We use numbers in every aspect of our lives. We use them to tell the time, count our money, check the date, measure objects, and find out how many calories were in that last piece of cake we ate. When learning a new language, its number system is always one of the first things we study since numbers have so much impact on our daily lives. 

The great thing about Tagalog numbers is that they’re as simple as they can get. All you need to do is memorize the first nine numbers, and the rest should be as easy as 1-2-3. No pun intended! And no, that is not an exaggeration. 

Why don’t we begin so you can see what we’re talking about?

Learning Filipino numbers is as important as learning the Filipino alphabet.

1. Filipino Numbers 1-9
2. Filipino Numbers 10-100
3. Filling in the Gaps
4. Counting in the Hundreds and Thousands
5. How to Give Your Phone Number
6. Saying Prices
7. Using Numbers When Shopping
8. Learn More Than Just Tagalog Numbers with FilipinoPod101

1. Filipino Numbers 1-9 

There are two sets of numbers used in the Filipino number system. The first set includes those of Malay origin, also known as Tagalog numbers. The second set includes those of Spanish origin. Tagalog numbers are used primarily for counting and measuring. Spanish numbers, on the other hand, are used for telling the time (although they’re also used for counting money). 

It’s important to note that other Filipino dialects have their own number system apart from Spanish numbers, although the similarity in their pronunciation and spelling remains. In some Visayan dialects, for instance, dalawa (“two”) is spoken as either duha or duwa, and tatlo (“three”) is tulo. 

That said, here are the numbers from 1 to 9 in both the Tagalog and Spanish number systems.

1 – Tagalog Numbers 1-9

2 – Spanish Numbers 1-9

Learning numbers in Filipino is pretty straightforward.

➜ Supplement your learning with our vocabulary review lesson Simple Numbers in Filipino.

Note: The modern Filipino number system doesn’t have an equivalent for “zero.” It’s rarely (if ever) used in literature or in conversations. However, a long time ago, Filipinos would use a term that referred to nothingness. It’s the word kopong, which is an Austronesian word meaning “empty” or “nothing.” You’ll find a short explanation in this article.

2. Filipino Numbers 10-100

In this section, you’ll learn how to count from 10 to 100 in Filipino. 

There is a pattern used for counting from 11 to 19 in Tagalog. In English, we use “teen” for the numbers 13 to 19; in Tagalog, however, we use labi for the numbers 11 to 19. The term labi is Filipino for “remnant” or “excess,” that is, excess from ten. For instance, 11 is labing-isa in Tagalog, which means it is ten plus an excess of one.

1 – Tagalog Numbers 10-19

2 – Spanish Numbers 10-19

3 – Tagalog Numbers 20-29

In our entry on intermediate Tagalog words, we mentioned the formula for counting beyond the “teen” numbers: add the suffix -pu to the end of the numbers in the tens place. The suffix -pu, by the way, is short for sampu (“ten”). Let’s see how that works.

A- Tagalog

Notice how the linkers were used in these numbers. For dalawampu (“20”), the linker ng was replaced by “m” with the suffix -pu attached right after it. The same is true for the numbers tatlumpu (“30”), limampu (“50”), pitumpu (“70”), and walumpu (“80”). For numbers ending in a consonant, the linker na was used instead.

You can check out our blog entry on Filipino word order to review how the linkers na and ng are used.

B- Spanish

➜ Learn how to say the numbers 1-100 in Filipino in this audio lesson.

3. Filling in the Gaps

This time, let’s find out how to write numbers between 20 and 30, 30 and 40, and so on. The formula is rather simple. You simply write the word for the number in the tens place and attach the word for the number in the ones place after it. In this case, we will use the contraction of the linker at (“and”). Check this out:

1 – Tagalog Numbers

The same rule applies to the rest of the numbers from 30 to 90. Here are some examples:

2 – Spanish Numbers

The rule for the Spanish numbers works in the same way, except that the linker used is also in Spanish: y (“and”). Also, the use of the linker excludes the numbers from 21 to 29 and all numbers from 100 and beyond. Let’s see how it works:

Trivia: Did you know that Filipinos used to follow a different system for counting? It was way more complicated than the one we use today! This article talks about it in detail.

Linkers play an important role in the Filipino number system.

4. Counting in the Hundreds and Thousands

You already had a glimpse of what it’s like to count in the hundreds in Filipino. With Tagalog numbers, this simply means attaching the word for the numbers in the ones and tens place to the number in the hundreds place. We do that with the help of the linker at (“and”). 

1 – Tagalog Numbers

Let’s take a look at how we use this linker to form larger numbers in Filipino:

Counting in the thousands is just as easy. All you need to do is replace the word daan (“hundred”) with libo (“thousand”) and apply the rules you’ve learned.

The Filipino term for “thousand” is libo.

2 – Spanish Numbers

Once again, the same formula applies when counting using Spanish numbers. Just take note that there’s a difference in when the linker is used for numbers in Spanish.

And for counting in the thousands, we simply replace siyento (“hundred”) with mil (“thousand”).

By now, you’ve probably realized how easy it is to write numbers in Filipino, both in the Tagalog format and the Spanish format. As long as you follow the formula and know which linker to use (and when to use it), there’s very little chance for you to make a mistake.

5. How to Give Your Phone Number

The interesting thing about numbers in Filipino is that even though Filipinos use two number systems, we always give phone numbers using the English language. In the Philippines, it would be awkward to give your phone number using Tagalog or Spanish. Here’s an example scenario:

• Pwede ko bang mahingi ang numero mo? (“Can I have your number?”)
  Sige. Ang numero ko ay 0947 7651036. (“Sure. My number is 0947 7651036.”)

Just like in English, the number “zero” is either spoken as “zero” or as the letter “O.”

➜ Speaking of phone numbers, don’t forget to view this list of useful Tagalog phone call phrases.

6. Saying Prices

When it comes to reading prices, Filipinos often use English. However, when shopping at the public market (or any place besides malls), people often use a mixture of Tagalog and Spanish numbers. The same is true when it comes to jeepney, bus, or taxi fares.

• Singkwenta lang ang kilo. (“It’s fifty per kilo.”)
• Kwarenta y singko lang lahat ang babayaran mo. (“You only have to pay forty-five pesos for everything.”)
• Kuya, kulang ng sampu ang pamasahe mo. (“Sir, you’re ten pesos short.”)
• Kinse pesos lang po ang isang piraso. (“It’s only fifteen pesos apiece.”)

Keep in mind that you don’t need to mention the currency all the time when saying prices or when counting money.

Kwarenta y singko lang lahat ang babayaran mo. (“You only have to pay forty-five pesos for everything.”)

7. Using Numbers When Shopping

As mentioned, Filipinos use a mixture of Tagalog and Spanish numbers when saying prices. Unless you’re shopping at some classy mall, you don’t have to use English at all. 

• Kukuha ako ng dalawa nito. (“I’m taking two of these.”)
• Bigyan mo ako ng tatlo niyan. (“Give me three of those.”)
• Susukatin ko muna ang isang ito. (“Let me try this one in the fitting room first.”)
• Pabili po ng limang kilong bigas. (“I’d like to buy five kilos of rice.”)
• Pitong pares ang kailangan ko. (“I need seven pairs of these.”)

➜ Shop more confidently in the Philippines with this list of useful Tagalog words used for shopping.

8. Learn More Than Just Tagalog Numbers with FilipinoPod101

In this guide, you learned the basics of Filipino numbers and how to use them in certain situations, such as shopping and handing out your phone number. Are there any other circumstances where you think a mastery of Tagalog numbers would come in handy? Let us know in the comments!

If you wish to further improve not only your skills in using Filipino numbers but also your Filipino grammar skills in general, FilipinoPod101 is always here for you. Here at FilipinoPod101.com, you can enjoy a wide range of free learning resources, from blog entries like this one to more advanced audio and video lessons. Create your free lifetime account to get started!

You can add to that our MyTeacher service for Premium PLUS students. This is a learning program that lets you have your own personal coach who can provide you with personalized assignments, record audio samples to help with your pronunciation, and give real-time feedback about your progress. What are you waiting for? Become a Premium PLUS FilipinoPod101 member today, and enjoy exclusive benefits!

Learn how to apologize in Filipino – fast and accurately! FilipinoPod101 makes it easy for you to make amends. Start with a bonus, and download your FREE cheat sheet – How to Improve Your Filipino Skills! (Logged-In Member Only)

Table of Contents

1. Common Ways to Say Sorry in Filipino
2. How To Refuse Something Politely in Filipino
3. Audio Lesson – Survival Phrases “How to Say Sorry”
4. Why You Will NOT Be Sorry For Learning Filipino through FilipinoPod101

1. Common Ways to Say Sorry in Filipino

Nobody’s perfect, not anywhere in the world. Everybody makes mistakes, and does and says regrettable things. Then it’s time to apologize, as saying ‘I’m sorry’ is not in vain. It can be very healing! Did you know that hearing a sincerely-meant apology can have a noticeable effect on a person’s body? Research has shown that it slows down breathing and heart rate, and even causes a drop in blood pressure.

Sometimes we cannot fix what’s broken, but we can make the experience a bit easier for anyone who suffered on account of our thoughtless actions or words.

Here are a number of ways to say sorry in Filipino. In any language, just make sure you really mean it! An insincere apology will not go down well with anyone.

Ako ay humihingi ng paumanhin.
I’m sorry

These words should precede anything else you have to say. Use them sincerely and whenever you are clearly in the wrong. Acknowledging your guilt and apologizing for any wrongdoing will lift your spirits too! Often, remorse can eat away at us, and a simple ‘I’m sorry’, in Filipino or any other language, can open the door for forgiveness and resolution of a bad situation. It can be a true gift!

