Filipinos are unique. Set apart due to their distinct, different orientations and perceptions of things, way of life and use of language. A visitor in this beautiful Southeast Asian tropical country must be armed not only of the knowledge of where to go to several breathtaking white beaches and interesting places to explore but to appreciate its unique and colorful cultures, values, history and language as well. But you need not to worry for a Filipino is a multilingual so asking where street to go to or what mode of transportation to take he can easily answered back. Understanding and pronouncing their words and phrases they used can be learned but if you have no time to do so you can at least learn the basic phrases for practical application as you explore one island of its more or less some 7,000 islands.
Understanding some of 170 dialects is quite formidable so we can somehow maneuver our way around since almost each Filipino of its some 80 million inhabitants speaks English as its second language as well as Spanish. Though the most common used are Tagalog, Ilocano, Visaya, Bicol, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Waray-waray, Kampangpangan, Bohol, Pagansinan, Maranao, Tausug and Maguindanao.
Filipino is the official language and the most widely used language in the island. Knowing the language and understanding them is another. What shall we remember when we set our feet in the ground of Philippines?
Shyness unmasked Filipinos are greeters. At first, they may appear to be bashful to strangers particularly towards foreigners but after several exchanges they easily warm up and welcome you. Foreigners to most of them if they are Caucasians are thought to be Americans regardless where they came from. It will not matter if you are French, English or Dutch. Accents are peculiar to them. Perhaps this is due to American colonization way back in 1989-1946 up to the time the US Strategic Bases closed down in 1991 Americans were the foreigners they were most accustomed with. The perception that foreigners are Americans is shared by the majority of people. However, this perception is changing as times pass by. Tourists are loved and welcome anytime. In the Philippines, it is best that you reach out first, extend a greeting then you will be greeted and smiled back.
The Basic Filipino greetings are translated to the nearest English in meaning and in context. One of the benefits of American colonization and exposure to Americans during their stay in the Philippines is the ability of a Filipino to comprehend and to speak the universal language of the west. Philippines is an archipelago geographically divided in three (3) main islands, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. We will be providing you with Tagalog translation (which is mainly used in Luzon but understood in Visayas and Mindanao as well) and Visayas/Cebuano (understood largely in Visayas and Mindanao) with their nearest English translation or at times their nearest interpretations. So wherever you are as you explore the beautiful country, you\’ll have a pleasant stay for you are familiar with these Filipino words and phrases especially list down for travelers.
FOR GREETINGS
Filipino : Mabuhay (mah-BOO-high)
English: Welcome, long live
Mabuhay is a Tagalog word to mean welcome or long live. Tagalog is the local dialect of Filipinos wherein the Filipino language is largely based upon. Filipino is the official language of Philippines. Mabuhay is a salute, a warm greeting or an exclamation of elated feeling. As a salute, it is similar to the Japanese exclamation Banzai or the acclamation of Viva to mean ‘Long live…!’
Mabuhay whose root word ‘buhay’ means life is an expression used largely used during a toast to mean ‘Cheers!’ in gatherings and parties. It is also a warm greeting to welcome guests and a manifestation of hospitality towards visitors or to strangers. Nowadays, Mabuhay is also used to praise a highly esteemed individual or public (political) personality.
As an applause during a wedding ceremony to express good will to newly wedded couple by exclaiming: ‘Mabuhay ang bagong kasal!’ will earn friendship and a sense of kinship from the couple, their families and guests present during occasion especially if done by a foreigner.
Filipino/Tagalog : Magandang Umaga (mah-GAN-dang A-raw)
Visayan/Cebuano : Maayong Buntag (mah-A-YOngh BOON-tagh)
English : GOOD MORNING
‘Ganda which’ means beauty is the word ‘Maganda’ is derived from while Umaga means Morning. Combined the two, Magandang Umaga literally means beautiful morning. This is acceptable and loosely translated as ‘Good Morning’. The meaning of Maganda and Maayo is one and the same.
Filipino/Tagalog : Magandandang Tanghali (mah-GAN-dang Tang-HA-li)
Visayan/Cebuano: Maayong Udto (mah-A-yong UD-to)
English : GOOD NOON
This Filipino greeting is used between 11am to 12 noon but not after 1pm. Filipinos are not basically time-conscious for when they work the schedule revolves around meal times. Meal times in a day dictate when work stoppage starts and ends. ‘Tanghali’ is loosely translated to mean noon but not necessarily to mean afternoon.
