Having a commendable vocabulary list to study is imperative when you’re learning a new language. That said, mastering core Filipino words is crucial if you want to become fluent in the language of the Philippines.
Tagalog beginner words are simple everyday words that form the foundation of a much larger vocabulary. Learning and mastering them will help you if you’re going to pursue a career or education in the Philippines or if you simply want to move to the country.
The good news about Filipino vocabulary is that most of the words have an equivalent in English. And if you commit to studying for at least an hour every day, you’ll be able to master all the basic Filipino words and apply them in daily conversations after only 200 hours.
Tagalog takes 1100 hours to learn, though, which means you’ll still have a long way to go. So, if there’s a good time to start, it’s now! Let’s do it!
Table of Contents- Mga Panghalip (Pronouns)
- Mga Bilang (Numbers)
- Mga Pangngalan (Nouns)
- Mga Pandiwa (Verbs)
- Mga Pang-Uri (Adjectives)
- Mga Pangatnig (Conjunctions)
- At iba pa… (More beginner words)
- Catch More Filipino Beginner Words at FilipinoPod101.com!
1. Mga Panghalip (Pronouns)
Pronouns are among the core parts of speech that one should master first when learning any new language.
In Filipino, pronouns are called panghalip. There are six categories of Filipino pronouns. Most of them have direct equivalents in English, although some have more uses than their English equivalents.
You can visit our comprehensive guide to Filipino pronouns if you wish to delve deeper into the subject.
As a beginner in Filipino, you just need to focus on the three basic pronoun categories: personal, demonstrative, and interrogative.
Personal Pronouns (Panghalip Panao)
These are pronouns that replace the proper names of people in sentences. The keyword is panao, which is derived from tao, meaning “human.”
Person | Filipino | English |
1st person sg. | ako | I |
2nd person sg. | ikaw | you |
3rd person sg. | siya | he/she |
1st person pl. | tayo | we |
2nd person pl. | kayo | you all |
3rd person pl. | sila | they |
Take note that Filipino grammar doesn’t use gender pronouns, which is why “he” and “she” are both siya in Tagalog.
- Nag-aaral siya ng bokabularyong Filipino. (“She’s studying Filipino vocabulary.”)
- Nagbabasa siya palagi ng diksyunaryo. (“He always reads the dictionary.”)
Demonstrative Pronouns (Panghalip Pamatlig)
While English grammar only has four demonstrative pronouns (if we don’t include “yonder,” that is), Filipino has more than a dozen. Nevertheless, we’ll only focus on the most common ones, which are the pronominals.
Filipino | English |
ito | this |
dito | here |
iyan | that |
niyan | that |
diyan | there |
iyon | that |
doon | there |
Both iyan and niyan are translated as “that” in English. The difference between the two is that iyan is often found at the beginning of a sentence, while niyan is usually found at the end.
- Iyan ang gustong kong matutunan. (“That’s what I want to learn.”)
- Gusto kong matuto niyan. (“I want to learn that.”)
Interrogative Pronouns (Panghalip Pananong)
Filipino | English |
ano | what |
alin | which |
sino | who/whom |
kanino | whose |
There are five interrogative pronouns in the English language. All of them have an equivalent in Filipino grammar, although “who” and “whom” share the same word, which is sino.
- Sino ang estudyante mo sa Pilipino? (“Who is your student in Filipino?”)
- Sino yung sinasabi mo na nagtuturo sa iyo ng Pilipino? (“Whom did you say was teaching you Filipino?”)
2. Mga Bilang (Numbers)
Numbers may seem rather insignificant when you’re learning a new language. You may even be tempted to learn them last. However, learning numbers is crucial because we encounter and use them in everyday life. That said, here are the numbers 1-10 in Filipino. You can always check our blog entry on numbers and how to count in Filipino for more detailed information.
- 1 isa
- 2 dalawa
- 3 tatlo
- 4 apat
- 5 lima
- 6 anim
- 7 pito
- 8 walo
- 9 siyam
- 10 sampu
May tatlong bibi akong nakita. (“I saw three ducklings.”)
3. Mga Pangngalan (Nouns)
Nouns are one of the fundamental word groups in Filipino for beginners to study. They can be used alone to convey an urgent point or with verbs and objects to form a complete thought.
The Tagalog word for “noun” sounds like the Tagalog word for “name.” However, pangngalan literally means “for naming,” and yes, we know that’s what nouns are for. We use nouns to name people, places, things, events, actions, ideas, and states of existence. There are so many Filipino nouns we could cover here, but let’s focus on the most basic ones first.
Time
Filipino | English |
oras | hour/time |
minuto | minute |
segundo | second |
umaga | morning |
tanghali | noon |
hapon | afternoon |
gabi | night/evening |
araw | day |
linggo | week |
buwan | month |
taon | year |
- → Learn more about how to talk about time in Filipino right here at FilipinoPod101.com.
Days of the week:
Filipino | English |
Lunes | Monday |
Martes | Tuesday |
Miyerkules | Wednesday |
Huwebes | Thursday |
Biyernes | Friday |
Sabado | Saturday |
Linggo | Sunday |
Notice that the Filipino translations for “week” and “Sunday” are the same: linggo.
- Mag-iisang linggo ka na dito sa Linggo. (“You will have been here for a week this Sunday.”)
People
Filipino | English |
ama/tatay | father |
ina/inay/nanay | mother |
anak/bata | child |
anak na lalaki | son |
anak na babae | daughter |
asawa | spouse |
pamilya | family |
kuya | older brother |
ate | older sister |
panganay | eldest |
bunso | youngest |
pinsan | cousin |
tiyuhin | uncle |
tiyahin | aunt |
lolo | grandfather |
lola | grandmother |
guro | teacher |
mag-aaral | student |
doktor | doctor |
nars | nurse |
pulis | policeman |
Places
Filipino | English |
palengke | market |
ospital | hospital |
paaralan | school |
opisina | office |
munisipyo | municipal hall |
bangko | bank |
botika | drugstore |
simbahan | church |
istasyon ng bus | bus station |
himpilan ng pulis | police station |
School and Office Essentials
Filipino | English |
lapis | pencil |
bolpen | ballpoint pen |
panulat | pen |
papel | paper |
kuwaderno | notebook |
gunting | scissors |
pambura | eraser |
pandikit | glue |
sobre | envelope |
Body Parts
Filipino | English |
ulo | head |
buhok | hair |
mata | eyes |
tainga | ears |
ilong | nose |
bibig | mouth |
leeg | neck |
dibdib | chest |
braso | arm |
siko | elbow |
kamay | hand |
binti | thigh |
hita | leg |
tuhod | knee |
paa | feet |
Food
Filipino | English |
bigas | rice |
ulam | viand |
pampalasa | condiment |
gulay | vegetable |
prutas | fruit |
karne | meat |
gatas | milk |
itlog | egg |
baboy | pork |
baka | beef |
manok | chicken |
isda | fish |
Beginner words form the foundation of a much larger vocabulary.
4. Mga Pandiwa (Verbs)
The most basic Filipino sentence cannot stand without a verb. Known as pandiwa in Filipino, verbs are what give life to any speech. Here are 50 common Filipino verbs with which you can build your vocabulary. You can also visit our blog page for a more detailed guide to Filipino verbs.
Filipino | English |
gumising | to wake up |
bumangon | to get up |
kumain | to eat |
uminom | to drink |
magsipilyo | to brush one’s teeth |
maligo | to bathe |
magluto | to cook |
maglaba | to do the laundry |
magtrabaho | to work |
mag-aral | to study |
magmaneho | to drive |
sumakay | to ride |
umakyat | to climb |
bumaba | to go down |
magpahinga | to rest |
matulog | to sleep |
magbigay | to give |
kumuha | to get |
tumanggap | to receive |
maglakad | to walk |
tumakbo | to run |
umupo | to sit |
humiga | to lie down |
tumayo | to stand |
umalis | to go/leave |
bumalik | to come back/return |
dumiretso | to go straight ahead |
umatras | to move backward |
umabante | to move forward |
lumiko | to turn left or right |
tumalon | to jump |
ngumiti | to smile |
lumangoy | to swim |
gumawa | to make/do something |
magtanong | to ask |
maghanap | to find/look for something |
magsulat | to write |
pumayag | to allow |
pumikit | to close one’s eyes |
magbilang | to count |
mag-isip | to think |
tumawa | to laugh |
umiyak | to cry |
sumigaw | to shout |
magalit | to get angry |
manghingi | to ask for something |
pumunta | to go somewhere |
dumalo | to attend |
sumama | to come along |
humawak | to hold |
Verbs can make anything come alive!
5. Mga Pang-Uri (Adjectives)
In Filipino grammar, the ligatures na, ng, and g are used to connect adjectives to the words they’re modifying. We use na when the adjective ends in a consonant (except for “n,” in which case we used the ligature g). We then use ng if the word ends in a vowel.
- Matangkad na tao (“A tall person”)
- Malaking alon (“A big wave”)
- Balingkinitang nilalang (“A slender creature”)
We have more lessons explaining the use of Filipino adjectives here at FilipinoPod101.com. Check them out for more examples!