Gusto kong humingi ng paumanhin.
I would like to apologize.

This is a slightly more formal way to say ‘I’m sorry’ in Filipino. Use this phrase if you’re addressing your superiors and/or elders.

Taos-puso akong humihingi ng paumanhin.
I sincerely apologize.

If you feel strongly about your apology, this is another slightly more formal phrase to use. Keep it handy for graver errors, or you might come across as insincere!

Hindi ko na iyon gagawin ulit.
I won’t do it again.

A promise you can only make if you intend to keep it! Few things feel as bad as having to hear repeated apologies from someone for the same behavior – it means the ‘sorry’ is not sincere. Don’t be that person!

Sisiguraduhin kong hindi magawa ang pagkakamaling ito muli.
I’ll make sure not to make this mistake again.

A beautifully strong phrase! Again, say this only if you mean it – not just in the moment, but always! A bit more formal, this is an especially good phrase to use when apologizing to superiors and/or elders. It will make an especially good impression at the workplace, where accountability is an excellent quality to display!

Hindi ko iyon sinasadya.
I didn’t mean that.

This is a tricky one… What did you mean, then?! Clear up any confusion with sincerity. Also, use this phrase only if the harm done or mistake made was due to an accident, and then admit to thoughtlessness on your part, if appropriate.

Kasalanan ko.
It’s my fault.

If the fault is really yours, own up to it. You will gain respect in the eyes of others! However, don’t take the blame when it’s not truly yours. It won’t be good for you, and ultimately you will not be respected much for it.

Pasensiya sa pagiging makasarili.
I’m sorry for being selfish.

This is a good phrase to keep handy, especially for your close relationships. It is difficult to admit you’re selfish, isn’t it?! However, it’s good to know when to be honest. We get used to our loved ones, which often means we forget that they need our good manners and unselfish behavior just as much as strangers do.

Sana’y patawarin mo ako.
I hope you will forgive me.

This is a polite and gentle wish that can smooth over many harsh feelings. It also shows that the other person’s opinion and forgiveness are important to you.

Ako ang may pananagutan ng lahat.
I take full responsibility.

This strong statement is similar to admitting that an error or transgression was your fault. It speaks of courage and the willingness to take remedial action. Good one to use…if you mean it!

Hindi ko dapat ginawa iyon.
I shouldn’t have done it.

This phrase is fine to use if you did or said something wrong. It shows, to an extent, your regret for having done or said what you did, and demonstrates that you understand your role in the mistake.

Pasensiya dahil nahuli ang pagsauli ko ng pera sayo.
Sorry for giving your money back late.

It’s rotten to have to loan money! Yet, it’s equally rotten to have to ask for the repayment of a loan. So, do your best not to pay late in the first place, but if it can’t be helped, this would be a good phrase to use!

Huwag ka sanang magalit sa akin.
Please don’t be mad at me.

Well, this is not a very advisable phrase to use if you are clearly in the wrong. If someone is justifiably angry with you, asking them not to be mad at you would be an unfair expectation. However, if you did something wrong by accident, and if the consequences were not too serious, this request would be OK.

Sorry nahuli ako.
Sorry I’m late.

Punctuality is valued in most situations, but if you really cannot help being late, then apologize! This way you show respect for your host, and win their approval.

Humihingi ako ng paumanhin sa pagiging masama sayo.
I apologize for being mean to you.

Acknowledging your own meanness towards someone is no small thing, so good for you! Use this apology only if your intention is to seriously address your mean tendencies, or these words could become meaningless over time.

2. How To Refuse Something Politely in Filipino

Congratulations! Now you know how to apologize in Filipino! After you have apologized for a mistake, focus on fixing whatever you can, and don’t punish yourself over something that cannot be taken back or reversed. That’s healthy for you! Regret can eat away at the soul, and even destroy it. It is ultimately a useless emotion if it consumes you.

However, in language, we use apologies not only when we’ve transgressed or made mistakes. They come in handy in other situations too, when there has been no wrongdoing. Sometimes we need to express regret for having to refuse a gift, an offer, or an invitation. This can be somewhat tricky. Learn from specialists at FilipinoPod101 about how to use the correct Filipino words for this kind of ‘sorry’!

3. Survival Phrases “How to Say Sorry”

On the run and need a quick lesson on how to say sorry in Filipino? Don’t fret, just listen and repeat! Click here for a recorded short lesson and learn how to give the perfect apology, with perfect pronunciation in Filipino. A little can go a long way, and you will sound like a native!

4. Why You Will NOT Be Sorry For Learning Filipino through FilipinoPod101

Online learning is here to stay, that’s a fact. In 2015, the Digital Learning Compass Partnership released a report based on surveys to determine online enrollment trends in US institutions for higher education. Thirty percent of all their students learned online! And the number is growing! However, how can you be sure you will not regret your choice of an online language learning school? First, look at the school’s credentials and what it has to offer…

• Fun and Easy Learning: It’s a commonly-known fact that when learning is made easy and fun, student motivation rises. And as motivation rises, so does the effort to learn – what a beautiful cycle! FilipinoPod101’s language learning system is designed to get you speaking from the onset. Learn at your own convenience and pace with our short, effective and fun audio podcast lessons. Our Learning Center is comprehensive and state-of-the-art, with a vibrant user community to connect to! Our lessons are recorded with native hosts and voice actors, providing a diverse range of dialects in your lessons. You can be confident that native speakers will understand you when speaking Filipino!
• Innovative Learning Tools and Apps: We make it our priority to offer you the best learning tools! These include apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Mac OSX; eBooks for Kindle, Nook, and iPad; audiobooks; Roku TV and so many more. This means that we took diverse lifestyles into account when we developed our courses, so you can learn anywhere, anytime on a device of your choice. How innovative!
• Free Resources: Sharing is caring, and for this reason, we share many free resources with our students. For instance, start learning Filipino with our basic online course by creating a lifetime account – for free! Also get free daily and iTunes lessons, free eBooks, free mobile apps, and free access to our blog and online community. Or how about free Vocabulary Lists? The Filipino dictionary is for exclusive use by our students, also for free. There’s so much to love about FilipinoPod101…!
• Live Hosts and One-on-One Learning: Knowledgeable, energetic hosts present recorded video lessons, and are available for live teaching experiences if you upgrade. This means that in the videos, you get to watch them pronounce those tongue-twisters, as if you’re learning live! Add octane to your learning by upgrading to Premium Plus, and learn two times faster. Your can have your very own Filipino teacher always with you, ensuring that you learn what you need, when you need to – what a wonderful opportunity to master a new language in record time!
• Start Where You Are: You don’t know a single Filipino word? Not to worry, we’ve absolutely got this. Simply enroll in our Absolute Beginner Pathway and start speaking from Lesson 1! As your learning progresses, you can enroll in other pathways to match your Filipino level, at your own pace, in your own time, in your own place!

After this lesson, you will know almost every ‘sorry for’ in Filipino, but don’t let it be that you’re sorry for missing a great opportunity. Learning a new language can only enrich your life, and could even open doors towards great opportunities! So don’t wonder if you’ll regret enrolling in FilipinoPod101. It’s the most fun, easy way to learn Filipino!

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re trying to find a way to give someone your name—in perfect Tagalog. As we all know, first impressions last. And to make a good one, you have to know what you’re doing. So, after searching for “My name is,” in Tagalog, it’s time to take it to the next level.

So, how to introduce yourself in Filipino?

As in many places, in the Philippines, there are different ways of introducing yourself. There are different approaches for when you’re around buddies, older people, or in a corporate setting (unless your boss tossed all the rules and specifically requested you to call him by his nickname in a land called The Things that Never Happened). But hey, it can be a wild world sometimes.

By the time you’re through with this article, you should have no trouble during your next few Filipino self-introductions!

Table of Contents

1. Politeness Matters
2. The All-Important Kumusta
3. Say More About Yourself
4. When You Need to be Formal with Your Introduction
5. You’re All Set to Introduce Yourself in Filipino

1. Politeness Matters

Now, you already know how to say “My name is,” in the Filipino language, which means you’re ready to learn about another set of keywords: po and opo. These are included in the “Mano” tradition in the Philippines. In some Asian cultures such as Japan and Korea, they have a certain way of speaking to express respect or politeness, sometimes referred to as “honorifics.” It’s possible that something like this exists in other cultures too, so it’ll be interesting to see the similarities and differences.

1- So, how do you use po and opo?

It’s not too difficult to use these words when you introduce yourself in Tagalog. If you’re speaking to someone older, someone who’s possibly five or ten years older than you, you use po and opo when talking to them.

Now, imagine that you’re invited to a friend’s house. You can expect to meet his/her relatives, and naturally, you’ll have to introduce yourself when they ask about you or say the inevitable kumusta? But before that happens, greeting them when you enter the home will get things started on the right foot.

Here’s how that might go:

• You: Magandang umaga po.
• Friend’s parent/relative: Magandang umaga din sayo.
• You: “Good morning!”
• Friend’s parent/relative: “Good morning to you, too!”

As you can see, umaga translates to “morning,” and if you’re eager to be more time-specific, you can use tanghali or hapon which translate to “afternoon.” These words aren’t very different, but people say tanghali early in the afternoon (like at noon), and hapon late in the afternoon (like around three o’clock). But there’s no thought police here, so no one will stop you in your tracks if you said Magandang hapon at one o’clock.

For night time, there’s gabi which means “evening.” You can also keep things general with araw, which is “day.” Now, to see it used, here’s a tiny cheat sheet. You can also take a look at the examples here.

2- Greetings in Filipino

Here are some of the most useful Filipino and Tagalog greetings to use throughout the day!

Opo is mostly used to answer questions politely, and sentences usually start with it. Sometimes, it’s all you have to say for the equivalent of a courteous “yes.”