Filipino/Tagalog : Magandang Hapon (mah-GAN-dang HA-pohn)
Visayan/Cebuano : Maayong Hapon (mah-A-yong HA-pohn)
English : GOOD AFTERNOON
This greeting can only be used during the hottest time of the day in the tropical country , Philippines, which is between 1pm to 5pm. But during the Late November or December wherein sun sets early one must be informed not to use this greeting anymore.
Filipino/Tagalog : Magandang Gabi (mah-GAN-dang ga-BEE)
Visayan/Cebuano : Maayong Gabii (mah-GAN-dang ga-BEE-EE)
English : GOOD EVENING/NIGHT
The word ‘gabi’ means evening or night. So you can freely greet anyone as long as the sun is nowhere in sight.
Filipino/Tagalog : Magandang Araw (mah-GAN-dang a-RAW)
Visayan/Cebuano : Maayong Adlaw (mah-A-yong AD-law)
English : Good Day/Hi! /Hello!
In Japan, one greets ‘konnichiwa’ anytime of the day to mean good day/good afternoon/hi/hello. This greeting is konnichiwa nearest equivalent.
IN MEETING PEOPLE
Filipino/Tagalog : KUMUSTA (Pronounced Koo-moo-STAH)
Visayan/Cebuano : KUMUSTA (Pronounced Koo-moo-STAH)
English : HOW ARE YOU? (Informal)
Kumusta is a greeting passed down to Filipinos by their Spanish colonizers\’ (1521-1898) ‘¿Cómo está? ‘ . This is an expression of concern. When you use this term be prepared to receive narration of long tales especially if the one you are greeting it with someone who is fond of you. Filipinos are so friendly that sometimes they tend to share private stories to strangers.It is a sign of courtesy and a sense of gratitude. Furthermore, when one say ‘Maraming Salamat po’. It shows that you are really appreciative of what is being extended to you whether it is a service or an object.
Found below is a list of Filipino Phrases you must be familiar with:
CIVILITIES
Filipino/Tagalog : MABUTI (Ma-BOO-tee)
Visayan/Cebuano : MAAYO (Ma-AH-yoo)
English : I AM FINE
Filipino/Tagalog : PAKI (Pah-KEE)
Visayan/Cebuano : PALIHOG (pah-LEE-hog)
English : PLEASE
Filipino/Tagalog : SALAMAT (sah-LAH-maht)
Visayan/Cebuano : SALAMAT(sah-LAH-maht)
English : THANK YOU
Filipino/Tagalog : WALANG ANUMAN (wah-LAHNG ah-noo-MAHN)
Visayan/Cebuano : WALA TO UY (wah-LAH to UY)
English : YOU\’RE WELCOME
Its loose translation is ‘it\’s nothing’. For most Filipinos the appreciation of his courtesy or gesture of assistance of help makes them uncomfortable. A compliment will make a Filipino uneasy outwardly but inwardly they are elated. It is what also you say when you are being thanked for a help or an assistance.
Filipino/Tagalog : INGAT (EEE-ngat)
Visayan/Cebuano : PAG-AYOAYO
English : TAKE CARE
Filipino/Tagalog : PAALAM (pah-AHL-ahm)
Visayan/Cebuano : ADTO NAKO (ad-TOO na-KOO)
English : GOODBYE
DIRECTIONS
Filipino/Tagalog : SAAN ANG…? (Sah-AHN ahng)
Visayan/Cebuano : ASA ANG…? (aSA ahng)
English : WHERE IS THE…?
Filipino/Tagalog : KALIWA (kah-lee-WAH)
Visayan/Cebuano : WAL-LA (wal-LAH)
English : LEFT
Filipino/Tagalog : KANAN (KAH-nahn)
Visayan/Cebuano : TO-O
English : RIGHT
Filipino/Tagalog : TAAS (tah-AHS)
Visayan/Cebuano : TAAS (tah-AHS)
English : UP
Filipino/Tagalog : BABA (bah-BAH)
Visayan/Cebuano : UBUS (OOH-bosh)
English : DOWN
Filipino/Tagalog : DITO (DEE-toh)
Visayan/Cebuano : DINHE (den-HEE)
English : HERE
Filipino/Tagalog : DIYAN (dee-YAHN)`
Visayan/Cebuano : DIDTO (deed-toh)
English : THERE
AS FOR MONETARY/AMOUNT/UNITS
Filipino/Tagalog : PERA (PEHR-rah)
Visayan/Cebuano : KWARTA (KWARH-tah)
English : MONEY
Filipino/Tagalog : MAGKANO (mahg-KAH-noh)
Visayan/Cebuano : PILA MAN (PEE-lah manh)
English : HOW MUCH?