Adjectives Describing Objects
Filipino | English |
malaki | big |
maliit | small |
mahaba | long |
maikli | short |
mataas | high |
malapad | wide |
mababa | low |
manipis | thin |
pabilog | circular |
Adjectives Describing People
Filipino | English |
maganda | beautiful/pretty |
guwapo/pogi | handsome |
matangkad | tall |
maliit/mababa | short |
maputi | light-skinned |
maitim | dark-skinned |
moreno | brown-skinned |
balingkinitan | slender |
mataba | fat |
payat | slim/thin |
Adjectives Describing Emotions
Filipino | English |
masaya | happy |
maligaya | joyful |
malungkot | sad |
galit | angry |
nasusuklam | disgusted |
takot | afraid/fearful |
gigil | eager |
Adjectives Describing the Weather
Filipino | English |
maaraw | sunny |
mainit | humid |
maulan | rainy |
mahangin | windy |
maaliwalas | clear |
maulap | cloudy |
mabagyo | stormy |
makulimlim | shady |
maginaw | cold |
malamig | cool |
You’ve probably noticed that most Filipino adjectives start with the prefix ma-, although some may end in a suffix instead. Filipino adjectives that are formed using prefixes and suffixes are called maylapi. The adjective maganda (“beautiful”) for instance, is formed by adding the prefix ma- to the root word ganda, which means “beauty.”
Maginaw! Malapit ng mag-Pasko! (“It’s cold! The Christmas season must be near!”)
6. Mga Pangatnig (Conjunctions)
When you start learning Tagalog, you’ll find that knowing a few conjunctions can make your speech sound more fluid, even with a limited vocabulary.
Conjunctions are called pangatnig in Filipino, and they’re used to connect words, phrases, or clauses. There are as many conjunctions in Filipino as there are in English, but here are the most common ones used in daily conversations.
Filipino | English |
at | and |
o | or |
dahil/kasi | because |
pero | but |
kaya | so |
para | for/so that/to |
It’s normal for some conjunctions to have more than one equivalent in Filipino and vice-versa. Take “because,” for instance.
- Ayaw niyang kumain dahil/kasi busog na siya. (“He doesn’t want to eat because he’s already full.”)
In the same manner, some Filipino conjunctions, such as para, have more than one use in English.
- Pumunta kami para makita siya. (“We came here to see her/so that we could see her.”)
The conjunction “but” also has more than one equivalent in Filipino, although pero is the one that’s mostly used in ordinary conversations. Its other equivalents are subalit, ngunit, and sapagkat, which are more formal or literary.
- Dumalaw ako sa inyo pero wala ka. (“I went to your place, but you were not around.”)
Another word that’s used to substitute pero as a colloquial term is kaso.
- Hinabol kita kaso ambilis mo. (“I tried to run after you, but you were too fast.”)
7. At iba pa… (More beginner words)
Filipino grammar does not use auxiliary verbs like the ones we’re accustomed to in English. However, there are several words in Tagalog (called “linkers”) necessary for connecting thoughts.
na, ng, and g
We’ve already talked about how ng, na, and g are used with adjectives. These three linkers are also used with Filipino adverbs.
- Natulog siya na gutom. (“He slept with an empty stomach.”)
- Tumakbo siya ng mabilis. (“He ran fast.”)
- Naglarong mag-isa ang bata. (“The child played alone.”)
ang and si
The words ang and si are among the most basic markers in Filipino grammar. The ang marker is used to point out a word as the focus of a sentence.
- Guro ang babae. (“The woman is a teacher.”)
- Magaling ang estudyante. (“The student is good.”)
- Nasa labas ang kotse. (“The car is outside.”)
The marker si, on the other hand, is used to indicate the name of a person as the focus.
- Guro si Rodel sa UP. (“Rodel is a teacher at UP.”)
- Estudyante si Ace sa Ateneo. (“Ace is a student at Ateneo.”)
- Si Andrew ang nagmamaneho ng kotse. (“Andrew is the one driving the car.”)
The marker si becomes sina if the subject is plural.
- Nag-aaral sina Emily and Jonas. (“Emily and Jonas are studying.”)
- Aalis na sina Jordan at yung kaibigan niya. (“Jordan and his friend are leaving.”)
- Nakarating na sina mama at papa ng Maynila. (“Mom and Dad have arrived in Manila.”)
mga
The Tagalog particle mga is one of the most useful basic Filipino words to learn. In English grammar, the pluralization of words means either adding -s or –es to the end of a word, changing the spelling of the word altogether, or retaining its original spelling. In Tagalog, the only way you can transform a word into its plural form is by adding mga before it.
- mga tao (“people”)
- mga kamay (“hands”)
- mga bahay (“houses”)
There are cases when the number of the noun is understood from the context, and mga is not necessary.
- Kumakain ba ng gulay? (“Do you eat vegetables?”)
- Maraming basura sa daan. (“There’s a lot of trash on the road.”)
- Magpunas ka ng paa. (“Wipe your feet.”)
Hinabol kita, kaso ambilis mo. (“I tried to run after you, but you were too fast.”)
8. Catch More Filipino Beginner Words at FilipinoPod101.com!
Today, you’ve learned some of the most useful Tagalog beginner words! If you feel that we’ve missed anything, or if there are other basic words you want us to cover next time, do let us know in the comments section.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out other articles and Filipino lessons for beginners here at FilipinoPod101.com. You’ll be happy to find out that there are more resources like this blog post that can help you build your vocabulary and practice your Filipino grammar skills.
Here at FilipinoPod101, our goal is to make learning the Tagalog language a lot easier and more convenient for you. For example, our MyTeacher service for Premium PLUS members allows you to have 1-on-1 lessons with a Filipino teacher.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up now and begin your journey to Filipino language fluency!
The Most Common Filipino Filler Words
Remember the last time you had to say something important, but you ended up forgetting the exact words you were planning to say? How about the time you were going to comment about something, but somehow, you just couldn’t utter the right words? What saved you from embarrassment during those moments? Let me guess—uhm—filler words! Yes, we’re talking about those short meaningless sounds that help you collect your thoughts or fill in the little pauses between your sentences.
While fillers are a common point of disagreement in the world of public speaking, there’s not a language in the world that makes do without them. It makes sense, then, to become familiar with Filipino filler words when learning Tagalog. Fillers make up a huge part of the daily conversations of the Filipino people.
In this entry, we’ll introduce you to some of the most common filler words used in the Filipino language. We’ll also outline the pros and cons of using them in your speech. So, uhm, are you ready? Let’s get right to it!
When asked if you use filler words all the time: “Ah, eh. I do?”
Table of Contents- What are filler words and why do we use them?
- A List of Filipino Filler Words
- Should you use filler words?
- Learn About Filipino Filler Words and More at FilipinoPod101.com!
1. What are filler words and why do we use them?
Fillers are short words or sounds we often use in conversations to “fill” pauses when speaking. Some filler words are actually useful, while others are rather meaningless. Filipinos use a lot of filler words in their conversations, many of which have an equivalent in English. Other cultures have their own version of these words, too.
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to speak Filipino without using filler words, the answer would be yes. However, there are certain situations where you can’t afford not to use them. For example, while you should avoid using fillers if you’re broadcasting or delivering a speech in public, they can come in handy during your daily conversations with native speakers.
We use filler words in Filipino the same way they’re used in other languages. We use them when we need to think about our answers and to let people know we’re not done talking yet. We also use them to make our statements sound less harsh. That last point is important, as Filipinos are quite sensitive. If you feel that what you’re about to say is too straightforward, using fillers can help you rephrase your sentence so that it doesn’t come across too strong.
- → Using filler words will help you sound more like the locals. Speaking of which, here’s how you can start thinking in Filipino.
2. A List of Filipino Filler Words
Now that you’re familiar with the concept of fillers and how they’re used, it’s time to learn the top 15 filler words in Tagalog!
#1
Filler Word | Literally | English Equivalent |
Ano | “What” | “Uhm” |
This is the most common filler word Filipinos use when they’re trying to remember something. It’s usually preceded by “uhm” or “ahh” and it’s used as a substitute for whatever the speaker is trying to remember, whether it’s a person, an object, a place, or an event.
When you’re trying to remember a person’s name, you say Si ano:
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#2
Filler Word | Literally | English Equivalent |
Kasi | “Because” | “It’s because…uhm” |
We most often use kasi when trying to explain something. It’s often associated with being defensive, like if the speaker is trying to justify one’s actions or is hiding something. Also, it usually comes with the previous filler word we discussed: ano.
|
#3
Filler Word | Literally | English Equivalent |
Ayun | “That one” | “There you go!” / “So…yeah” |
One of the more frequently used Tagalog filler words, ayun could mean one of two things depending on when it’s used in a sentence. As an interjection, it’s what you exclaim when you’ve finally remembered what you were going to say (or when someone has helped you to remember). It’s equivalent to Archimedes exclaiming, “Eureka!” A: Hiniram niya yung ano…yung ano…uhm. (“She borrowed my uhm…my uhm…”) B: Yung kamera mo? (“Your camera?”) A: Ayun! (“That’s it!”) As a filler, it’s often used as a conclusion to something the speaker is trying to explain, such as the consequence of an action:
A: Ano na nangyari sa manliligaw mo? (“So, what happened to the guy courting you?”) B: Ayun…sumuko na lang bigla. (“Sigh…he just quit.”) |
Hindi kasi nag-aral. Ayun…bagsak tuloy siya. (“She didn’t study. So…yeah…she failed.”)
- → When studying Filipino, applying the right strategy is a must. Here are 7 ways to learn Filipino fast!