Here’s an example:

Friend’s parent/relative: Kasamahan ka ba ni Jason?
You: Opo. Magkasama kami sa opisina.

Friend’s parent/relative: “Are you and Jason co-workers?”
You: “Yes. We work in the same office.”

You can always look at more examples online of how you can speak politely in Filipino, or check out additional content on our site so you can hear them used in the wild. Okay, not too wild. But enough to make anyone smile because of your effort to be polite.

That seems pretty standard, doesn’t it? For a quick recap, you know how to say your name in Tagalog and some basic greetings in Filipino. Now, it’s time to unravel the mystery that is kumusta. It’s not really that much of a mystery because it’s probably one of the first things you hear about the Filipino culture.

2. The All-Important Kumusta

Once you’ve come across Kumusta ka, you got yourself something good in your Filipino language arsenal. That’s because it can be used as “Hi” or “How are you?” and Filipinos are known for being jolly—many are likely to let out a smile once they hear these magic words.

Let’s take a closer look at how it’s used, shall we?

Imagine you’re with a friend who happens to see another friend while you’re outside. It’s only natural to introduce you to that other person. Now, you don’t need to worry about doing something wrong. Chances are, your friend will say “hi” to that other person and introduce you as quickly as possible.

Here’s what you can expect:

Friend: Hi Jojo. Kumusta?
Jojo: Oy, pare! Kumusta?

Friend: Ayos naman. Si (your name) pala.
Jojo: Kumusta, (your name).

You: Kumusta. Ako si (your name).

In English:

Friend: “Hi Jojo. How are you?”
Jojo: “Hey, man! How are you?”

Friend: “I’m alright. This is (your name) by the way.”
Jojo: “Hi, (your name)?”

You: “Hi. I am (your name).”

It’s important to emphasize that this will happen in very informal settings, and you can find more examples on our site, as well as a lesson on how to talk about friends. Remember, though,that things change a bit when you talk to someone older or if you want to be more polite.

So far, the things you’ve learned can help you breeze through five to ten minutes of conversation. Just kidding! Of course, it’s about twenty minutes. Seriously though, it’s not so much about the amount of time you spend talking, but the impression you make.

Speaking of talking more, it’s time to bring in the goods. That introduction has been preparing you for this part: knowing what questions you may have to answer and things that are perfectly okay to ask in Filipino culture.

3. Say More About Yourself

It’s time to actually say details about yourself. But you may be wondering what can be considered “too much information,” or what you can casually talk about.

Like in many places, it’s wise not to get ahead of yourself and talk about your whole family history. You can easily share details such as where you live, your age, where you studied, your marital status, and whether you have kids or not. But wait a minute, doesn’t that sound like a bit too much?

In Filipino culture, you have to remember that mentioning these topics is common. People mean no offense by asking you these things. After you say your name in Filipino, you’re either going to face some questions, or you may just decide that you want to include some more details in your introduction.

Take a look at this dialogue between strangers.

1- Talk About Where You Live

Imagine that this is a colleague you met in the office for the first time:

You: Magandang umaga.
Colleague: Magandang umaga din sayo.

You: Ako si (your name.) Anong pangalan mo?
Colleague: Ako si Eric. Taga saan ka?

You: Nakatira ako sa Makati. Ikaw?
Colleague: Sa Antipolo kami pero nagrent ako ng apartment sa Makati para malapit sa office.

In English:

You: “Good morning.”
Colleague: “Good morning to you, too.”

You: “My name is (name.) What’s yours?”
Colleague: “My name is Eric. Where are you from?”

You: “I live in Makati. How about you?”
Colleague: “I am from Antipolo, but I rented an apartment in Makati because it’s closer to the office.”

After reading this, you may think that something isn’t quite right. Why are there English words in a Tagalog conversation? There’s a simple answer: English is considered the second language in the Philippines, so it isn’t difficult to see people mixing Tagalog and English words in one sentence. This is called Taglish. This is just used in informal communication or when words that are used have no equivalent in Filipino.

Asking about where one lives doesn’t seem too private, but notice that in the example, the colleague easily shared details about moving and where they lived previously.

2- Share Your Age, Marital Status, and Talk About Your Children

Things become more exciting (or unexpected) with this next part, but it all depends on how you look at it. Regardless, keep in mind that it’s all done in good faith. Talking about family is commonly done in the country, and reading this might give you better insight. Providing details such as your age, marital status, and even about your children, happens so casually, as you can see in this dialogue.

Colleague: Ilang taon ka na?
You: 27 na ako.

Colleague: Single ka?
You: Hindi, may asawa na ako.

Colleague: O talaga? Ako din may asawa na. Kailan kayo kinasal?
You: Two years ago.

Colleague: May anak na kayo?
You: Wala pa kaming anak ngayon. May anak na ba kayo?

Colleague: Oo, dalawa. Yung panganay ko grade one, yung bunso ko two years old palang.

In English:

Colleague: “How old are you?”
You: “I’m 27.”

Colleague: “Are you single?”
You: “No, I’m already married.”

Colleague: “Oh, really? I’m also married. When did you get married?”
You: “Two years ago.”

Colleague: “Do you have children?”
You: “We don’t have kids yet. Do you have children?”

Colleague: “Yes, we have two. My eldest is in first grade, my youngest is just two years old.”

Fun fact: “O” is just a filler in Tagalog and is very much like “Oh” in English.

3- Share What School You Went to & Your Major

Another tried and tested way of how you can introduce yourself in Tagalog is by talking about the school you went to, your major, or your job. To some cultures, this may be another sensitive topic (especially asking whether a person finished school or not), but it’s perfectly normal here.

Here’s another example conversation:

You: Kumusta? Ako si Andrew. Anong pangalan mo?
Colleague: Ako si Francis.

You: Ikaw yung kasama ni Jenny kanina, di ba?
Colleague: Oo ako ‘yon. Bago lang kasi ako sa office kaya sinasamahan niya ako at first job ko ito.

You: Matagal na ba kayong magkakilala ni Jenny?
Colleague: Oo pareho kami na Accounting ang course sa PUP. Ikaw, anong course mo?

You: Entrepreneurship ang major ko.
Colleague: First job mo ba ito?

You: Hindi. Marami akong naging trabaho noong nasa US ako.
Colleague: Talaga? Working student ka?

You: Oo. Kailangan ko kasi ng pambayad sa college.
Colleague: Ang galing mo naman. Mahirap mag-aral kapag may trabaho ka pa.

You: Marami naman ang ganon sa amin at madali lang ang trabaho sa bakery.
Colleague: Ah sa bakery ka pala nagtrabaho. Ayos yon.

You: Oo, sa bakery, sa supermarket, basta part-time na trabaho kinuha ko.

In English:

You: “Hi. My name is Andrew. What’s your name?”
Colleague: “My name is Francis.”

You: “You were with Jenny earlier, right?”
Colleague: “Yes, I was with her. This is my first job and I am new in the office, so she accompanies me.”

You: “Have you and Jenny known each other for a long time?”
Colleague: “Yes, we both took up Accounting in PUP. How about you, what was your major?”

You: “I took up Entrepreneurship.”
Colleague: “Is this your first job?”

You: “No. I had many jobs when I was in the U.S.”
Colleague: “Really? Were you a working student?”

You: “Yes. I needed the money to pay for college.”
Colleague: “That’s really great. It’s hard to go to school when you have work.”

You: “Many people do that back there and my work in the bakery was easy.”
Colleague: “Oh, you worked in a bakery? Sounds great.”

You: “Yes, I worked at a bakery, supermarket, and other places. I just took any kind of part-time work.”

Fun fact: In the Philippines, “course” is usually used instead of “major” when you talk about what you studied in college.

If you want to hear another example of what a profession-related conversation could look like, we have a relevant lesson on our website. Again, note that this is a very common conversation topic. Knowing how to talk about it will surely help you make friendly relations with more people.

4. When You Need to be Formal with Your Introduction

At this point, you’ve read about how you can be polite and friendly, and what subjects you might be asked about when you introduce yourself in Filipino. Give yourself a pat on the back. Chances are, saying your name in Filipino has become a piece of cake, and nothing you’ll face will make you sweat (figuratively, of course). Visiting the Philippines always means being ready for that tropical feel.

The Philippines isn’t all about staying at the beach and drinking coconut water, though. You still have to go to the office, talk to bosses, and say your name in Tagalog when you introduce yourself. An office setting requires a different kind of courtesy, but it’s nothing overwhelming. Take a look at this dialogue and see how it goes.

You: Magandang umaga po, Sir.
Department Head: Magandang umaga din sayo. Maupo ka.

You: Salamat po, Sir.
Department Head: Anong maitutulong ko sayo?

You: Sir, gusto ko po sana na magpalipat sa Makati branch natin.
Department Head: Pwede ko bang malaman kung bakit?

You: Mas malapit po kasi sa bahay ko yung Makati branch. Kung mas malapit po yung bahay ko, mas madali sa akin ang mag-overtime.
Department Head: Pag-iisipan ko yang sinabi mo sa akin. Ipapatawag kita kaagad kapag may balita na ako kung pwede kang lumipat o hindi.

You: Salamat po, Sir.

In English:

You: “Good morning, sir.”
Department Head: “Good morning to you, too. Please sit down.”

You: “Thank you, sir.”
Department Head: “What can I do for you?”

You: “Sir, I’d like to be transferred to our Makati branch.”
Department Head: “Could you tell me why?”

You: “It’s because I live closer to our Makati branch. If I lived closer to the office, I could work overtime more.”
Department Head: “I’ll think about it. I’ll let you know whether you can transfer or not as soon as I receive information about it.”

You: “Thank you, sir.”

