) (Traditional Filipino market)
...bank?: ...bangko?
...the youth hostel?: ...hostel? (HOS-tel)
...the _____ hotel?: ..._____ hotel? (ho-TEL)
...the American/Canadian/Australian/British consulate?: ... konsulado ng Estados Unidos (Amerika)/Canada/Australian/British (...)
Where are there a lot of...: Saan ang karamihan ng... (...)
...hotels?: ...mga hotel? (ma-nga ho-TEL)
...restaurants?: ... mga kainan? (ma-nga KAH-ee-nun)
...malls?: ...mga mall? (English)
...bars?: ...mga bars? (English)
...sites to see?: ...mga magagandang tanawin? (...)
Can you show me on the map ____ ?: Puwede mong ituro sa akin sa mapa ang _____? (...)
street: kalye (...)
Turn left.: Kumaliwa. (KooMAH-Leewah)
Turn right.: Kumanan. (KooMAH-nun)
left: kaliwa (...)
right: kanan (...)
straight ahead: dumiretso (...)
towards the _____: tungo sa _____ (...)
past the _____: lagpas sa _____ (...)
before the _____: bago sa _____ (...)
Watch out for the _____.: Maging mapagmasid ka sa _____. (...)
intersection: intersection (...)
north: hilaga (hee-LAH-ga)
south: timog (TEE-mog)
east: silangan (see-LAH-ngun)
west: kanluran (kun-LOO-run)
uphill: paakyat ng burol (...)
downhill: pababa ng burol (...)

edit] Taxi

Taxi!: Taksi! (TAHK-see)
Take me to _____, please(formal).: dalhin mo ako sa_____, please. (...)
To _____ , please (casual).: Sa ____, please.
I'm going to ____: Papunta akong _____ (...)
How much does it cost to get to _____?: Magkano papuntang _____? (...)
How much do you charge?: Magkano ang singil mo?
How much is the fare?: Magkano ang bayad?
Take me there, please.: Dalhin mo ako doon, please. (...)

edit] Jeepney/Bus

One/Two/Three etc. to ____ (When paying the fare for number of people): Isa/Dalawag/Tatlo papuntang _____ ( insert the destination here)
Stop!!! (to get off the jeepney/bus): Para!!!! (PA-rah)
How much is the fare to _____?: Magkano ang pamasahe papuntang _____ (...)
Sir(driver) Where's my change?: Mama, saan ang sukli ko? ( Mah-ma sa-an ang sooklee ko)
Can you drop me off at ____?: Pwede mo ba akong ibababa sa ____?

edit] Lodging

Do you have any rooms available?: Meron ba kayong kwarto na hindi ginagamit? (...)
How much is a room for one person/two people?: Magkano ang isang kwarto para sa isang/dalawang tao? (...)
Does the room come with...: Kasama ba sa kwarto ang______ ? (...)
...bedsheets?: ...kumot? (koo-MOT)
...pillows?: ...unan
...a bathroom?: ...banyo? (BAHN-yoh)
...a telephone?: ...telepono? (te-LE-poh-NOH)
...a TV?: ...TV? (TV)
Can I see the room first?: Pwede bang makita muna ang kwarto? (...)
Do you have anything quieter?: Meron ba kayong mas tahimik? (...)
...bigger?: ...mas malaki? (...)
...cleaner?: ...mas malinis? (...)
...cheaper?: ...mas mura? (')
OK, I'll take it.: Sige, kukunin ko. (...)
I will stay for _____ night(s).: Mag iistay ako ng _____ gabi. (...)
Can you suggest another hotel?: Pwede ba kayong mag-suggest ng ibang hotel? (...)
Do you have a safe?: Meron ba kayong safe?? (...)
...lockers?: ...lockers? (...)
Is breakfast/supper included?: Kasama ba ang almusal/hapunan? (...)
What time is breakfast/lunch/supper?: Anong oras ang almusal/tanghalian/hapunan? (...)
Please clean my room.: Pakilinis ang aking kwarto. (...)
Can you wake me up at _____ ( e.g. ten o'clock AM) ?: Pwede mo ba akong gisingin ng _____(e.g. alas diyes ng umaga)? (...)
I want to check out.: Gusto ko nang mag-check-out. (...')
Who's knocking the door?: Sino ang kumakatok sa pinto?
Who's there?: Sino yan?
The toilet is not working.: Sira ang inidoro.