#4
Filler Word | Literally | English Equivalent |
Kuwan | “That thing” | “Uhm” |
Kuwan originates from the Spanish word ¿Cuál?, meaning “which.” Like the filler word ano, it’s often used to replace the name of a person or thing that the speaker has forgotten momentarily. It has no direct English translation, although it could be considered equivalent to the English filler “uhm.” Filipino speakers use this word when they’re not sure about the proper term for something. In many cases, it’s used to replace a word that’s considered taboo, particularly one that’s related to sex or sexuality. Close friends use this word as a secret code when they want to speak openly without other people understanding what they’re trying to imply.
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#5
Filler Word | Literally | English Equivalent |
Parang | “Supposedly” | “It’s like…” / “Like” |
Parang is the combination of the word para (which means “seems like”) and the ligature ng. As a filler word, it’s used when the speaker is trying to describe something but can’t seem to find the right words.
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#6
Filler Word | Literally | English Equivalent |
Basta! | “Enough” | – |
Basta is another word of Spanish origin, meaning “Enough said!” or “Stop it!” In Filipino, it could mean many different things depending on how you’re using it in a sentence. Here are some of its uses: Just to let you know.
“I’d rather not tell! It’s our secret.”That’s enough!
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Ah, basta! Sikreto naming dalawa yun. (“I’d rather not tell! It’s our secret.”)
#7
Filler Word | Literally | English Equivalent |
Ngek! | – | “Yikes” / “Oh” / “Eh” |
Ngek is primarily a Filipino slang word which could mean “Yikes!” or “Eek!” When you hear a Filipino saying ngek, it either means they made a mistake or that they’re disagreeing with what another person is saying.
As a filler, it’s used when the speaker is trying to deny an accusation against them.
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- → One effective way to study filler words is to learn how they sound. Hear how Filipino words are usually pronounced by checking out the FilipinoPod101 YouTube channel!
#8
Filler Word | Literally | English Equivalent |
Ah oo | “Ah yes…” | “I see…” |
Ah oo is like saying, “Yes, yes!” Filipinos use it to quickly let the other party know that they’re agreeing with what they’re saying or that they’re making a point. Using this filler word also serves as a way to let someone know that you’ve figured something out or that you’re finally getting what they’re trying to convey.
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#9
Filler Word | Literally | English Equivalent |
Diba? | “Is it not?” | “Right?” |
Diba, also spelled di’ba or di ba, is a contraction of Hindi ba, which literally means “Is it not?” Hindi is the Tagalog word for “not.” Ba, on the other hand, has no direct English equivalent. It’s an intensifier that’s used when forming a question. For instance:
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#10
Filler Word | Literally | English Equivalent |
O, ha? | – | “Told ‘ya!” / “See?” |
O, ha is sometimes used in conjunction with the previous filler word, diba. You can use this expression as a response to someone who has agreed with you after disagreeing at first. You can also use it to show detractors that you’re not easily discouraged and that they were wrong to tell you that you amount to nothing. A: Tama ka. Tatlong taon pa lang ang nakalipas, hindi apat. (“You were right. It’s only been three years, not four.”) B: O, ha? (“Told you so.”)
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#11
Filler Word | Literally | English Equivalent |
Naman | – | – |
Naman is one Filipino word that’s very difficult to translate to English. You could say that it has no direct English equivalent, as this filler could mean different things depending on how you use it in a sentence. For instance, you could use it to make a contrast, to give emphasis, or even to tone down a request. As a filler word, it could mean, “not again.” When someone is being a nuisance, for example, you could say:
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O ha? Sabi ko sa’yo bagay sakin itong suot ko eh! (“I told ‘ya these overalls would suit me!”)
- → Need to know the Filipino equivalent of a particular English word? Try out the FilipinoPod101 Filipino Dictionary!
#12
Filler Word | Literally | English Equivalent |
Alam mo yun? | “You know that?” | “You know” |
“You know” is one of the most commonly used filler words in English. Its equivalent filler in Filipino is Alam mo yun, which is used in the same manner.
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#13
Filler Word | Literally | English Equivalent |
Ganito | “This” | “It’s like this” / “Here” |
Ganito is a word that you use when you’re showing someone how to do something. When showing a foreigner how to cook rice, for instance, a Filipino would say:
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#14
Filler Word | Literally | English Equivalent |
Hala | – | “Uh-oh” / “Oh no” / “Really?” |
Hala is a word with a thousand meanings. It’s mainly an interjection or an exclamation of warning:
A: Pasensya ka na, pero hindi ka nakapasa. (“I’m sorry, but you didn’t pass.”) B: Hala. Imposible. (“Oh no. That’s impossible.”) It can also indicate sarcasm: A: Ikaw na daw ang bagong team leader sabi nila. (“They say you’re going to be the new team leader.”) B: Hala? Sigurado sila? (“Really? Are they sure?”) |
#15
Filler Word | Literally | English Equivalent |
Naku / Hay Naku | – | “Oh my” / “Ugh!” |
Linguists say naku came from Nanay ko, which literally means “My mother.” Its variant is Nakupo, which comes from Nanay ko po! It’s what someone would exclaim when they’re in trouble and need their mom on their side.
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Naku, nakuu, nakuuu! Ana na naman itong pinasok ko?
(“Oh my, oh my, oh my! What have I gotten myself into this time?”)
3. Should you use filler words?
Fillers may come in different forms, but they all seem to serve the same purpose. This is true regardless of which language we’re talking about. The question, however, is whether or not it’s okay to use filler words in Filipino. First, let’s take a look at some of the pros of using fillers when speaking.
1 – Filler words can make you sound like a native speaker.
A native speaker will always speak in the colloquial variety, and when they do, you can expect a lot of filler words to be sprinkled throughout their conversation. You’ll impress your Filipino listeners when you use filler words because it will make you sound authentic.
2 – Filler words can help you insert yourself into a conversation more naturally.
It can be a difficult task to insert oneself into a group conversation without being impolite. A well-placed Ah oo… or Ganito… in the middle of a colleague’s pause can be an effective way to break into a conversation.
3 – Filler words can help you “hold the floor” so people know you’re not done speaking yet.
When speaking in public (such as in a business meeting), pausing in the middle of your speech instead of using a filler word might make people assume that you’re done speaking. This could cause others to jump in and interrupt you. Using the right filler word can be a great way to tell people that you’re not finished speaking.
- → Learn how to carry a conversation in Filipino with this lesson.
This time, let’s take a look at three downsides to using excessive filler words.
1 – Excessive use of filler words can be distracting to both you and your listeners.
A few fillers here and there can have some benefits, but using too many can be distracting. When you say Alam mo yun (“You know”) at the end of every sentence, your listeners will shift from listening to you to taking note of how many times you’ve said Alam mo yun.
2 – Filler words can unnecessarily lengthen your sentences.
Filler words may be short, but using too many of them will make your sentences longer. Not a good thing when you’re giving a report that’s supposed to be precise and direct.
3 – Using filler words can make you look unconfident and less credible.
If you’ve noticed, most Filipino filler words mentioned here are used when you’re trying to remember or explain something. Using ano, kasi, and diba excessively will make you come across as inauthentic or insincere because they make you sound as if you need to justify everything you’re saying.
Filler words can help you “hold the floor” so people know you’re not done speaking yet.
Ano…sandali…hindi pa ako tapos magsalita. (“Uhm..wait…I’m not done talking.”)
4. Learn About Filipino Filler Words and More at FilipinoPod101.com!
So…uhm…what did you think of our entry on common filler words in Filipino? Did you know that you can learn so much more here at FilipinoPod101.com? With us, you can take your skills in Tagalog to the next level using our wide range of resources. All of our lessons and materials are designed to help you develop your comprehension skills in Filipino.
There are many good language learning platforms online, but what separates FilipinoPod101 is its innovative approach to teaching the Filipino language. Each lesson here can be tailored to your needs so that you don’t miss a step in your journey toward mastering this beautiful language. From video lessons to audio lessons, from PDF lesson materials to blog entries like this one, you can rest assured that there’s an approach to suit your preferences.
FilipinoPod101 is also one of the few, if not the only, language learning platforms that provide 1-on-1 lessons. This is done through our MyTeacher service for Premium PLUS students, which allows you to have personal lessons with a real Filipino teacher. With this approach, you can learn Filipino the fast, easy, and fun way!
Did we miss anything on our list? Is there one filler word you want to learn more about? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments section!
Filipino Love Phrases: How to Say “I Love You,” in Tagalog
Filipinos are known to be very romantic. In fact, Filipinos are ranked as the fourth most romantic lovers in the Asia-Pacific, despite the reality that the Filipino culture of courtship has significantly evolved over the past several decades.
Before, a young Filipino man would serenade the love of his life to express his feelings for her in a gesture called harana. Courtship slowly shifted from the traditional serenading to phone calls and love letters. The grand arrival of the internet and the mobile phone eventually gave way to online dating.
So, in modern times, how does one say “I love you,” in Tagalog?
Despite the gradual changes to courtship and dating in the Philippines, what remains are the utterances used in expressing one’s feelings and the passion behind them.
Whether you’re planning to have a romantic relationship with a Filipino or already have one, it’s vital for you to learn some of the most common Tagalog love phrases. And that just scratches the surface of what you’re going to learn in this article!
O Love! Thou all-omnipotent one,
Who sporteth ev’n with sire and son;
Once sworn to thee, a heart then on
Defies all else: thy will be done.