There’s a lot of po usage in this dialogue and, as previously said, it’s to show politeness. Another notable thing is the use of “sir.” In the Philippines, addressing a superior in the office as Miss, Ma’am, or Sir, is enough to show your respect for them.

There are also a few things you’ll have to remember before having a chat with your boss (e.g. you should knock before entering a room). Lucky for you, FilipinoPod101.com has a lesson that covers the various phrases you may need for a good first impression.

5. You’re All Set to Introduce Yourself in Filipino

Most people who have been to the Philippines, or who have read a few things about the country, will tell you that Filipinos are quite friendly. The term “hospitable” is almost always used to describe the people of the Philippines. This means that to get the most out of your visit, you need to mirror this friendliness as much as you can, whether you’re saying your name or introducing yourself in Filipino.

Kumusta can be heard almost anywhere, and it’s impossible to forget. However, remembering how things are done gives you extra points. Besides, the aim is to learn; though skating by is fairly enjoyable, nothing beats the satisfaction of having a new skill.

Now that you’ve scratched bits of the surface, you can always keep an eye out for more. You can get past just knowing how to say your name in Tagalog; FilipinoPod101.com gives you a window to the culture, language, and just about anything to make your stay in the Philippines more enjoyable.

Before you go, let us know in the comments how you feel about self-introductions in Filipino and Tagalog! Write us a short self-introduction in Filipino about yourself to practice. 😉 We look forward to hearing from you!

The Philippines is one of the most awesome countries in Southeast Asia. It’s a country with a very rich culture and breathtaking scenery. More importantly, it’s a place filled with kind and hospitable people. That’s why, despite the country’s imperfections, the Philippines never runs out of tourists and people who wish they could live here permanently.

Being able to temporarily live in the country is also on the bucket list of many foreigners studying the Filipino language. One of the most common concerns for these individuals is where to find jobs in the Philippines. After all, there’s no better way to master a new language than to immerse oneself in the culture of the people who natively speak that language.

If you’re wondering how to find a job in the Philippines, this guide is for you. Finding a job in the Philippines might be difficult for foreigners due to the country’s high unemployment rate—but the good news is that it’s not impossible. In this article, we’ll show you which cities in the country you’ll have a higher probability of getting a job, as well as which websites you can check to look for career opportunities. We’ll also give you some tips on what kind of jobs to look for and what permits or other requirements you might need.

Finding a job in the Philippines might be difficult for foreigners, but it’s not impossible.

1. Where to Find Jobs in the Philippines
2. Language Teaching Jobs
3. Blue-Collar Jobs
4. Office Jobs
5. Jobs Related to Health, Science, and Technology
6. Freelancing Gigs
7. Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired by Learning Filipino!

1. Where to Find Jobs in the Philippines

Knowing exactly where to find jobs in the Philippines can be quite tricky considering that the country is an archipelago composed of over seven thousand islands. One thing you need to know, however, is that the country is divided into three major islands with each island having at least one major city. Luzon, being the most populated of the three, is home to the National Capital Region (NCR), which comprises a total of 16 cities, including Makati City and Quezon City. In the Visayas, you have Cebu City on Cebu Island and Iloilo City on Panay Island. If you go south to Mindanao, you have Davao City and General Santos City. 

1 – Major Cities to Consider When Looking for Jobs in the Philippines

Jobs are available countrywide, but you’ll have a higher chance of landing one if you consider these cities:

• Makati City
• Quezon City
• Cebu City
• Iloilo City
• Davao City

To figure out where to find the best job to suit your preferences and skills, you’ll need to consider the industry you’re entering. For instance, multinational companies and BPOs are mostly based in large cities like Metro Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo. New sectors are also gradually rising in places like Baguio and Dumaguete. When it comes to the healthcare industry, most of the activity is concentrated in the National Capital Region, but it’s quite saturated there already so you might have a better chance in rural areas or smaller cities.

If you’re interested in tourism jobs in the Philippines, each province or city in the country has its own attraction, so you should be able to find something in whichever region you choose. In terms of manufacturing jobs, areas around Metro Manila are great candidates. These include Batangas, Cavite, Pampanga, and Bulacan.

➜ Here’s a list of vocabulary for major cities in the Philippines to help you get more familiar with your future surroundings.

Multinational companies and BPOs are mostly based in large cities like Metro Manila.

2 – What Jobs Can Foreigners Apply for in the Philippines?

The Philippines allows foreigners to become employees in the country, provided their job of choice falls within the 15 categories set by the government in 2019:

1. Professional athletes, coaches, trainers, and assistants
2. International performers with exceptional abilities
3. Artists, performers, and their staff who perform for a fee
4. Service suppliers who will perform temporary services and will not be receiving a salary from a Philippine source
5. Treasure hunters authorized by the government to look for hidden treasures
6. Movie and TV crew authorized to film in the country
7. Journalists practicing their profession
8. Trainees assigned to government agencies and private entities
9. Lecturers, researchers, and others pursuing academic work
10. Religious missionaries and preachers
11. Commercial models
12. Chefs
13. Consultants
14. Professionals

This list may appear comprehensive, but it’s implicative in nature. If you can show that your intention to work in the country falls within the confines of qualified activities and warrants the approval of related government agencies, then you may be granted a Special Working Permit (SWP). 

Don’t worry if you’re not fluent in Tagalog yet. English is the primary means of communication in the Philippine corporate world, which means being fluent in Tagalog is not a requirement when looking for a job.

➜ Need help with your job interview? Here are some of the most useful job interview questions in Filipino.

3 – Working Permits and Visa

If you want to work in the Philippines as a foreigner, you need to find a company that will be willing to give you the paperwork to apply for a working permit. You specifically need to obtain an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The AEP is required of any foreign national seeking admission to the country for employment. 

Foreign nationals seeking short-term work are only required to secure a Special Work Permit (SWP). This allows expatriates to work under a Tourist Visa (9A), provided that the contract does not go beyond three months. Nevertheless, the visa is extendable for a maximum of three months.

Speaking of visas, the most common type of work visa is the 9 (G) visa. Also known as the Pre-Arranged Employment Visa, the 9 (G) allows foreign employers in the country to employ foreign nationals. This gives the holder the freedom to enter and exit the country while working for a company licensed to do business under Philippine laws.

The Pre-Arranged Employment Visa allows foreign employers in the Philippines to employ foreign nationals.

2. Language Teaching Jobs

Foreigners are allowed to work as teachers in the Philippines. However, neither private nor public universities hire foreigners as full-time faculty members at the time of this writing. 

You have a few options if you want a teaching job here. First off, you need to understand that there are already a lot of competent English teachers in the country working in English Tutorial Centers. If you’re fluent in a language other than English, then you may have a higher chance of getting a job as a language teacher. For instance, there are Japanese- and Korean-language tutorial centers all over Metro Manila. You can also find private tutorial jobs for other languages like Thai and Russian.

The most common requirement for language teaching jobs in the Philippines is a language proficiency test certificate. If you’re going to teach English, you’ll need to possess a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate. If you’re going to teach Japanese, then you’ll need one for passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).

Here are the top websites to help you find available language teaching jobs in the Philippines:

• TeachAway
• OETJobs
• Careerjet

3. Blue-Collar Jobs

Beginning in February of 2019, the Philippine government decided to cease issuing permits to foreign nationals who want to be employed in blue-collar jobs in the country. There are only two conditions under which you can work in this industry. The first one is that you possess special skills that no other Filipino does. The second one is that a certain company has hired you personally to work for them.

Here are the best job finder websites in the Philippines to help you find available blue-collar jobs:

• Payjobs
• Monster
• Jobisjob Philippines

➜ Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the most common Filipino words for occupations.

The Philippine government has ceased issuing permits to foreign nationals who want to be employed in blue-collar jobs.

4. Office Jobs

Foreigners can get office jobs in the Philippines, as long as they can find a company that will be willing to give them the paperwork to get a work visa. Possible options for office jobs for foreigners in the Philippines include the following:

• Call center jobs
• Secretarial jobs
• Business analyst jobs
• Receptionist jobs
• Interpreter jobs
• Sales consultant jobs

Here are the top websites to help you find office jobs in the Philippines:

• Expat Exchange
• LinkedIn

5. Jobs Related to Health, Science, and Technology

Jobs in this field are specialized, so as long as you have the skills required for such jobs, you won’t have a hard time getting hired. Whether there are jobs available for you is the question, however. Philippine companies in this field will always prioritize Filipinos, but if you have skills that Filipino applicants don’t already possess, you’ll have a huge chance of getting hired. That said, there are private companies in this field that only hire foreigners for certain positions. Possible positions that may be available for this field include the following:

• Lecturer
• Research specialist
• Technical assistant
• Laboratory analyst
• Machine technician
• Chemist
• Environmental scientist

The following are some websites you can check for available jobs in this sector:

• Jobstreet
• Industrial Technology Development Institute
• EnergyJobOnline

➜ Speaking of office jobs, here’s a lesson on Filipino expressions to use at the office.

6. Freelancing Gigs

There are no specific websites for part-time jobs. If you wish to find one, you can use any of the websites mentioned above. However, some websites might increase your chances of finding a freelancing gig. If you’re particularly concerned about where to find online jobs in the Philippines, then you have websites like Onlinejobs PH. This website is dedicated to providing online-based jobs to Filipinos, but foreigners can apply here too.

Indeed.com is another great site you can use to look for part-time jobs. If you can write well, you can find part-time or freelance writing jobs via these websites. Keep in mind, though, that most employees hiring through these sites are foreigners, too, which means your salary won’t be sourced from the Philippines. That would be an advantage because there really aren’t a lot of restrictions for foreigners working online-based jobs with salaries coming outside of the country. If you’re a foreigner visiting the country for a few months, finding freelance remote jobs in the Philippines this way would be the best option for you in terms of having an extra source of income.