edit] Money

Do you accept ...: Tumatanggap ba kayo ng ... (Too-mah-tang-GAP ba ka-YO nang...)
... credit cards?: ... credit card?
... checks?: ... tseke? (CHE-ke)
... dollars?: ... dolyares? (dol-YAH-res)
Can you change my money to _____?: Pwede mo bang papalitan ang pera ko sa _____? (PWE-de moh BANG pa-pa-li-TAN ang PE-ra ko sa _____)
I want to change my money to Philippine pesos.: Gusto kong papalitan ang pera ko sa peso. (Goose-toh kong pa-pa-li-TAN ang PE-ra ko sa pe-so)
Where can I get my money changed?: Saan pwedeng magpapalit ng pera? (Sa-AHN PWE-deng MAG-pa-pa-lit nang PE-ra?)
Can you change a traveler's check for me?: Pwede bang papalitan ang tseke ko? (PWE-de BANG pa-pa-li-TAN ang CHE-ke ko?)
Where can I get a traveler's check changed?: Saan ko pwedeng papalitan ang tseke ko? (Sa-AHN ko PWE-deng pa-pa-li-TAN ang CHE-ke ko?)
What is the exchange rate in _____?: Magkano ang palitan sa _____? (Mag-KA-noh ang pa-LI-tan sa _____)
Where is the ATM (Automatic Teller Machine)?: Saan merong ATM? (Sah-AHN MEH-rong ATM?)
I want to withdraw money from an ATM.: Gusto kong mag-withdraw (sa ATM). (Goose-toh kong mag-with-draw)