Filipino/Tagalog : MAHAL (mah-HAHL)
Visayan/Cebuano : MAHAL (mah-HAHL)
English : EXPENSIVE
Filipino/Tagalog : MURA (MOO-rah)
Visayan/Cebuano : BARATO (bah-rah-TOO)
English : EXPENSIVE
Filipino/Tagalog : PERA (PEHR-rah)
Visayan/Cebuano : KWARTA (KWARH-tah)
English : MONEY
Filipino/Tagalog : ILAN (EE-lahn)
Visayan/Cebuano : PILA KABUOK (PEE-lah KA-bowh-ook)
English : HOW MANY…?
Filipino/Tagalog : ISA (ee-SAH)
Visayan/Cebuano : USA (oh-SAH)
English : ONE
Filipino/Tagalog : DALAWA (dah-lah-WAH)
Visayan/Cebuano : DUHA (doo-hah)
English : TWO
Filipino/Tagalog : TATLO (taht-LOH)
Visayan/Cebuano : TULO (TOO-loh)
English : THREE
Filipino/Tagalog : MALAKI (mah-lah-KEE)
Visayan/Cebuano : DAKO (dah-KOO)
English : BIG
OTHER BASIC WORDS AND PHRASES
Filipino/Tagalog : ANO? (ah-NOH)
Visayan/Cebuano : UNSA? (oon-SAH)
English : WHAT?
Filipino/Tagalog : SINO? (see\’-noh)
Visayan/Cebuano : KINSA? (KEEN-sah)
English : WHO?
Filipino/Tagalog : BAKIT? (BAH-kit)
Visayan/Cebuano : NGANO? (ngah-NOOH)
English : WHY?
Filipino/Tagalog : BAKIT? (BAH-kit)
Visayan/Cebuano : GIUN-SA (gee-unh-SAH)
English : HOW?
Filipino/Tagalog : SAAN? (sah-AHN)
Visayan/Cebuano : ASA? (AA-sah)
English : WHERE?
Filipino/Tagalog : ALIN (ah-LEEN)
Visayan/Cebuano : AHA? (a-HAH)
English : WHICH?
Filipino/Tagalog : OO (OH-oh)
Visayan/Cebuano : OO (OH-oh)
English : YES
Filipino/Tagalog : HINDI (heehn-DEE)
Visayan/Cebuano : DILI (dee-LEE)
English : NO
Filipino/Tagalog : HINTO (heehn-TOH)
Visayan/Cebuano : HUNONG (ho-nongh)
English : STOP
Filipino/Tagalog : HINTO (ma-SAH-rahp)
Visayan/Cebuano : LAMI (la-MEE)
English : DELICIOUS
Filipino/Tagalog : MAINIT (mah-ee-NEEHT)
Visayan/Cebuano : INIT (ee-NEEHT)
English : HOT
Filipino/Tagalog : MALAMIG (mah-lah-MEEG)
Visayan/Cebuano : BUGNAW (BOOG-nawh)
English : COLD
Filipino/Tagalog : SIGE (SEE-geh)
Visayan/Cebuano : SIGE (SEE-geh)
English : OKAY
Filipino/Tagalog : DI BALE (dee BAH-leh)
Visayan/Cebuano : DI BALE (dee BAH-leh)
English : IT DOESN\’T MATTER
Filipino/Tagalog : HINDI KO ALAM (heeh-DEE koh ah-LAHM)
Visayan/Cebuano : WA KO KABAWO (WA koh kah-bah-WOO)
English : I DON\’T KNOW
Filipino/Tagalog : MAGANDA (mah-gahn-DAH)
Visayan/Cebuano : GWAPA (gwa-PAH)
English : BEAUTIFUL
Filipino/Tagalog : AKO (ah-KOH)
Visayan/Cebuano : AKO (ah-KOH)
English : I
Filipino/Tagalog : TAYO (TAH-yoh)
Visayan/Cebuano : KITA (KEE-tah)
English : WE
Filipino/Tagalog : SIYA (shee-YAH)
Visayan/Cebuano : SIYA (shee-YAH)
English : HE/SHE
Filipino/Tagalog : SANDALI LANG (sahn-dah-LEE lahng)
Visayan/Cebuano : KADYUT LANG (Ka-JOOT lahng)
English : WAIT A MINUTE
Filipino/Tagalog : MERON KA NANG (MEH\’rohn kah BAHng)
Visayan/Cebuano : NAA KA BAY (na-AH ka bhay)
English : DO YOU HAVE…?