➜ Check out our list of Filipino words and expressions related to computers and computer use.

Freelance writing is one of the most lucrative jobs you can do as a foreigner in the Philippines.

Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired by Learning Filipino!

Whether you’re looking for a job in the Philippines to learn the language or vice-versa, one thing is for sure: FilipinoPod101 can help you pick up speed in your journey of learning Filipino or Tagalog.

FilipinoPod101 can provide you with free resources that will make it easier for you to study the Filipino language. This includes a comprehensive list of lessons on vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. If you’re looking for more guides like this one, you’ll find them on the site’s blog page.

What separates FilipinoPod101, though, is our innovative approach to language learning—not to mention our MyTeacher service, designed to accelerate your progress toward your learning goals! With MyTeacher, you can have a real professional Filipino teacher guide you and give you constant feedback as you move ahead in your lessons.

We hope that you found our guide on how and where to find jobs in the Philippines valuable! If you believe we missed any detail, please let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer any questions you may have.

Do you often feel lonely and sad? Do you long for romance and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet that special person? Speaking another language could revolutionize your love life! So, why wait? Learning how to say ‘love’ in Filipino could be just what you need to find it.

Or perhaps you were lucky, and have found your Filipino partner already. Fantastic! Yet, a cross-cultural relationship comes with unique challenges. Learning how to speak your lover’s language will greatly improve your communication and enhance the relationship. At FilipinoPod101, our team will teach you all the words, quotes and phrases you need to woo your Filipino lover with excellence! Our tutors provide personal assistance, with plenty of extra material available to make Filipino dating easy for you.

Table of Contents

1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date
2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date
3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary
4. Filipino Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day
5. Filipino Quotes about Love
6. Marriage Proposal Lines
7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines
8. Will Falling in Love Help You Learn Filipino Faster?

Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)

1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date

So, you have met your Filipino love interest. Congratulations! Who knows where this could take you…?! However, the two of you have just met and you’re not ready to say the Filipino word for love just yet. Great, it is better to get to know him/her first. Wow your prospective love by using these Filipino date phrases to set up a spectacular first date.

Would you like to go out to dinner with me?

• Gusto mo bang lumabas at magdinner nang magkasama?

The important question! In most cultures, this phrase indicates: ‘I’m romantically interested in you’. Flirting in Filipino is no different, so don’t take your date to Mcdonald’s!

Are you free this weekend?

• Libre ka ba sa katapusan ng linggo?

This is a preamble to asking your love interest on a date. If you get an immediate ‘Yes’, that’s good news!

Would you like to hang out with me?

• Gusto mo bang lumabas nang magkasama?

You like her/him, but you’re not sure if there’s chemistry. Ask them to hang out first to see if a dinner date is next.

What time shall we meet tomorrow?

• Anong oras tayo magkikita bukas?

Set a time, and be sure to arrive early! Nothing spoils a potential relationship more than a tardy date.

Where shall we meet?

• Saan tayo magkikita?

You can ask this, but also suggest a place.

You look great.

• Ang ganda mo.

A wonderful ice breaker! This phrase will help them relax a bit – they probably took great care to look their best just for you.

You are so cute.

• Ang cute mo sobra.

If the two of you are getting on really well, this is a fun, flirtatious phrase to use.

What do you think of this place?

• Anong masasabi mo sa lugar na ito?

This another good conversation starter. Show off your Filipino language skills!

Can I see you again?

• Pwede ba kitang makitang muli?

So the date went really well – don’t waste time! Make sure you will see each other again.

Shall we go somewhere else?

• Pwede ba tayong pumunta sa iba?

If the place you meet at is not great, you can suggest going elsewhere. It is also a good question to follow the previous one. Variety is the spice of life!

I know a good place.

• May alam akong magandang puntahan.

Use this with the previous question. However, don’t say if you don’t know a good place!

I will drive you home.

• Ipag-drive na kita pauwi.

If your date doesn’t have transport, this is a polite, considerate offer. However, don’t be offended if she/he turns you down on the first date. Especially a woman might not feel comfortable letting you drive her home when the two of you are still basically strangers.

That was a great evening.

• Iyon ay magandang gabing magkasama.

This is a good phrase to end the evening with.

When can I see you again?

• Kailan kita ulit makikita?

If he/she replied ‘Yes’ to ‘Can I see you again?’, this is the next important question.

I’ll call you.

• Tatawagan kita.

Say this only if you really mean to do it. In many cultures, this could imply that you’re keeping the proverbial backdoor open.

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2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date

You learned all the Filipino phrases to make a date – congratulations! Now you have to decide where to meet, which can be tricky. Discuss these options with your lover to gauge whether you like the same things. Check out romantic date ideas in Filipino below!

museum

• museo

If you’re looking for unique date ideas that are fun but won’t break the bank, museums are the perfect spot! You won’t be running out of things to say in the conversations.

candlelit dinner

• candlelit dinner

A candlelit dinner is perhaps best to reserve for when the relationship is getting serious. It’s very intimate, and says: “Romance!” It’s a fantastic choice if you’re sure you and your date are in love with each other!

go to the zoo

• pumunta sa zoo

This is a good choice for shy lovers who want to get the conversation going. Just make sure your date likes zoos, as some people dislike them. Maybe not for the first date, but this is also a great choice if your lover has children – you’ll win his/her adoration for inviting them along!

go for a long walk

• maglakad ng malayo nang magkasama

Need to talk about serious stuff, or just want to relax with your date? Walking together is soothing, and a habit you can keep up together always! Just make sure it’s a beautiful walk that’s not too strenuous.

go to the opera

• pumunta sa opera

This type of date should only be attempted if both of you love the opera. It can be a special treat, followed by a candlelit dinner!

go to the aquarium

• pumunta sa aquarium

Going to the aquarium is another good idea if you need topics for conversation, or if you need to impress your lover’s kids! Make sure your date doesn’t have a problem with aquariums.

walk on the beach

• maglakad sa beach

This can be a very romantic stroll, especially at night! The sea is often associated with romance and beauty.

have a picnic

• mag picnic

If you and your date need to get more comfortable together, this can be a fantastic date. Spending time in nature is soothing and calms the nerves.

cook a meal together

• magluto ng pagkain nang magkasama

If you want to get an idea of your date’s true character in one go, this is an excellent date! You will quickly see if the two of you can work together in a confined space. If it works, it will be fantastic for the relationship and create a sense of intimacy. If not, you will probably part ways!

have dinner and see a movie

• mag hapunan at manood ng pelikula

This is traditional date choice works perfectly well. Just make sure you and your date like the same kind of movies!

3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary

Expressing your feelings honestly is very important in any relationship all year round. Yet, on Valentine’s Day you really want to shine. Impress your lover this Valentine’s with your excellent vocabulary, and make his/her day! We teach you, in fun, effective ways, the meanings of the words and how to pronounce them. You can also copy the characters and learn how to write ‘I love you’ in Filipino – think how impressed your date will be!

4. Filipino Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day

So, you now have the basic Valentine’s Day vocabulary under your belt. Well done! But, do you know how to say ‘I love you’ in Filipino yet? Or perhaps you are still only friends. So, do you know how to say ‘I like you’ or ‘I have a crush on you’ in Filipino? No? Don’t worry, here are all the love phrases you need to bowl over your Filipino love on this special day!

I love you.

• Mahal kita.

Saying ‘I love you’ in Filipino carries the same weight as in all languages. Use this only if you’re sure and sincere about your feelings for your partner/friend.

You mean so much to me.

• Mahalaga ka para sa akin.

This is a beautiful expression of gratitude that will enhance any relationship! It makes the receiver feel appreciated and their efforts recognized.

Will you be my Valentine?

• Maari bang ikaw ang aking maging aking Valentino/Valentina?

With these words, you are taking your relationship to the next level! Or, if you have been a couple for a while, it shows that you still feel the romance. So, go for it!

You’re so beautiful.

• Napakaganda mo.

If you don’t know how to say ‘You’re pretty’ in Filipino, this is a good substitute, gentlemen!

I think of you as more than a friend.

• Higit pa sa magkaibigan ang pagtingin ko sa iyo.

Say this if you are not yet sure that your romantic feelings are reciprocated. It is also a safe go-to if you’re unsure about the Filipino dating culture.

A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you.

• Kulang ang isang daang puso para lamanin ang pagibig ko para sa iyo.

You romantic you…! When your heart overflows with love, this would be the best phrase to use.

Love is just love. It can never be explained.

• Ang pag-ibig ay pag-ibig lamang. Hindi ito kayang maipaliwanag.

If you fell in love unexpectedly or inexplicably, this one’s for you.

You’re so handsome.

• Napakaguwapo mo.

Ladies, this phrase lets your Filipino love know how much you appreciate his looks! Don’t be shy to use it; men like compliments too.

I’ve got a crush on you.

• May gusto ako sa iyo.

If you like someone, but you’re unsure about starting a relationship, it would be prudent to say this. It simply means that you like someone very, very much and think they’re amazing.

You make me want to be a better man.

• Dahil sa iyo, ninanais kong maging mas mabuting tao.

Gentlemen, don’t claim this phrase as your own! It hails from the movie ‘As Good as it Gets’, but it is sure to make your Filipino girlfriend feel very special. Let her know that she inspires you!

Let all that you do be done in love.

• Hayaan mong ang lahat ng iyong gagawin ay magawa sa ngalan ng pag-ibig.

We hope.

You are my sunshine, my love.

• Ikaw ang araw sa aking buhay, aking giliw.

A compliment that lets your lover know they bring a special quality to your life. Really nice!

Words can’t describe my love for you.

• Hindi kayang ilarawan ng mga salita ang pag-ibig ko para sa iyo.