edit] Eating

A table for one person/two people, please.: Mesa para sa isa/dalawang katao, please. (...)
Can I look at the menu, please?: Pwedeng makita ang menu, please? (...)
Can I look in the kitchen?: Pwedeng makita ang kusina? (...)
Where's the bathroom/washroom?: Nasaan ang C.R.? (...)
Is there a house specialty?: Meron ba kayong specialty? (...)
Is there a local specialty?: Meron ba kayong local specialty? (...)
I'm a vegetarian.: Vegetarian ako. (...)
I don't eat pork.: Hindi ako kumakain ng baboy. (Heendee ako koomah-kain nang ba-boy)
I don't eat beef.: Hindi ako kumakain ng karne. (...)
I only eat kosher food.: Kosher lang ang kinakain ko. (...)
Can you make it "lite", please? (less oil/butter/lard): Pwede mong gawing "lite", please? (...)
It's salty.: Maalat ito
It's so sweet.: Napakatamis nito
It's so spicy.: Napakaanghang ito
fixed-price meal: fixed-price meal (...)
? la carte: a la carte (...)
breakfast: almusal (...)
lunch: tanghalian (...)
snack (meal): meriyenda (...)
supper: hapunan (...)
I want _____.: Gusto ko ng _____. (GOOS-to koh)
I want a dish called _____.: Gusto ko ng ulam na _____. (...)
chicken: manok (chicken)
beef: karne (beef)
fish: isda (is-DAH)
ham: hamon (...)
food: pagkain
drinks: inumin
sausage: longganisa (local sausage) (...)
cheese: keso (keh-soh)
eggs: itlog (eet-LOG)
salad: ensalada (...)
corn: mais
(fresh) vegetables: (sariwang) gulay (goo-LIE)
(fresh) fruit: (sariwang) prutas (proo-TAS)
bread: tinapay (ti-nah-PIE)
fastfood: fastfood
toast: toast (...)
noodles: noodles (...)
rice: kanin (KA-nin)/bigas (bee-GAS, used for uncooked rice)
beans: beans (...)
raw: hilaw (HEElaw)
cooked: luto (LOOto)
fried: prito
fried chicken/fish/egg: pritong manok/isda/itlog
grilled/roasted: inihaw
boiled: nilaga
salt: asin (uh-SEEN)
sugar: asukal
cooking oil: mantika (man-TEE-ka)
garlic: bawang
onion: sibuyas
black pepper: paminta(...)
soy sauce: toyo(to-yo)
butter: margarina or mantikilya (...)
Can/May I have a glass of _____?: Pwedeng/Maaaring makahingi ng isang basong _____? (...)
Can/May I have a cup of _____?: Pwedeng/Maaring makahingi ng isang tasang_____? (...)
Can/May I have a bottle of _____?: Pwedeng/Maaaring makahingi ng isang boteng _____? (...)
coffee: kape (ka-FEH)
tea (drink): tsaa (cha-AH)
iced tea: iced tea (no direct translation)
chocolate: tsokolate
ice: yelo
juice: juice (...)
water: tubig (TOO-BEEG)
beer: serbesa(...)
red/white wine: red/white wine (...)
May I have some _____?: Maaaring makahingi ng_____? (...)
dessert: panghimagas (...)
Excuse me, waiter? (getting attention of server): Excuse me, waiter? (...)
I'm finished/done.: Tapos na ako. or Tapos na akong kumain. (tah-pohs NAH uh-KOH or tah-pohs NAH uh-KOHNG KOO-mah-in)
It was delicious.: Masarap ang pagkain. (muh-suh-RAHP yan)
Please clean the table.: Pakilinis ang mesa. (...)
Can I get the bill, please.: Yung bill, please. (...)

edit] KTV (Karaoke Bars)

Can we get a room to sing?: Pwede ba sa VIP room? (Mag KaHN TAH Han)

edit] Bars

Do you serve alcohol?: Meron ba kayong alak? (...)
Do you have cigarettes?: Meron ba kayong sigarilyo?
Is there table service?: Meron ba kayong 'table service'? (...')
A beer/two beers, please.: Isang/dalawang beer/s, please. (...)
A glass of red/white wine, please.: A glass of red/white wine, please. (...)
A pint, please.: A pint, please. (...)
A bottle, please.: Isang bote, please. (...)
_____ (hard liquor) and _____ (mixer), please.: _____ and _____, please. (...)
whiskey: whiskey (...)
vodka: vodka (bod-KAH)
rum: rum (...)
water: tubig (too-beeg)
club soda: club soda (...)
tonic water: tonic water (...)
orange juice: orange juice (...)
Coke (soda/pop): Coke (soft drinks)
Do you have any snacks?: Meron ba kayong chicherya? (meh-RON bah kaYONG chee-cheer-YAH)
One more, please.: Isa pa nga ulit, please. (Isa pa.)
Another round, please.: Isa pa ulit. (...)
When is closing time?: Kailan (or Anong oras) kayo magsasara? (?)