– Francisco Balagtas, 1788-1862
- Confessing Your Affection: Pick-up Lines and More
- Falling in Deeper: Saying “I Love You,” and More
- Take it One Step Further: “Will You Marry Me?” and More
- Filipino Endearment Terms
- Must-know Filipino Love Quotes
- Learn More Important Tagalog Phrases with FilipinoPod101!
1. Confessing Your Affection: Pick-up Lines and More
The Filipino term for courtship is panliligaw. Unlike in many Western societies, courtship in Philippine culture is indirect and a bit more subdued. Men don’t want to come off as mayabang (“presumptuous” or “arrogant”) or presko (the term literally means “fresh,” but in this context, it means “aggressive”), so when they’re interested in a woman, they have to be discreet and somewhat mysterious at first.
The courtship starts with the manliligaw (the one who courts) asking the nililigawan (the one being courted) out on a date, oftentimes with a chaperone. But even before that, the young man must know to choose his words carefully in order to avoid rejection.
Pwede bang malaman ang pangalan mo? | “May I know your name?” |
While courtship in the Philippines often happens between two people who are familiar with each other or have known each other for a long time, it’s not unusual for two strangers to enter courtship and fall in love. If you’re interested in a person, you should always start by asking for that person’s name. If the other person is interested, they might give you their name, and you can take things from there. |
Pwede bang hingin ang phone number mo? | “May I have your phone number?” “Is it okay if I ask for your phone number?” |
Texting and online messaging are the primary means of communication in the Philippines. If you want to keep in touch with a girl you like, what better way than to ask for her phone number? Or, if you’d like to ask for her social media name, you can say: Pwede ba kitang i-add sa social media? / “Can I add you on social media?” |
May gagawin ka ba…? | “Will you be busy…?” |
A Filipino guy won’t directly say to a girl that he likes her. Instead, he’ll show interest by asking her: May gagawin ka ba sa Sabado? / “Will you be busy this coming Saturday?” Or: May gagawin ka ba mamayang gabi? / “Will you be busy tonight?” It’s an indirect way of saying, “Let’s go out on a date. I want to get to know you more.” |
Gusto sana kitang yayain na lumabas. | “I was wondering if you would like to go out with me.” |
This is what you say when the girl responds with, “I don’t have any plans yet. Why?” By this time, the girl already has a hint that you’re interested in her. If she’s also interested in you, she’ll say yes. Even if she’s not interested (yet), she might still say yes to get to know you more. |
Gusto kita. | “I like you.” |
Traditionally, Filipino women didn’t like it when their manliligaw moved too fast in terms of courtship. But with the passing of time and the infiltration of Western influence on the Philippine culture of courtship and dating, it’s now common for two individuals to enter into a romantic relationship without having to go through the long process of panliligaw. When a young man sees a lady he likes, he asks for her name and phone number, and then directly says to her: Gusto kita. / “I like you.” He can also say: Type kita. / “You’re my type.” Most Filipinas are still very conservative, though, and prefer men who play by the rules. Some would even prefer a guy who’s torpe (someone who doesn’t know how to court, extremely shy, or simply playing innocent) over someone who’s too direct. That said, it’s not uncommon to hear phrases like: Matagal na kitang gusto. / “I have liked you for a long time.” This usually comes from a guy who has finally mustered the courage to express his affections, oftentimes after being exposed. And if the girl also likes him, she answers with: Matagal na rin kitang gusto. / “I feel the same way.” |
Pwede bang umakyat ng ligaw? | “Can I court you?” |
This is where the actual courtship takes place. Perhaps you’re wondering why the word umakyat is used here. The root word is akyat, which means “to climb.” Houses in the Philippines during the Spanish era usually had multiple levels. This was true both for the Bahay na Bato (concrete house) and the bahay kubo (nipa house). When a man planned to court a woman, he would do so by serenading her with an acoustic guitar. He would call out toward the window of the second level where the woman’s room was, and from there, the young woman would look down at the young man as he began to serenade her. After all the singing, the man would ask for the lady’s permission by saying: Maaari ba akong pumanhik? / “Can I go up?” If the woman was interested, she would say: Sige, pasok ka. / “Sure, come inside.” This phrase of “going up to court someone” has been a part of Filipino tradition since, and until now, it’s the same expression used by men when asking permission to court a girl. |
Pwede ba kitang maging kasintahan? | “Would you be my girlfriend?” |
The first stage of courtship culminates with the man asking the woman this question. This is the part where the man expects to receive the woman’s matamis na ‘oo’ or “sweet ‘yes’” so they can officially be together. |
“Hi, I’m Will. God’s will.”
- → This lesson will help you learn how to introduce yourself in Filipino.
2. Falling in Deeper: Saying “I Love You,” and More
In this section, you’ll learn how “I love you,” is actually said in Filipino, plus more expressions used for showing affection between two lovers.
Mahal kita. | “I love you.” |
To confess your love in Filipino, you use these two simple words. If you follow our blog, you’ve probably come across some topics where we’ve explained how the pronoun kita works. It’s actually the subject ko (“I”) and the object ka (“you”) combined. It stands for ko ka, which is never used but always replaced with kita. So, when you say Mahal kita, you’re actually saying, Mahal ko ka, which is literally “Love I you.” But what if you want to say to someone that you love them very much? In that case, you could say: Mahal na mahal kita. / “I love you very much.” Here, we see a reduplication of mahal. To express extravagant love without reduplication, you could say: Sobrang mahal kita. / “I love you very much.” |
Hindi kita mabura sa isipan ko. | “I can’t get you out of my head.” |
This is what you say to someone to let them know that you’re crazy about them. The word bura is Tagalog for “erase,” so this expression basically means, “I can’t erase you from my head,” with “head” being the word isipan, which is literally “mind.” |
Sabik na sabik na ako sa iyo. | “I miss you very much.” |
The word sabik means “eager,” so by saying that you are sabik about somebody, you’re saying that you’re eager to see that person. There’s no direct translation in Tagalog for the word “miss” or “missing” in terms of an emotional longing, so we use the Filipino word for “eager” instead. Most Filipinos nowadays seldom use the word sabik, so you can just say: Miss na miss na kita. |
Baliw na baliw ako sa’yo. | “I’m so crazy about you.” |
Lovesickness can make anyone go crazy. There are simply times where it’s impossible to wrap your arms around the person you’re in love with. This is especially true among Filipino couples who are in a long-distance relationship. |
Sobrang in lab ako sa iyo. | “I’m so in love with you.” |
This is just another way of telling someone you’re crazy about them. In lab is a loanword, or rather a loan expression, from the English “in love.” This is an informal phrase. |
Gustong-gusto kitang makita. | “I want to see you badly.” |
When you miss someone badly, the only thing you want is to see them again soon. That’s where this expression comes in. Another version is: Gustong-gusto na kitang makasama/makapiling. / “I want to be with you so badly.” |
Ikaw ang lahat sa akin. | “You are everything to me.” |
This may sound cliche, but each culture probably has its own version of this expression. Filipinos don’t use this in regular conversations; it’s only used in formal contexts, like when you’re writing a poem or a love letter. This five-word romantic expression is also the title of a song popularized by Filipino singer Martin Nievera in the 90s. And yes, the song perfectly embodies the message that the expression is trying to convey. |
Sobrang in lab ako sa iyo. / “I’m so in love with you.”
- → Need more inspiration? Here are other ways to say “I love you,” in Filipino.
3. Take it One Step Further: “Will You Marry Me?” and More
Pagkahaba-haba man daw ng prusisyon, sa simbahan din ang tuloy.
“The procession may be long, but it will surely still end up in the church.”
This famous Filipino proverb perfectly describes traditional Filipino courtship, particularly how arduous and long the process can be when the rules of the game are strictly followed. At the end of the day, it’s not the guy who’s richer and better-looking who wins, but the one who perseveres until the end. Before the grand church procession happens, however, one must first learn how to ask the million-dollar question in Filipino. But first, let’s meet the parents!
Gusto kitang ipakilala sa mga magulang ko. | “I’d like you to meet my parents.” |
It’s a common saying in the Philippines that when you’re courting a girl, you’re also courting her entire family, particularly her parents. When a girl invites you to come over to her place to meet her parents, it means she likes you. On the other hand, when it’s the guy who makes the invitation, it means he’s serious about the relationship. It’s not always the case, but this is one of the first signs that a guy plans to propose real soon. |
Magpakasal na tayo. | “Let’s get married.” |
The Filipinos have adopted the Western tradition of proposing marriage with the giving of an engagement ring, sometimes in public. Nevertheless, a simple Magpakasal na tayo (“Let’s get married”) should be sufficient. |
Gusto kitang pakasalan. | “I want to marry you.” |
This is another version of the previous phrase. This one is a bit indirect, though, and may come off as a simple desire to get married rather than an actual proposal. |
Pakasalan mo ako. | “Marry me.” |
This one’s more straightforward. Even though courtship in Filipino culture begins slowly, when the right time comes, the man should not be afraid to show his true intentions. Mo is an indirect object pronoun that means “you.” Literally, Pakasalan mo ako is “Marry you me.” |
Papayag ka bang magpakasal sa akin? | “Will you marry me?” |
For those of you wondering how to say “Will you marry me?” in Filipino, this is probably the closest that you can get. Papayag is the future tense of the verb payag, which means “to conform” or “to agree.” In this context, its closest translation in English is “willing.” In English, the question would sound like: “Are you willing to get married to me?” |
Pakakasalan kita. | “I will marry you.” |
Nothing could be more direct than this one. It’s not a question but a statement, a sort of promise even. If you want to reassure a Filipina that you intend to marry her, then tell her this. |
Magsama na tayo. | “Let’s move in together.” |
Filipinos are very conservative and religious. Some people say this is a result of the Philippines having been under Spanish rule for over 300 years. Others say it’s just that conservatism is a trait of Asian people. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that living together before marriage is a practice that’s not widely accepted in the Philippines. People are becoming more open-minded nowadays, however, and it’s not unusual for couples to live together and even start a family before marriage. |
Mag-anak na tayo. | “Let’s have kids already.” |
It’s common to find three generations living together in a Filipino household. Since the Philippines is primarily an agricultural country, great importance is given to child-rearing. The more children there are in a family, the greater the chance that the family’s livelihood will be sustained. However, there has been a shift in the mindset of young Filipino couples nowadays when it comes to having children. For most couples, career should be given priority. But once either of the two feels it’s time to have kids, they would say: Gumawa na tayo ng anak. / “Let’s start making babies.” |
Papayag ka bang magpakasal sa akin? / “Will you marry me?”