Better say this when you’re feeling serious about the relationship! It means that your feelings are very intense.

We were meant to be together.

• Tayo ay nakatadhana para sa isa’t isa.

This is a loving affirmation that shows you see a future together, and that you feel a special bond with your partner.

If you were thinking about someone while reading this, you’re definitely in love.

• Kung may tao kang nasasaisip habang binabasa mo ito, siguradong ikaw ay in-love.

Here’s something fun to tease your lover with. And hope he/she was thinking of you!

5. Filipino Quotes about Love

You’re a love champ! You and your Filipino lover are getting along fantastically, your dates are awesome, your Valentine’s Day together was spectacular, and you’re very much in love. Good for you! Here are some beautiful phrases of endearment in Filipino that will remind him/her who is in your thoughts all the time.

6. Marriage Proposal Lines

Wow. Your Filipino lover is indeed the love of your life – congratulations! And may only happiness follow the two of you! In most traditions, the man asks the woman to marry; this is also the Filipino custom. Here are a few sincere and romantic lines that will help you to ask your lady-love for her hand in marriage.

7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines

Instead of moving towards marriage or a long-term relationship, you find that the spark is not there for you. That is a pity! But even though breaking up is never easy, continuing a bad or unfulfilling relationship would be even harder. Remember to be kind to the person you are going to say goodbye to; respect and sensitivity cost nothing. Here are some phrases to help you break up gently.

8. Will Falling in Love help you Learn Filipino faster?

Most people will agree that the above statement is a no-brainer – of course it will! Your body will be flooded with feel-good hormones, which are superb motivators for anything. FilipinoPod101 is one of the best portals to help help make this a reality, so don’t hesitate to enroll now! Let’s quickly look at the reasons why falling in love will speed up your learning of the Filipino language.

Three Reasons Why Having a Lover will Help you Learn Filipino Faster!

1- Being in a love relationship with your Filipino speaking partner will immerse you in the culture
FilipinoPod101 uses immersive methods and tools to teach you Filipino, but having a relationship with a native speaker will be a very valuable addition to your learning experience! You will gain exposure to their world, realtime and vividly, which will make the language come alive even more for you. The experience is likely to expand your world-view, which should motivate you to learn Filipino even faster.

2- Having your Filipino romantic partner will mean more opportunity to practice speaking
Nothing beats continuous practice when learning a new language. Your partner will probably be very willing to assist you in this, as your enhanced Filipino language skills will enhance the relationship. Communication is, after all, one of the most important pillars of a good partnership. Also, you will get to impress your lover with the knowledge gained through your studies – a win/win situation!

3- A supportive Filipino lover is likely to make a gentle, patient teacher and study aid!
With his/her heart filled with love and goodwill for you, your Filipino partner is likely to patiently and gently correct your mistakes when you speak. This goes not only for grammar, but also for accent and meaning. With his/her help, you could sound like a native in no time!

Three Reasons Why FilipinoPod101 helps you learn Filipino Even Faster when you’re In Love

Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)

1- All the Resources and Materials Will Help Both of You
Falling in love with a man or woman speaking Filipino is an opportunity for both of you to learn a new language! For this reason, every lesson, transcript, vocabulary list, and resource at FilipinoPod101 is translated into both English and Filipino. So, while your partner can help you learn Filipino faster, you can potentially also help him/her learn and master English!

2- Lessons Are Designed to Help You Understand and Engage with Filipino Culture
At FilipinoPod101, our focus is to help our students learn practical vocabulary and phrases used by everyday people in Philippines. This means that, from your very first lesson, you can apply what you learn immediately! So, when your Filipino partner wants to go out to a restaurant, play Pokemon Go, or attend just about any social function, you have the vocabulary and phrases necessary to have a great time!

3- Access to Special Resources Dedicated to Romantic Filipino Phrases
You now have access to FilipinoPod101’s specially-developed sections and tools to teach you love words, phrases, and cultural insights to help you find and attract your Filipino soul mate. A personal tutor will assist you to master these brilliantly – remember to invite him/her to your wedding!

The Filipino people are well-known for being hospitable and friendly. In fact, there are a couple of cities in the country described as “The City of Smiles” and “The City of Love.” The Philippines even dominated the top four spots in the list of the World’s Friendliest Islands a couple of years ago. And one way Pinoys express their congeniality is by never failing to greet friends and strangers alike with, Kumusta? whenever they meet them someplace. Hence, when you learn Filipino, how to say hello is one of the most essential things you’ll need to know.

Since there’s no direct equivalent of the English word hello in Tagalog or Filipino, they greet each other with this question instead, which translates to, “How are you?” So, in a sense, kumusta is one way of saying how are you in Tagalog. English is considered a second language in the Philippines, so it’s not uncommon to hear Pinoys greet their fellows with a “hi” or “hello.” If you want to do it the authentic way, though, saying kumusta is the way to go.

There’s more than one way of saying hello or hi in Tagalog, and that’s what this article is going to be all about. Before we show you some of the most common ways to use this Filipino greeting, let’s first talk about the background of the expression Kumusta?

Table of Contents

1. Kumusta or Kamusta? What’s the Correct Spelling?
2. When and How to Say “Hello” or Kumusta in Filipino
3. More Ways to Say Hello in Filipino
4. Responding to Kumusta
5. What’s Next?

1. Kumusta or Kamusta? What’s the Correct Spelling?

If you’re familiar with Filipino history and culture, you’re probably aware that the Philippines was under Spanish rule for 333 years. Before the foreigners came, the main communication channel of the Filipinos was Baybayin, an indigenous Indic script used by mostly the Tagalog people, or those who dwell in Luzon. At first, the Spaniards did their best to learn the native language and think like Filipinos. But as time went by and the colonization became more widespread, it was the Filipinos who were forced to learn the Spanish language instead.

That’s the reason many of the words and expressions used by Pinoys sound like they came straight out of a Dora the Explorer or Handy Manny episode. Kumusta isn’t an exception.

Just like any other language, the Filipino language consists of many variants, or words spelled or pronounced differently. Perhaps the 175 dialects spoken in the archipelago are to be credited for these variants. But that’s what makes the language in the Philippines interesting! Speaking of variants, kamusta is basically a variant of kumusta. So the original spelling is with a “u” rather than an “a.”

But that’s not the main explanation. If you’re also a fan of the Spanish language, then you’re probably pretty familiar with the greeting, ¿Cómo está?, which is “How are you?” when translated.

That’s right. The Filipino kumusta actually originated from the Spanish, ¿Cómo está? And that’s the reason kumusta is more proper than kamusta.

Nevertheless, the two are interchangeable, and kamusta is actually the version that’s often used by many Filipinos today. In writing, however, see to it that you pick a version and stick to it. In this case, we’ll use the proper term, which is kumusta.

This matter out of the way, let’s learn how to say hello in the Philippines (or more specifically, how to say hello in the Filipino language)!

2. When and How to Say “Hello” or Kumusta in Filipino

So, how do you say hello in the Philippines?

Here, we’ll go over a few different ways of how to say “Hello, how are you?” in the Filipino language. Unlike the greeting “hello” in English, the Filipino greeting kumusta? can be used in several different instances, with slightly varying meanings.

1- When Greeting a Friend

A. Kumusta ka? – “How are you?”

As already mentioned, the most direct translation of Kumusta ka? is “How are you?” The most common use of this expression is when greeting a friend, especially when the two of you haven’t seen each other for a while. Nevertheless, it’s still okay to ask someone kumusta even if it’s only been twenty-four hours since you last saw each other. In that case, Kumusta ka? could translate to, “How are you today?”

This greeting can also be used if you want to say hello to a stranger you meet in the hallway or the streets. Since FIlipinos are naturally friendly, they’ll definitely acknowledge your greeting with a smile or a greeting of their own.

B. Kumusta ka na? – “How have you been?/How are you now?”

When the adverb na is added to kumusta ka, the meaning of the expression changes. Now, it’s no longer simply “How are you?” but “How have you been?” implying that you haven’t seen the person for some time. This expression is also used when you’re checking on the condition of the person. If your colleague has been on sick leave, for instance, you greet them with this question to show concern. In this case, it translates to, “How are you now?”

Ex.

Uy, antagal nating hindi nagkita ah. Kumusta ka na?
“Hey, it’s been a while since we’ve last seen each other. How have you been?”

Balita ko nagkasakit ka raw. Kumusta ka na?
“I heard you were sick. How are you now?”

C. Musta?

This is a shortened version of kumusta. This is often used when greeting a close friend or relative.

D. Anong balita? – “What’s up?”

Balita is Filipino for “news.” Pinoys are often straightforward and aren’t embarrassed to ask close friends personal questions. Greeting someone with Anong balita? is basically asking them about the latest news in their personal life. This isn’t always the case, though. Among very close friends (barkada), this expression is just an informal greeting.

E. Long time no see ah!

How do Filipinos say hello? Sometimes in English! This one is broken, or pidgin, English, but is often used by Filipinos to greet someone they haven’t seen for a long time.

F. Hoy! Ba’t ngayon ka lang nagpakita? – “Hey! Where have you been all this time?”

This is an informal way of greeting a very close friend who hasn’t been showing up to the group for some time.

2- When Greeting a Group of People

Kumusta kayo? – “How are you?”

The pronoun kayo is used instead of ka when referring to more than one person. A teacher who’s just arrived in the classroom, for instance, would ask her students, Kumusta kayo, mga bata? or “How are you, children?”

3- When Greeting Someone Older or Someone in Authority

Kumusta po kayo?

This phrase is the same as “How are you?” but with the word po, which indicates respect. In some cases, po can be eliminated, since kayo can also be used when speaking with someone older or someone in authority.