edit] Shopping

Where can I buy ____?: Saan makakabili ng _____? (...)
Do you have size ____ (e.g. 8/9/10) ?: Meron kayong size _____(e.g. 8/9/10)? (...)
How much is it?: Magkano ito? (...)
That's too expensive.: Napakamahal naman niyan. (...)
Do you accept credit card?: Tumatanggap ba kayo ng credit card? (...)
expensive: mahal (mahHAL)
cheap: mura (mooRAH)
I can't afford it.: Hindi ko kayang bilhin. (...)
I don't want it.: Hindi ko gusto. (hinDIH ko GOOSto)
You're cheating me.: Dinadaya mo ako. (...)
I'm not interested.: Hindi ako interesado. (..)
OK, I'll take it.: Sige, kukunin ko. (...)
Can I have a bag?: Pwedeng makahingi ng bag? (...)
It's too big.: Sobrang laki nito
It's too small.: Sobrang liit nito
Do you have a size smaller/bigger than this?: Meron ba kayong size na mas maliit/malaki dito?
Can i change the size to ____?: Pwedeng papalitan sa size na ____ ?
Do you ship (overseas)?: Nag shiship ba kayo sa ibang bansa? (...)
Do you have ____?: Meron kayong ______?
I need...: Kailangan ko ng ... (KYE-LAHNG-uhn ko)
...toothpaste.: ...toothpaste. (...)
...shoes: sapatos
...clothes: damit
...jewelry: alahas
...necklace: kwintas
...earings: hikaw
...ring: singsing
...a toothbrush.: ...sipilyo. (SEEpeelyo)
...tampons.: ...napkins. (...)
...soap.: ...sabon. (SAHbon)
...shampoo.: ...syampu. (SHAHM-poo)
...pain reliever. (e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen): ...pain reliever. (...)
...cold medicine.: ...gamot sa sipon. (Gahmot sa see-pon)
...stomach medicine.: ...gamot sa tiyan. (Gahmot sa chan)
...a razor.: ...a razor. (...)
...an umbrella.: ... payong. (...)
...sunblock lotion.: ...sunblock lotion. (...)
...a postcard.: ...a postcard. (...)
...postage stamps.: ...selyo. (...)
...batteries.: ... baterya. (...)
...writing paper.: ...papel. (...)
...a pen.: ...bolpen. (...)
...pencil: ...lapis. (LahPEEs)
...English-language books.: ...mga librong Ingles. (lee-brong EEHNG-glehs)
...English-language magazines.: ...English-language magazines. (...)
...an English-language newspaper.: ...dyaryong Ingles (JAHR-yong EEHNG-glehs)
...an English-English dictionary.: ...diksyonaryong Ingles. (...)

edit] Driving

I want to rent a car.: Gusto kong umupa ng kotse. (GOOS-to kong u-moopa nang koh-CHEH)
Can I get insurance?: Pwedeng kumuha ng insurance? (...)

Most Philippine road signs are in English.

stop (on a street sign): stop (')
one way: one way (...)
yield: yield (...)
no parking: no parking (walang paradahan)
speed limit: speed limit (...)
gas (petrol) station: gas station/gasolinahan (...)
petrol: petrol (...)
diesel: diesel (...)

edit] Authority

I haven't done anything wrong.: Wala akong nagawang masama. (...)
It was a misunderstanding.: Hindi yun pagkakaunawaan. (...)
Where are you taking me?: Saan mo ako dadalhin? (...)
Am I under arrest?: Aarestuhin mo ba ako? (...)
Where's the warrant?: Saan ang warrant?
I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen.: Ako ay isang mamamayang Amerikano/Britano/Kanadyano. (Formal)(...); American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen ako(Casual) . (...)
I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate.: Gusto kong makipagusap sa American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate. (...)
I want to talk to a lawyer.: Gusto kong makipagusap sa abogado. (GOOS-toh koh ma-KEY-PAHG-OOH-SAHP sah ah-boh-GAH-do)
Can I just pay a fine now?: Pwede na ba akong magbayad ng multa? (...)
Law: batas
Judge: Huwes
Lawyer: Abogado
Court: Korte
Jail: Kulungan
Cop: Pulis

edit] Learning more

Wikibooks:Tagalog
L-Lingo Tagalog — A free 40 lesson online learn Tagalog application

This is a usable phrasebook. It explains pronunciation and the bare essentials of travel communication. An adventurous person could use it to get by, but please plunge forward and help it grow!

Retrieved from "http://wikitravel.org/en/Filipino_phrasebook"

Category: Usable articles