- → Don’t forget to add these Filipino marriage proposal lines to your arsenal.
4. Filipino Endearment Terms
Filipinos never use Tagalog terms of endearment. Such terms can only be found in literature, or are sometimes heard spoken by the older generation. Nowadays, Filipino couples make use of English terms to address each other romantically. They use terms like “honey,” “babe,” “darling,” or “sweetheart.” But for the sake of this lesson, allow us to show you some of the most common Filipino terms of endearment.
Irog | “Darling,” “Beloved,” “Dear” |
Irog is an old Filipino term which could mean “darling,” “beloved,” or “dear.” No one uses this term in regular conversations, though. You’ll mostly encounter this word as a lyric in a love song. Here’s one line from the song Solomon by Filipino indie band Munimuni: O irog dinig mo ba Ang pagtibok ng aking puso? “O darling, do you hear the beating of my heart?” |
Sinta | “Love,” “My love” |
Sinta is another old-fashioned term of endearment that is synonymous with “love.” Calling someone sinta is like saying in English, “my darling.” It’s the root word of kasintahan, which means “girlfriend” or “boyfriend.” Just like irog, you will seldom hear the word sinta used in normal conversations. |
Mahal | “Love” |
One of the definitions of the Filipino word mahal is “expensive” or “valuable.” Interestingly, the word is also the Filipino word for “love.” When you tell someone Mahal kita, you’re essentially saying that the person is dear to you. |
Pangga | “My love” |
Pangga is a variant of the Visayan term palangga, which means “to love” or “to have a strong affection for someone.” It’s the equivalent of the Tagalog mahal, and while it’s Cebuano and Hiligaynon in origin, it’s now very common to hear it spoken by Tagalog-speaking people. |
Beh | “Baby” |
Beh is a Filipino slang term for “baby.” It’s often used between two lovers, but it’s not uncommon to hear it being used between very close friends, particularly between two females. |
5. Must-know Filipino Love Quotes
In the past, Filipino love quotes were mostly from classic Tagalog love songs, movies, or literature, such as those written by the great Filipino poet, Francisco Balagtas. These days, you’ll usually get them from what the younger generations refer to as hugot. This is the Filipino term for “pull out,” like when you’re pulling money from a deep pocket. If you search the web using the keyword “Filipino love quotes,” you’ll be amazed that most of the results are not purely classic love quotes, but modern “hugot lines.” These lines are usually given birth by deep emotional experience, such as falling in (or even out of) love.
Now that you have some cultural context, here are some of the most common love quotes in Filipino…
Ang puso ko ay pumili, at ang pinili ay ikaw. | “My heart made its choice, and it chose you.” |
It’s not uncommon for a Filipina woman to have more than one suitor. Even until a couple of decades ago, it was a usual occurrence that two or even three suitors would visit a girl in her home at the same time. The first one to arrive would court first, and the rest would wait for their turn like true gentlemen. At the end of the day, the girl would make her choice. Only the best man would win. |
Ibibigay ko ang lahat sa’yo, maging ang araw at ang buwan, pati bituin ay aking susungkitin. | “I’ll give you everything, the sun, the moon, and even the stars in the sky.” |
This is one of the oldest Filipino pick-up lines. It may not guarantee success nowadays, but there are probably still a lot of Filipinas out there who prefer this kind of romantic line over something cheesy like, “Is your dad a terrorist? ‘Coz you’re the bomb!” |
Ang pag-ibig parang taxi, agawan. | “Love is like queuing for a taxi. People fight to get a ride.” |
This is a more modern Filipino love quote. The person who invented this probably had to overcome several obstacles and competitors just to get the attention of the woman he loves. I’m not sure if he ended up successful, but it’s interesting that he compared love to the taxi queuing system in the Philippines, which requires you to be patient and assertive at the same time if you want to get a ride. |
Nang dumating ka sa buhay ko, naging makulay ang mundo ko. | “When you came into my life, my world became colorful.” |
What a beautiful description of what it means to find love! Indeed, for many of us, the only thing that could light up our world is the love of our life! |
Mag-ingat sa lalaking matamis ang dila. | “Beware of sweet talkers.” |
Scams and scammers are rampant these days, but did you know that love scams are not new? Filipino men are known to be malambing (“sweet”), but girls will know when you’re genuine with your intentions or are simply sweet-talking them. Avoid being matamis ang dila or you’ll come off as a player. |
Kay tamis ng kanyang mga salita! / “How sweet his words are!”
6. Learn More Important Tagalog Phrases with FilipinoPod101!
This has been a long lesson on how to say “I love you,” in Tagalog, and we could still go on and on because there are actually many more love phrases in Filipino and cultural details to explore!
To learn more important Filipino phrases, why not just create your account on FilipinoPod101.com? With FilipinoPod101, you’ll learn more than just romantic Filipino phrases and Tagalog pick-up lines. Here, you’ll learn the basics of Filipino grammar, including how to construct sentences properly, pronounce difficult Tagalog words, and appropriately apply Filipino expressions to any situation.
FilipinoPod101 is unlike any other online language learning platform. Here, you can study lessons that are tailored to perfectly match your requirements. And with our MyTeacher service for Premium PLUS members, you can learn how to speak fluent Tagalog in no time with the help of a Filipino teacher who will provide you with guidance and ongoing assessment.
What are you waiting for? Become part of the FilipinoPod101 community today! And if you found this post helpful, don’t hesitate to let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Ultimate Guide to Tagalog Negation: Saying No in Filipino
Filipinos have a reputation for not being able to refuse or say no to a request. Some see this as a negative trait, but one reason Filipinos generally avoid saying no is because they view it as rude. Others attribute this habit to the Filipino culture of hiya (sense of shame) or the avoidance of losing face. But it’s also probably because Filipinos are just that amicable.
Despite that, Filipinos do have a word for “no,” and yes, they know how to use it and make a refusal if they feel like they’re being taken advantage of. In relation to that, this article is all about Filipino negation and how to say no in Tagalog.
You’ll learn…
- …the most common words used in Filipino negation.
- …how to formulate a negative response to a question.
- …more Tagalog words and phrases used to form negative sentences in Filipino.
I know you’re excited, so let’s get to it!
Hindi. Hindi ako yun. (“No. That wasn’t me.”)
Table of Contents- Filipino Negation: The Basics
- Negating a Sentence in Filipino
- Giving a Negative Response to a Question
- More Negating Filipino Words and Phrases
- Learn About Filipino Negation and Much More with FilipinoPod101
1. Filipino Negation: The Basics
Before we discuss the rules for negating a statement in Filipino, let’s first talk about common Filipino negation words and expressions.
1 – Hindi
The most common word used in negation in English is “no” or “not.” The equivalent word in Tagalog is hindi.
A: Gusto mo bang mag-alaga ng pusa? (“Do you want a cat as a pet?”)
B: Hindi. (“No.”)
A: Napanood mo yung laro kanina? (“Did you see the game earlier?”)
B: Hindi. (“No, I didn’t.”)
2 – Wala
Another common word used in negation is “none,” or in Filipino, wala.
- Pautang naman. May pera ka ba diyan? (“Why don’t you lend me some money. Do you have some cash?”)
There are a few ways you can respond to this:
1. Wala. (“I don’t.” / “I have none.”)
2. Wala akong pera. (“I don’t have any money.”)
- → Learn how to say “not” and “don’t have” with this practice lesson on FilipinoPod101.com.
3 – Huwag
The third most common word for negation is “don’t,” which in Tagalog is translated as huwag.
- Huwag mong gawin yan. (“Don’t do it.”)
- Huwag kang magkalat dito. (“Don’t make a mess here.”)
Pasensya na, pero wala akong pera. (“I’m sorry, but I don’t have any money.”)
2. Negating a Sentence in Filipino
Negating a sentence in Filipino is quite simple. In most cases, we just follow the standard Filipino word order/sentence structure with only a few minor considerations. Here’s an example:
Positive Sentence | Negation |
Naiintindihan kita. (“I understand you.”) | Hindi kita naiintindihan. (“I do not understand you.”) |
In this case, we simply add the appropriate word for forming the negative version of the sentence, which is hindi or “do not.” Take note that in Filipino, the word of negation is almost always placed at the beginning of the sentence, unlike in English where it usually comes after the subject.