Filipino/Tagalog : GUSTO MO (GOOS-toh moh)
Visayan/Cebuano : GUSTO NIMO (GOOS-toh nee-moh)
English : DO YOU LIKE…?
Filipino/Tagalog : GUSTO MO (GOOS-toh moh)
Visayan/Cebuano : GUSTO NIMO (GOOS-toh nee-moh)
English : DO YOU LIKE…?
Filipino/Tagalog : MAHAL KITA (Mah-HAL kee-tah)
Visayan/Cebuano : GIHIHGUGMA KA NAKO (GEE-heeg-GUGH-mah kah nakoh)
English : I LOVE YOU
Filipino/Tagalog : PAUMANHIN PO (pah-oo-mahn-HEEN poh)
Visayan/Cebuano : PASAYLOA KO (pah-say-LOO-ah koh)
English : SORRY/MY APOLOGY/EXCUSE ME
This is phrase is used when one asks for forgiveness. Filipino gets hurts easily but forgives quickly as well.
Filipino/Tagalog : MAKIKIRAAN PO (mah-kee-kee-RA-AN poh)
Visayan/Cebuano : MOAGI KO (mo-ah-GEE koh)
English : MAY I PASS…?
Filipino/Tagalog : MAKIKISUYO PO (mah-kee-kee-SOO-yoh
Visayan/Cebuano : MOHANGYO KO UNTA (moh-hang-YOO koh uhn-TAH)
English : MAY I ASK A FAVOR?
Filipino/Tagalog : TAO PO (ta-O poh)
Visayan/Cebuano : AYO (ah-YOO)
English : IS SOMEONE INSIDE THE HOUSE?
NOTE: This is said simultaneously while preferably knocking at the door, far better if said earlier than the actual knocking or pushing of the button of a doorbell. Filipinos prefer calling his attention by loud voice than a knock at the door or a dingdong of the door bells especially on the rural areas. They prefer warm, exciting human voices of their visitors for them it\’s a sign of close relationship or a sense of familiarity.
Filipino/Tagalog : TULOY/PASOK ( TOO-loy/pa-SOOK)
Visayan/Cebuano : SULOD (soo-LOD)
English : ENTER
Filipino/Tagalog : ANONG ORAS NA PO? (Ah-nong OOras na poh?)
Visayan/Cebuano : UNSAY ORAS NA? (uhn-say OOras na?)
English : WHAT TIME IS IT?
Filipino/Tagalog : SAAN KA PUPUNTA? (sah-an kah PU-pun-tah)
Visayan/Cebuano : ASA KA MOADTO (Ah-sa kah mo-adTOO)
English : WHERE ARE YOU GOING?
Filipino/Tagalog : SAAN KAYO GALING? (sah-an kah-yoh GAh-ling))
Visayan/Cebuano : ASA KA GIKAN (Ah-sa kah GEE-kan)
English : WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?
Filipino/Tagalog : ANO ANG PANGALAN NILA? (ah-noh ang pah-nga-LAN nila)
Visayan/Cebuano : UNSA IMO NGALAN? (un-sah i-moo ngah-lan?)
English : WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?
Filipino/Tagalog : AKO AY SI_______? (AAA-koh ay SEE_____)
Visayan/Cebuano : AKO AY SI_______? (AAA-koh ay SEE_____)
English : I AM___________?
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/filipino-words-and-phrases-for-travelers-use-5707022.html
Article by: Mary Grace Bacle
About the Author
Mary Grace Linejan Bacle a proud mother of 4 gems – is a writer by passion but a proprietor of a trading/export company of baby products by economic reasons and moonlights as consultant in small and medium business management by choice