3. More Ways to Say Hello in Filipino

Kumusta is the most direct way to say hello in Filipino, but it’s not the only way Pinoys greet each other.

1- Greetings for Different Times of the Day

• Magandang Umaga. – “Good morning.”
• Magandang Tanghali. – “Good noon.”
• Magandang Hapon. – “Good afternoon.”
• Magandang Gabi. – “Good evening.”

Depending on the time of the day, it may be more appropriate to use good wishes than to say kumusta. There are instances, though, when you can add kumusta to such greetings:

Magandang umaga. Kumusta ka?
“Good morning. How are you?”

2- When Meeting a Person or a Group of People for the First Time

When meeting a person or a new group of people, you can use this phrase:

Ikinagagalak kong makilala ka/kayo.

It essentially means “I am glad to meet you,” or “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

This is a rather formal way to converse with someone and is often used in writing rather than in conversations since most Filipinos aren’t comfortable with this kind of expression anymore.

3- Formal Greetings

Speaking of formal greetings, here’s another one:

Mabuhay!

This is an alternative to kumusta and is often used as a formal greeting.

In the Philippines, this expression became popular when the 1994 Miss Universe beauty pageant was held in the country. The seventy-seven contestants of this event greeted everyone with an opening number entitled, Mabuhay.

The lyrics go like this:

Here in the Philippines, they have a word.
A great way to start up
each day,
When you want to say “Welcome, we wish you the best”:
Just smile up a smile as you say,
Oh, oh, Mabuhay!

The root word of mabuhay is buhay, which literally means “life” or “alive.” When you use the formal greeting, Mabuhay!, you’re basically saying, “Live!” or “Long Live!”

4. Responding to Kumusta

Now that you know how to say hello, good morning, and good evening in Filipino, it’s time to learn how to respond when you’re the one greeted with a good morning in Filipino or How are you? in Tagalog.

You’ve probably been taught to reply with, “I’m fine. Thank you,” when greeted with, “How are you?” Well, in Filipino,this is spoken as, Mabuti naman ako. Salamat.

• mabuti = “fine”
• naman = “also”
• ako = “me”
• salamat = “thank you”

You can also respond with Okay lang ako or Ayos lang ako, which translates to “I’m okay,” or “I’m just fine.”

If you want to return the greeting, simply say, Ikaw? or Kayo? or Kayo po?

Ikaw and kayo are both “you” in Filipino, but as a response to “How are you?” they would imply “How about you?”

5. What’s Next?

We hope you found this article helpful and that you now know how to say hello in Filipino and are now aware of the different instances you should use the greeting.

Do you know how to say hello in Filipino Tagalog after reading this article? Is there anything you’re still struggling with, or other greetings you would like to know? Let us know in the comments!

If you want to learn more Filipino expressions, one place you can visit online is FilipinoPod101. Here, you can study and learn key Filipino phrases in a fast and easy way. It doesn’t matter if you’re an absolute beginner, because we have a pathway designed for learners like you. Most importantly, we provide free resources if you want to try out our services first.

Most everyone is familiar with this day, as it is celebrated nearly everywhere the world. Yet, when exactly is April Fools’ Day? And where did April Fools come from? April Fools’ Day is observed on April 1st every year. This day of jokes and pranks is believed to have stemmed from the 16th-century calendar change in France, when New Year’s Day was moved from April 1 to January 1. This action was taken due to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar.

However, a few people were resistant to the calendar change, so they continued to observe New Year’s Day on April 1st, rather than the new date. They were referred to as the “April Fools”, and others started playing mocking tricks on them. This custom endured, and is practiced to this day around the world!

Table of Contents

1. Top One Million Words You Need to Know for April Fools’ Day
2. Filipino Phrases You Can Use on April Fools’ Day
3. Some of the Coolest April Fools’ Pranks To Play on Anybody
4. How Can FilipinoPod101 Make Your April Fools’ Day Special?
5. Top 1000 Most Useful Phrases in Filipino – Testing New Technology

1. Top One Million Words You Need to Know for April Fools’ Day

Do you want to know how to say April Fools’ Day in Filipino? Well, there are millions of ways and words, but here are the top one million Filipino words you really need to know! Simply click this link. Here are some of them you will find useful:

1. joke – magbiro
2. funny – nakakatawa
3. lie – magsinungaling
4. sneaky – mapanlinlang
5. prankster – pilyo
6. prank – kapilyuhan
7. play a joke – lokohin ang isang tao
8. humor – katatawanan
9. deceptive – mapanlinlang
10. April 1st – ika-una ng Abril
11. surprise – manggulat
12. fool – loko

2. Filipino Phrases You Can Use on April Fools’ Day

Don’t limit yourself to practical jokes – use these April Fools’ phrases in Filipino to prank your favorite Filipino friend or colleague!

1. I learned Filipino in 1 month.
   • Nag-aral ako ng Filipino sa loob ng isang buwan.
2. All classes for today got canceled.
   • Lahat ng klase ngayong araw na ‘to ay nakansela.
3. I’m sorry, but I’ve just broken your favorite pair of glasses.
   • Sorry, pero nasira ko ang paborito mong pares ng salamin sa mata.
4. Someone has just hit your car.
   • May kakabangga lang sa kotse mo.
5. I’m getting married.
   • Magpapakasal na ako.
6. You won a free ticket.
   • Nanalo ka ng libreng tiket.
7. I saw your car being towed.
   • Nakita kong tinotow ang kotse mo.
8. They’re giving away free gift cards in front of the building.
   • Namimigay sila ng mga libreng gift card sa harap ng building.
9. A handsome guy is waiting for you outside.
   • May gwapong lalaking naghihintay sa’yo sa labas.
10. A beautiful lady asked me to give this phone number to you.
    • May isang magandang babaeng nagpapabigay nitong numero ng telepono sa’yo.
11. Can you come downstairs? I have something special for you.
    • Pwede ka bang bumaba? Mayroon akong isang espesyal na bagay para sa’yo.
12. Thank you for your love letter this morning. I never could have guessed your feelings.
    • Salamat para sa love letter kaninang umaga. Hindi ko kailanman maiisip na ganon pala ang iyong nararamdaman.

Choose your victims carefully, though; the idea is to get them to laugh with you, not to hurt their feelings or humiliate them in front of others. Be extra careful if you choose to play a prank on your boss – you don’t want to antagonize them with an inappropriate joke.

3. Some of the Coolest April Fools’ Pranks To Play on Anybody

Right, now that you know the top million April Fools’ words in Filipino, let’s look at some super pranks and tricks to play on friends, colleagues and family. Some April Fools ideas never grow old, while new ones are born every year.

Never joke in such a way that it hurts anyone, or humiliates them badly in front of others – the idea is for everybody to laugh and enjoy the fun! Respect is still key, no matter what day of the year it is.

1- Infestation

This trick is so simple, yet so creepy, it’s almost unbelievable. Take black paper, cut out the silhouette of a giant cockroach, a spider or another insect, and stick it inside the lampshade of a table lamp. When the lamp is switched on, it will look like a monstrous insect is sitting inside the lampshade. Or, get a whole lot of realistic-looking plastic insects, and spread them over a colleague’s desk and chair, or, at home, over the kids’ beds etc. Creep-factor: stellar.

2- Which One Doesn’t Fit?

Put the photo of a celebrity or a notorious politician in a frame, and take it to work on April Fools’ Day. Hang the photo on the staff picture wall, and wait. You’ll be surprised how long it can take for people to notice that one picture doesn’t fit.

3- Something Weird in the Restroom

At work, replace the air freshener in the restroom with something noxious like insect killer, oven cleaner or your own odious mixture in a spray bottle. Be sure to cover the bottle’s body so no one suspects a swap.

Or paint a bar of soap with clear nail polish, and leave it at the hand wash basin. It will not lather.

Or, if your workplace’s restroom has partitioned toilets with short doors, arrange jeans or trousers and shoes on all but one of the toilet covers, so it looks like every stall is occupied. Now wait for complaints, and see how long it takes for someone to figure out the April Fools’ Day prank. You’ll probably wish you had a camera inside the restroom. But, unless you don’t mind getting fired, don’t put your own recording device in there!

4- Call Me Funny

Prepare and print out a few posters with the following instructions: Lion Roar Challenge! Call this number – 123-456-7890 – and leave your best lion’s roar as voicemail! Best roarer will be announced April 10 in the cafeteria. Prize: $100. (Lion’s roar is just an example; you can use any animal call, or even a movie character’s unique sound, such as Chewbacca from Star Wars. The weirder, the funnier. Obviously!) Put the posters up in the office where most of the staff is likely to see them. Now wait for the owner of the number to visit you with murderous intent. Have a conciliatory gift ready that’s not a prank.

5- Minty Cookies

This is another simple but hugely effective prank – simply separate iced cookies, scrape off the icing, and replace it with toothpaste. Serve during lunch or tea break at work, or put in your family’s lunch boxes. Be sure to take photos of your victim’s faces when they first bite into your April Fools’ cookies.

6- Wild Shopping

At your local grocer, place a realistic-looking plastic snake or spider among the fresh vegetables. Now wait around the corner for the first yell.

7- The Oldest Trick in the Book

Don’t forget probably the oldest, yet very effective April Fools’ joke in the book – smearing hand cream or Vaseline on a door handle that most staff, family or friends are likely to use. Yuck to the max!

8- Sneeze On Me

Another golden oldie is also gross, yet harmless and utterly satisfying as a prank. Fill a small spray bottle that you can easily conceal with water. Walk past a friend, colleague or one of your kids, and fake a sneeze while simultaneously spraying them with a bit of water. Expect to be called a totally disgusting person. Add a drop of lovely smelling essential oil to the water for extra confusion.