Also take note that, when used in this context, hindi comes right before the dual personal pronoun kita, which is a combination of the subject ko (“I”) and the object ka (“you”). That explains why it has changed places with the verb naiintindihan (“understand”) in the sentence.
Literally, Hindi kita naiintidihan is “Do not I-you understand.”
Let’s take a look at another example:
Positive Sentence | Negation |
Sasamahan kita. (“I will accompany you.”) | Hindi kita sasamahan. (“I will not accompany you.”) |
Here are more examples, this time using the negation word wala.
Positive Sentence | Negation |
May pagkain dito. (“There is food here.”) | Walang pagkain dito. (“There is no food here.”) |
Positive Sentence | Negation |
May sasabihin ako sa iyo. (“I have something to tell you.”) | Wala akong sasabihin sa iyo. (“I’ve got nothing to say to you.”) |
And finally, here are a couple of examples using the negation word huwag.
Positive Sentence | Negation |
Dalawin mo kami bukas. (“Come visit us tomorrow.”) | Huwag mo kaming dalawin bukas. (“Don’t visit us tomorrow.”) |
Positive Sentence | Negation |
Kalimutan mo siya. (“Forget about her.”) | Huwag mo siyang kalimutan. (“Don’t forget about her.”) |
Again, you’ll notice that the negation is placed at the beginning of the sentence, right before the pronoun mo (“you,” “your”). Meanwhile, the verb exchanges places with the pronoun siya (“he,” “she”).
Literally, Huwag mo siyang kalimutan is “Do not you her forget.”
Huwag mo siyang kalimutan. (“Don’t forget about him.”)
- → Also, here are fifteen things you shouldn’t forget when learning Filipino.
3. Giving a Negative Response to a Question
Filipinos are friendly by nature. They love to talk and aren’t afraid to start a conversation. When you’re meeting a Filipino for the first time, be prepared to answer tons of questions. You can’t expect to answer every question with an affirmative, though, so it would help if you knew the basics of giving a negative response in the Tagalog language. It’s a good thing that responding with a “no” or making a refusal in Filipino is pretty simple.
For instance, when you’re asked,
- Marunong ka bang mag-Tagalog? (“Do you know how to speak Tagalog?”)
You respond with,
- Hindi ako marunong mag-Tagalog. (“I don’t know how to speak Tagalog.”)
To be more polite, you can add pasensya (“sorry”) at the beginning of the sentence.
- Pasensya, pero hindi ako marunong mag-Tagalog. (“I’m sorry, but I don’t know how to speak Tagalog.”)
Or, when you’re asked,
- Sa iyo ba ito? (“Is this yours?”)
You could answer by saying,
- Hindi sa akin iyan. (“That is not mine.”)
In most cases, a simple hindi or “no” is enough.
What if you’re asked if you want something or not? Let’s say,
- Gusto mo bang pumunta doon? (“Do you want to go there?”)
You could answer this question by saying,
- Ayaw kong pumunta doon. (“I don’t want to go there.”)
Here, we use the negation ayaw, a word used to express dislike or refusal. In most cases, the contraction for ayaw ko is used—ayoko.
- Ayoko ng baboy. (“I don’t like pork.”)
- Ayoko nang magmahal. (“I don’t want to fall in love anymore.”)
Just as with the case of hindi, a simple ayoko (“I don’t like”) is also enough most of the time. In formal situations, however, the more polite way to answer is with a complete sentence instead of a single word or expression.
Hindi ako kumakain ng karne ng baboy. (“I don’t eat pork.”)
- → Learn how to refuse politely with this lesson from FilipinoPod101.
4. More Negating Filipino Words and Phrases
Hindi pa tayo tapos, mga kaibigan.
We’re not done yet, friends.
Aside from the ones we’ve already covered, there are still a few more words and expressions we can use to form negative sentences in Filipino. Let’s take a look at some of the most common words for Tagalog negation.
1 – Hindi pa
Hindi pa is the Tagalog equivalent of “not yet.” You can use this to express that something needs to be done or is currently being done, but has not yet been completed.
A: Tapos ka na bang magtrabaho? (“Are you done working?”)
B: Hindi pa. Matagal pa ‘to. (“Not yet. This is going to take a while.”)
A: Nakapunta ka na ba ng Norway? (“Have you been to Norway?”)
B: Hindi pa. Pero gustong-gusto ko makapunta doon balang-araw. (“Not yet. But I really want to go there someday.”)
2 – Walang may
The English equivalent of this expression is “no one” or “there is none.” Here, wala means “none,” while may generally refers to something being existent. Literally, walang may is “none have” or “none there is.” Let’s take a look at how we can use this in a sentence.
- Walang may gustong kumupkop sa aso. (“There is no one who wants to adopt the dog.”) Or: (“No one wants to adopt the dog.”)
- Walang may ganang tumulong sa kanya. (“No one cares about helping him.”)
3 – Hindi kailanman
Kailanman is the Filipino word for “ever.” Combined with the negation word hindi or “no,” it can be translated as “never.” This expression is never used in normal conversations, though, and is only used in writing.
- Hindi kailanman nabigo ang pag-ibig. (“Love has never failed.”)
Depending on the structure of the sentence, the two words can be separated with kailanman placed at the end of the sentence,
- Hindi sila nagkalayo kailanman. (“They have never been apart.”)
Or at the beginning,
- Kailanman ay hindi sila nagkalayo.
4 – Hindi maaari / Hindi pwede
The Filipino words maaari and pwede are synonyms and both refer to something being possible. We pair it with the negation word hindi to express that something is impossible, cannot be done, or should not be done.
- Hindi pwedeng magkamali ang mahal na hari. (“The king cannot/does not make a mistake.”)
- Hindi ka pwedeng magmaneho ngayon. (“You can’t drive right now.”)
5 – Ayaw na / Hindi na
Both ayaw na and hindi na could be translated as “no longer.” The word na here acts as an emphatic marker denoting that something is to be cancelled or discontinued.
- Ayaw na nilang maglaro. (“They no longer want to play.”) Or: (“They don’t want to play anymore.”)
- Hindi na ako aasa sa kanila. (“I will no longer rely on them.”)
6 – Wala na
Wala na literally means “none already.” You can use this expression when you want to say that something no longer exists or has already run out.
- Wala na tayong bigas. (“We’ve run out of rice.”) Or: (“We have no more rice.”)
- Wala na silang nagawa pa. (“There was nothing they were able to do.”)
What if you wanted to emphasize the fact that you don’t want something or are strongly denying something? In Filipino grammar, this is achieved through reduplication. The following three expressions could all mean “Absolutely not.”
7 – Hinding-hindi
You could use this reduplication of hindi or “no” if you never want to do something (or do it ever again).
- Hinding-hindi ako mahuhulog sa kanya! (“I will never fall for him!”)
- Hinding-hindi na ako iinom ng alak! (“I will never drink alcohol again!”)
8 – Ayaw na ayaw
Ayaw is an expression of dislike. You say ayaw na ayaw if you don’t like someone or something very much, or if you’re disgusted about something.
- Ayaw na ayaw ko sa mga pusa! (“I really don’t like cats!”)
- Ayaw na ayaw kong may gumagamit ng tsinelas ko! (“I really don’t like it when someone else uses my flip-flops!”)
9 – Huwag na huwag
You’ve learned that huwag is the equivalent of “do not.” By saying huwag na huwag, you’re saying that you strongly disagree about someone doing something.
- Huwag na huwag mo nang uulitin ito! (“Never do this again!”)
- Huwag na huwag mong ipagsasabi ang sikreto ko ha? (“Don’t you ever tell anybody about my secret, okay?”)
Huwag na huwag mong ipagsabi ang sikreto ko ha?
(“Don’t you ever tell anybody about my secret, okay?”)
- → Get to know more ways of forming a negative sentence in the Filipino language with this lesson.
Learn About Filipino Negation and Much More with FilipinoPod101
Saying no, making a refusal, or denying something is not always easy but oftentimes necessary. It can be even more challenging when you’re learning how to do it in a foreign language. You miss one word or you get the tone wrong, and you end up coming out as rude or impolite. But then that’s why FilipinoPod101 is here.
With FilipinoPod101, you’ll learn more than just Filipino negation. You’ll learn the proper way to construct a sentence, pronounce Tagalog words, make conversations, and more via a lesson path that’s tailored to your learning preferences.
By signing up for a free account today, you’ll be given access to free learning resources, including vocabulary lists, audio recordings, and various lessons on the Filipino language that correspond to your current skill level. All this is designed to help you become fluent in Tagalog!
But that’s not all. One of the most exciting things about joining FilipinoPod101 is that you can even have your own personal tutor with our Premium PLUS MyTeacher service. This feature will help you learn Filipino through a guided learning system where you get to receive real-time feedback from a real Filipino teacher, providing you with the assurance that you’re constantly progressing.
That’s all for this entry! If you feel that there are any important words or expressions we missed, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments section! Enjoy learning here at FilipinoPod101.com!
Learn the Different Tenses in Filipino Here!
Grammatical tense is an important tool that helps us express time as it relates to actions or states of being. As such, mastering the different tenses in Filipino will help you establish effective communication in both written and oral forms.
The challenge when it comes to Filipino grammar, though, is that the tenses are quite dissimilar from those found in English. As you might imagine, learning Filipino verb conjugation can be quite a formidable task!
The good news is that there’s a systematic way to study and master the different verb tenses in Filipino. We already have a post about Tagalog verb conjugation that you might want to go through, but we’re going to touch on that a bit here, as well.
First, let’s give you a brief introduction to the different Filipino tenses.
Table of Contents- Introduction to Tenses in Filipino
- The Present Tense
- Past Tense
- Future Tense
- Verb Conjugation and Auxiliary Verbs Summary
- Learn More Than Just Verb Tenses with FilipinoPod101!
1. Introduction to Tenses in Filipino
If you’ve been following our blog, you’ve probably read a few times that conjugating Filipino verbs can be a bit more complex than conjugating, let’s say, English verbs. Again, that’s because Filipino verb conjugation is not limited to conjugating verbs based on tense. In Filipino grammar, verbs are also conjugated based on their focus, mood, and aspect.
We’re not going to deal with those other factors in this post, however. Today, we’ll simply deal with tenses.
There are three major verb tenses in Filipino:
- Past
- Present
- Future
At first glance, it would seem that Filipino tenses are just the same as English tenses. You might be tempted to think that translating an English verb in either of the three tenses would give you its equivalent in Filipino. However, that’s not always the case because it depends on the word you’re conjugating. We’ll get into that as we move forward.
Now, let’s get into the first verb tense in Filipino.
2. The Present Tense
The present tense, or kasalukuyan in Tagalog, is a tense expressing an action that’s being done at the moment. It can also be used to express an action done habitually.
In English grammar, there are four aspects of the present tense. However, this is not the case in Filipino.
One thing you need to understand about Tagalog verb conjugation is that Tagalog verbs are conjugated through the use of affixes (panlapi). In our article on Tagalog verb conjugation, we discussed that Tagalog verbs are grouped based on how they’re conjugated and named based on the affix used to conjugate them.
We have:
- MAG verbs
- MA verbs
- UM verbs
- IN verbs
- I verbs
In the present tense, a verb can be conjugated using the affix nag, na, um, in, or i depending on the root word.
Root Verb | Present Tense | |
aral “study” | nag-aaral (actor focus) | Nag-aaral ako ng Pilipino. “I am studying Filipino.” |
kain “eat” | kumakain (actor focus) | Kumakain ako ngayon. “I am eating right now.” |
kinig “listen” | nakikinig (actor focus) | Nakikinig si Kurt ng balita. “Kurt is listening to the news.” |
bigay “give” | binibigay (object focus) | Binibigay niya sa akin ang kanyang sweldo. “He gives me his salary.” |
sulong “promote” | isinusulong (object focus) | Isinusulong ng gobyerno ang paggamit ng face mask sa pampublikong lugar. “The use of face masks in public is being promoted by the government.” |
While there are no direct equivalents of the four English present tense aspects in Filipino, it’s possible to translate verbs in these aspects to Filipino. Refer to the examples below:
Simple Present | I study Filipino. | Nag-aaral ako ng Pilipino. |
Present Continuous | I am studying Filipino. | Nag-aaral ako ng Pilipino. |
Present Perfect | I have studied Filipino. | Nakapag-aral ako ng Pilipino. |
Present Perfect Continuous | I have been studying Filipino (for two years now). | Nag-aaral ako ng Pilipino (ng mga dalawang taon na). |
Notice that the verbs in the examples above are in actor focus. Things change when the verbs are in object focus. For instance, the simple present tense “I study Filipino,” will become Inaaral ko ang Pilipino, which is in the continuous tense.
Binibigay niya sa akin ang kanyang sweldo. (“He gives me his salary.”)
- → Knowing the basic sentence structure of the Filipino language is important in learning how to conjugate Tagalog verbs.
3. Past Tense
The past tense (nagdaan) is a tense expressing an action that took place in the past.
A verb can be conjugated in the past tense using the affix nag, na, um, in, or i depending on the root word.
Root Verb | Past Tense | |
aral “study” | nag-aral (actor focus) | Nag-aral ako ng Pilipino. “I studied Filipino.” |
kinig “listen” | nakinig (actor focus) | Nakinig siya ng audio lesson. “He listened to an audio lesson.” |
kain “eat” | kumain (actor focus) | Kumain ako kaninang umaga. “I ate this morning.” |
bigay “give” | binigay (object focus) | Binigay niya sa akin ang kanyang sweldo. “He gave me his salary.” |
hinto “stop” | inihinto (object focus) | Inihinto na ang proyekto. “The project was stopped.” |
English grammar has four aspects of the past tense, none of which have a direct equivalent in the Filipino language. However, it’s possible to translate verbs in these tenses to Filipino. Refer to the examples below:
Simple Past | I studied Filipino. | Nag-aral ako ng Pilipino. |
Past Continuous | I was studying when she called. | Nag-aaral ako ng tumawag siya. |
Past Perfect | I had studied Filipino before we decided to move to the Philippines. | Nakapag-aral ako ng Pilipino bago kami nagdesisyon na lumipat sa Pilipinas. |
Past Perfect Continuous | I had been studying Filipino (for two years already when we met). | Nag-aaral ako ng Pilipino (ng mga dalawang taon na noong magkakilala kami). |
Notice that the form of the sentences in the present perfect and past perfect are similar in Filipino grammar. In English, the distinction between the two would be in the form of the verb “to have,” which is “have” or “has” in present perfect and “had” in past perfect. The past perfect will also have a clause for the second action, prior to which the first action had been completed.
In Filipino, there is no equivalent for the verb “to have,” so you can identify the past perfect via the clause describing the second action in the sentence, which only appears in this form of the past tense.
Kumain ako kaninang umaga. (“I ate this morning.”)
4. Future Tense
Similar to the future tense in English, the Filipino future tense (hinaharap) expresses an action or event that is yet to happen or be completed.
A verb can be conjugated in the future tense using the affixes mag, ma, in, and i. However, there are instances when an affix is not added, but the first syllable of the word is repeated instead. Take, for example, the verb punta (go): it becomes pupunta (will go) in the future tense.
Root Verb | Future Tense | |
aral “study” | mag-aaral (actor focus) | Mag-aaral ako ng Pilipino. “I will study Filipino.” |
kinig “listen” | makikinig (actor focus) | Makikinig siya ng audio lesson. “She will listen to an audio lesson.” |
kain “eat” | kakain (actor focus) | Kakain ako mamaya. “I will eat later.” |
bigay “give” | ibibigay (object focus) | Ibibigay niya sa akin ang kanyang sweldo. “He will give me his salary.” |
paliwanag “explain” | ipapaliwanag (object focus) | Ipapaliwanag din ang lahat. “Everything will eventually be explained.” |
Now, let’s see how we can translate Tagalog verbs in the future tense to the four types of English future tenses.
Simple Future | I will study Filipino. | Mag-aaral ako ng Pilipino. |
Future Continuous | I will be studying Filipino. | Mag-aaral ako ng Pilipino. |
Future Perfect | I will have studied by that time. | Nakakapag-aral na ako sa mga panahon na ‘yan. |
Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been studying here in the Philippines for five years in 2022. | Nakapag-aral na ako dito sa Pilipinas ng limang taon pagdating ng 2022. |
Makikinig siya ng audio lesson. (“She will listen to an audio lesson.”)
- → Speaking of lessons, be sure to check out FilipinoPod101’s lesson library for beginners.
5. Verb Conjugation and Auxiliary Verbs Summary
We already have an entire blog post dedicated to Tagalog verb conjugation, but since we’re talking about tenses, let’s take this opportunity to learn just a little bit about how to conjugate verbs in Filipino.
In English grammar, verbs are conjugated not only based on tense but also based on six different persons. This is not the case with Tagalog verbs.
Each verb in Tagalog belongs to a group (as described earlier in this article), and this group plays a role in how the verb is conjugated. We discuss this in great detail in our verb conjugation article, so for now, we’ll focus more on how verbs conjugate for each tense.
1 – Conjugating Tagalog Verbs in the Present Tense
In one of our examples, we used the word aral, or “study,” and its present tense form nag-aaral. We can conjugate the root verb in the present tense by reduplicating the first syllable of the root verb and then attaching the prefix nag before it. Thus, aral becomes nag-aaral. Please note that some verbs take the hyphen when conjugated, although there aren’t many of these verbs. Now, let’s take a look at more examples:
turo (teach) | nagtuturo (teaching) |
sulat (write) | nagsusulat (writing) |
pahinga (rest) | nagpapahinga (resting) |
Now, to conjugate in the present tense using the affix na, simply reduplicate the first syllable of the root verb and attach na before the newly formed word:
nood (watch) | nanonood (watching) |
tulog (sleep) | natutulog (sleeping) |
buhay (live) | nabubuhay (living) |
Remember that some actor focus verbs in the present tense also use the affix um, such as in the word kumakain (eating). In this case, we reduplicate the first syllable and insert the affix um after the first letter of the newly formed word. Thus, kain becomes kumakain. Here are more examples:
hinga (breathe) | humihinga (breathing) |
tayo (stand) | tumatayo (standing) |
talon (jump) | tumatalon (jumping) |
We also conjugate verbs in the present tense using the affix in, particularly when the verb is in object focus. We used the word binibigay (giving) in one of our examples. To conjugate it, we reduplicated the first syllable and inserted the affix in before the root verb. Thus, bigay became binibigay. Here are more examples:
tawag (call) | tinatawag (calling) |
sabi (say) | sinasabi (saying) |
putol (cut) | pinuputol (cutting) |
Verbs in the present tense using the affix i are a bit tricky since there’s no clear formula involved. What’s clear, though, is that the affix is found at the beginning of the word and the first syllable of some words is reduplicated. Also, the words using this affix are object focus verbs. Study the following words to see what we mean:
pakilala (introduce) | ipinapakilala (being introduced) |
pahayag (declare) | ipinapahayag (being declared) |
bunyi (celebrate) | ipinagbubunyi (being celebrated) |
- → Our list of the 25 most commonly used verbs will surely help you as you study tenses in Filipino!