9- Word Play Repairs

Put a fresh leek in the hand wash basin at home or work, and then tell your housemates or colleagues this: “There’s a huge leak in the restroom/bathroom basin, it’s really serious. Please can someone go have a look?!” Expect exasperation and smiles all around. Note that this prank is only likely to work where people understand English well.

10- Scary Face

Print out a very scary face on an A4 sheet of paper, and place it in a colleague’s, or one of your kid’s drawers, so it’s the first thing they see when they open the drawer. You may not be very popular for a while.

11- Wake Up To Madness

Put foamy shaving cream, or real whipped cream on your hand, and wake your kid up by tickling their nose with it. As long as they get the joke, this could be a wonderful and fun way to start April Fools’ Day.

12- Computer Prank

This one’s fabulous, if you have a bit of time to fiddle with a colleague, friend or your kid’s computer. It is most effective on a computer where most of the icons they use are on the desktop background itself (as opposed to on the bottom task bar).

Take and save a screenshot of their desktop with the icons. Set this screenshot as their background image. Now delete all the working icons. When they return to their computer, wait for the curses when no amount of clicking on the icons works.

13- Monster Under the Cup

This one will also work well anywhere people meet. Take a paper cup, and write the following on it in black pen: “Danger! Don’t lift, big spider underneath.” Place it upside-down on prominent flat surface, such as a kitchen counter, a colleague’s desk or a restaurant table. Expect some truly interesting responses.

14- Prank Door

Write in large letters on a large and noticeable piece of paper: PUSH. Tape this notice on a door that should be pulled to open, and watch the hilarious struggle of those clever souls who actually read signs.

4. How Can FilipinoPod101 Make Your April Fools’ Day Special?

If you happen to visit Philippines, or if you work for any Filipino company, knowing the above Filipino prankster phrases can really lighten up your day. Showing you have a sense of humor can go a long way to cement good relationships in any situation. These phrases are at your disposal for free, as well as are these 100 core Filipino words, which you will learn how to pronounce perfectly.

Also, don’t stop at learning April Fools’ phrases in Filipino – bone up your Filipino language skills with these FREE key phrases. Yes, FilipinoPod101 doesn’t joke when it comes to effective, fun and easy learning.

Now, as a bonus, test our super-learning technology, and learn the Top 1000 most useful phrases in Filipino below! But that’s not all. Read on to learn how you can be eligible for large enrollment discounts at FilipinoPod101.

5. Top 1000 Most Useful Phrases in Filipino – testing new technology

Help us by being a language guinea pig! Listen to this video above with embedded cutting-edge, frequency-based learning technology that enables you to learn large amounts of data in record time.

• Note: This technology is in beta-phase of development, and we invite your input for fine-tuning.
• To participate: Watch the video for instructions, and leave a comment to rate it. Your comment will make you eligible for large enrollment-fee discounts. To watch the video, please click the play button.

Thank you for helping FilipinoPod101! We’re serious about making learning Filipino fun.

Not only is it possible to learn Filipino in your car, there are 3 great benefits that will help you master the language faster and with less effort.

With everyone so pressed for time these days, it might seem like a daydream to believe that you could learn Filipino in your car—but it’s not! Thanks to a wide range of new technologies and resources, learning a language in your car is easier than ever. Not only is it easy to learn a language while driving, there are actually a number of benefits, especially if the lessons are part of a structured learning program like FilipinoPod101. Here are three specific benefits to learning Filipino or any other new language in your car.

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1. Transform Downtime into Progress

How much time do you spend commuting to and from work? Learning a language in your car transforms your commute time into tangible progress towards your dream. So instead of being stressed over how much time you are “wasting” on errands and daily commutes, you can decompress and have some fun while you learn Filipino in your car!

2. Daily Exposure Leads to Passive Learning

Practice makes perfect and learning a new language is no different. The daily exposure you get when you learn Filipino while driving helps improve listening comprehension, pronunciation, and of course helps build vocabulary and improve grammar. Don’t worry: You don’t need to memorize everything as you listen in Filipino while driving. Just having continuous exposure to a foreign language helps you improve your vocabulary, learn faster, and ultimately retain more through passive learning.

3. Learning While Driving is Fun

Learning a new language does require a serious commitment, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! When you learn Filipino in your car, you get to take some time away from the PC or smartphone and immerse yourself in the language instead of just “studying” it.

Plus, there are a number of “fun” activities that you can do and still learn in your car, such as:
– Singing Along with Filipino Songs
– Playing Word Games or Trivia
– Just Listening Along and Seeing How Much You Can Pick Up and Understand

Yes, you can learn a language while driving and have loads of fun doing it. Now let’s take a look at some specific things you can listen to while driving to help you learn a new language.

BONUS: 3 Ways to Learn Filipino in Your Car

–Listen to Podcasts: Typically designed to focus on one topic or lesson, podcasts are a great way to learn a language while driving. Unfortunately, podcasts are rarely at the same listening/comprehension level as the language learner so listeners may not get their full value. But at FilipinoPod101, our podcasts are created for every skill level so you don’t waste any time on material that isn’t relevant or suited to your exact needs.

–Sing Along to Filipino Songs: Remember, just immersing yourself in a language can create passive learning and improve your pronunciation. Plus, with FilipinoPod101, you can sing along and memorize the lyrics, and then look the words up and add them to your personal dictionary.

–Playing Word Games or Trivia: There are audio games available online that you can download to any media device and listen to on your commute. Although we recommend this option for more advanced users, games are a fun and productive way to learn Filipino in your car because they require listening and comprehension skills.

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You won’t recognize or understand every word you hear in a Filipino song, podcast, or game—but that’s ok. The daily repetition and immersion in the language leads to passive learning that gradually increases your knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. And the greater your foundation in grammar and vocabulary, the more you’ll understand and learn from the audio lessons, podcasts, or whatever you listen to while learning Filipino in your car.

Yes, you can learn Filipino while driving because it leads to passive learning via daily immersion in the language. Although you may not understand all or even most of what you hear at first, the exposure helps improve pronunciation, vocabulary, and even grammar over time. Learning a language while driving also helps transform your commute into exciting “exotic adventures” that secretly teach you Filipino in the process. Podcasts, songs, and even games can all help you learn Filipino in your car while eliminating the “boring commute” in the process!

At FilipinoPod101, we have more than 2500+ HD audio lessons and podcasts for every skill level that you can download and use to learn Filipino while driving!
So don’t forget to sign up for a Free Lifetime Account on FilipinoPod101.com to access tons of FREE lessons and features to become fluent in Filipino!

Learn 4 honest reasons you need Filipino slang words and why they are so vital to truly learning and mastering the language.

Teachers may normally cringe at the thought of their students learning Filipino slang words. After all, slang words and phrases are typically defined as being grammatically incorrect. So why would your teacher want you to spend time learning the “wrong way” to speak Filipino? Here are 4 of the top reasons why you should study slang words and expressions when learning Filipino or any new language.

1. Native Speakers Use Slang Expressions in Everyday Conversation

If you are going to study a foreign language and plan to use it to speak with native speakers, then you have to learn slang words and expressions. Otherwise, just using formal expressions and grammar may alienate you from native speakers and make it more difficult to establish a real connection. So it is best to at least learn some common slang words and expressions if you’re planning to meet or speak socially with someone.

2. Slang Words Are Used All Throughout Filipino Culture

If you turn on any popular Filipino TV show, listen to any song, or watch any movie, you are quickly going to see the value of learning Filipino slang phrases. Just like everyday conversations between native speakers, Filipino culture is filled with slang phrases and expressions. Without at least some knowledge of the more common slang phrases, popular culture and most conversations will be very confusing and potentially alienating.

3. Slang Expressions Help You Better Express Your True Thoughts and Feelings

Only relying on formal grammar and vocabulary is very limiting, especially in social situations. Just like in your native language, using the appropriate Filipino slang words can help you express a broader range of emotions, thoughts, and feelings.

4. Proper Use of Slang Makes You Sound More Natural

We’ve all met foreigners who technically used formal language perfectly but still sounded odd and well….foreign. But when you use the right slang words and expressions, you will sound more natural and like a true native speaker. If you notice, even most politicians include a sprinkling of slang expressions and words throughout their speeches to help them sound more natural and to better connect with the audience.

The Dark Side of Slang Expressions

Learning Filipino slang words can indeed help you sound more natural, better understand the people and culture, and make integration much easier. However, there is a dark side: using the wrong slang expressions can also make you look foolish, uneducated, and potentially disrespectful.

But how do you know which slang words or phrases to use and when?

The truth is that you can’t learn the most modern and appropriate slang words in textbooks or formal classroom settings. By the time the information gets incorporated into a formal curriculum, it’s already outdated and no longer in use by actual Filipino people. And while you can learn current slang expressions from Filipino TV shows, movies, songs, and games, you may not understand the context. If that happens, you may use the right Filipino slang words but in the wrong situation and still look like a fool or possibly even offend someone.

So where can you learn current slang expressions and the right context in which to use them?

At FilipinoPod101, native speaking instructors create audio and video lessons that can include slang expressions and words. Our instructors provide context and examples for all the Filipino slang words used in any lesson to make sure students understand the right time and place to use them.

Filipino slang words and expressions may be grammatically incorrect but they are vital to truly understanding and immersing yourself in the culture. In fact, it will be very difficult to fully understand any movie, TV show, song, game, or even 1-on-1 conversation without knowing a few of the more common slang expressions.

However, it is important to learn the proper context and use of even popular slang expressions or you may come across as confusing, disrespectful, or uneducated.
At FilipinoPod101, you’ll learn how to use slang phrases and words to draw the right attention and avoid these problems.

Don’t forget to sign up for a Free Lifetime Account on FilipinoPod101.com to access tons of FREE lessons and features to become fluent in Filipino!