2 – Conjugating Tagalog Verbs in the Past Tense
Now, let’s take a look at some rules for conjugating Filipino verbs in the past tense. Just like the present tense, the past tense uses the affixes nag, na, um, in, and i.
To conjugate a verb in the past tense using nag, we simply attach the affix to the root verb. The word aral, for instance, becomes nag-aral. Some words receive the hyphen during conjugation, and aral is one of them. Let’s check out more examples below:
turo (teach) | nagturo (taught) |
sulat (write) | nagsulat (wrote) |
pahinga (rest) | nagpahinga (rested) |
We can also use the affix na to conjugate in the past tense. To do this, we simply add it to the beginning of the root verb. Take a look at the following examples:
nood (watch) | nanood (watched) |
tulog (sleep) | natulog (slept) |
buhay (live) | nabuhay (lived) |
The rule is the same when conjugating in the past tense using the affix um. Refer to the table below:
hinga (breathe) | huminga (breathed) |
tayo (stand) | tumayo (stood) |
talon (jump) | tumalon (jumped) |
The rule for using the affix in when conjugating in the past tense is similar to that for the present tense, only this time, the first syllable is not reduplicated.
tawag (call) | tinawag (called) |
sabi (say) | sinabi (said) |
putol (cut) | pinutol (cut) |
This time, let’s take a look at how the past tense is formed using the affix i.
pakilala (introduce) | ipinakilala (was introduced) |
pahayag (declare) | ipinahayag (was declared) |
bunyi (celebrate) | ipinagbunyi (was celebrated) |
- → We know 25 isn’t enough for you, so here’s 50 more common Filipino verbs to help you practice.
3 – Conjugating Tagalog Verbs in the Future Tense
The future tense is the easiest of the three to conjugate. As mentioned, we conjugate Tagalog verbs in the future tense using the affixes mag, ma, in, and i.
To conjugate using the affix mag, what we do is reduplicate the first syllable of the root verb and add mag to the beginning. Let’s see how we can do that with our previous examples:
turo (teach) | magtuturo (will teach) |
sulat (write) | magsusulat (will write) |
pahinga (rest) | magpapahinga (will rest) |
The rule for conjugating in the future tense using the affix ma is pretty much the same. Observe the following examples:
nood (watch) | manonood (will watch) |
tulog (sleep) | matutulog (will sleep) |
buhay (live) | mabubuhay (will live) |
Now, to conjugate verbs in the future tense using the affix in, we simply reduplicate the first syllable of the root verb and attach in to the end of the word.
tawag (call) | tatawagin (will call) |
sabi (say) | sasabihin (will say) |
putol (cut) | puputulin (will cut) |
In some cases, hin is used instead of in, such as in the case of sabi in the example above. The same is true for the root verb basa (read), which becomes babasahin in the future tense.
Finally, let’s conjugate in the future tense using the affix i. Here are some examples:
pakilala (introduce) | ipakikilala (will be introduced) |
pahayag (declare) | ipapahayag (will be declared) |
bunyi (celebrate) | ipagbubunyi (will be celebrated) |
And one more thing: Filipino sentences do not make use of auxiliary verbs. It’s long been taught that ay is a form of the copula “to be,” but we know now that this is not the case. Based on recent sources, it’s more like a replacement for a slight pause. When looking at direct translations, however, it would seem that ay is the equivalent of the verb “is,” such as in the following sentence:
- Si Loisa ay nag-aaral ng Pilipino.
“Loisa is studying Filipino.”
Ipakikilala na siya bilang bagong presidente ng kumpanya.
(“She will finally be introduced as the new company president.”)
- → Be sure to visit this introduction to Filipino verbs to find out more about verb conjugation in Filipino.
6. Learn More Than Just Verb Tenses with FilipinoPod101!
In this lesson, we’ve discussed the importance of studying the three main tenses of verbs in the Filipino language. We’ve also learned that conjugating Tagalog verbs is a bit different from conjugating verbs in English. We understand if this is quite overwhelming at first, but then that’s where FilipinoPod101 comes in.
FilipinoPod101 uses a unique style of teaching Filipino grammar, allowing you to learn Filipino through a variety of lessons not limited to reading materials, audio lessons, and video classes. FilipinoPod101 provides free learning resources for anyone who’s starting their journey in learning the language of the Philippines.
If you sign up today, you’ll gain access to these resources and more! Of course, there’s also the MyTeacher service for Premium PLUS members; this allows you to receive one-on-one lessons and non-stop feedback from a native Filipino-speaking teacher through your smartphone or tablet via our app.
So, how was this lesson on Filipino verb tenses? Let us know in the comments section!
How Long Does it Take to Learn Tagalog?
There’s probably no country that sends its people to work overseas more than the Philippines. And although it’s largely a country where people tend to leave and decide to settle abroad, it also attracts quite a good number of foreigners. In March 2019, some 714,000 foreign visitors were reported to have visited the Philippines. Headlines may say that living here isn’t a good idea, but foreigners who’ve experienced life in the archipelago say otherwise.
Considering foreigners’ appreciation of the Philippines and the Filipino language’s international reach as a spoken language, it’s not hard to see why more and more foreigners are looking for ways to learn Tagalog fast.
But how long does it take to learn Filipino, really? And what’s the best way to start studying the language?
These are just a couple of the questions frequently asked by non-Filipino speakers who wish to learn the language, and we’ll discuss them here today.
Learning a new language is not a destination, but a journey.
Table of Contents
- How Long Does it Take to Achieve the Beginner Level?
- How Long Does it Take to Achieve the Intermediate Level?
- How Long Does it Take to Achieve the Advanced Level?
- Nothing is Too Hard with FilipinoPod101 on Your Side!
1. How Long Does it Take to Achieve the Beginner Level?
Learning the Filipino language might be easy or difficult, depending on who you ask. Some say Tagalog is easy to learn compared to other languages, while others say it’s a complicated language to study and become familiar with. The reason for this disparity is that there are so many factors involved in the process of learning and mastering a new language. Regardless of how slowly or quickly you can pick it up, one thing remains constant: you need to start at the bottom (a.k.a. the beginner level).
At the beginner level, you can understand very basic Tagalog phrases and know how to use everyday expressions. You also know how to introduce yourself and others, as well as how to ask and give answers to questions about personal details. These details include information such as where you live, how old you are, and so on. You can also interact in a simple way as long as the person you’re talking to speaks slowly and clearly.
What You Will Learn at the Beginner Level
The Filipino alphabet is based on the ISO basic Latin alphabet, with the addition of the Spanish ñ and the digraph ng. Unless your native language isn’t based on the Latin script, you can virtually skip this part and proceed to learn some core Filipino words and expressions. This includes words used in greetings, numbers, days, months, body parts, animal names, and the like. You’ll also learn how to introduce yourself at this level, as well as how to ask basic questions (such as asking for directions).
How to Get There
Wondering how to learn basic Tagalog effectively? If you’re studying on your own, you’ll want to develop goals and strategies that will help you reach the beginner level and eventually the intermediate and advanced levels. In this regard, you only need to remember three things: Plan, Track, and Evaluate.
- Plan your goals first, and then plan what strategies you’ll use to achieve them.
- Track your progress every day to see how well you’re doing.
- Evaluate yourself after a week or two to see whether you have achieved your goals. Take note of which strategies worked and which ones didn’t. Repeat the entire process, adjusting your goals if necessary.
Learning a language like Filipino requires careful planning.
Since you’re just starting to build your vocabulary, you’ll want to focus on familiarizing yourself with everyday Tagalog words. This means you’ve got to have flashcards on hand at all times. Practice pronouncing the words correctly, making sure your voice is loud enough for your ears to hear. Speaking of hearing, you should also listen to audio lessons as part of your daily schedule. And most importantly, have some practice conversations with a native speaker as often as you can.
Beginner Level Tip: Practice with a native speaker as soon as possible. This is a crucial step to becoming fluent in Tagalog. |
- → One of the crucial things you need to learn at this level is how to talk about yourself in Filipino. Here’s a lesson from FilipinoPod101 to help you learn just that.
How many hours do you need to spend studying Filipino to get to the beginner level?
This depends on several factors. Let’s assume that you’re fluent in English. In this case, it will take you around 150-200 hours to learn basic Filipino (that is, if you study at least one hour per session on a daily basis). That includes memorizing basic Filipino words, learning how they’re used in a sentence, and having a practice session with a native speaker.
Practice with a native speaker as soon as possible.
This is a crucial step to becoming fluent in Tagalog.
2. How Long Does it Take to Achieve the Intermediate Level?
Let’s say you’ve already spent 200 hours studying basic Filipino. By this time, you should be ready to proceed to the intermediate level.
Once you reach the end of this level, it will be easier for you to understand important points about subjects related to work, school, and similar matters. You’ll also find it easier to produce simple sentences about topics that are familiar to you.
You will be more comfortable expressing yourself, particularly in terms of describing events and things you’ve experienced. You might also be more fluent around this time, able to interact more spontaneously with native speakers.
What You Will Learn at the Intermediate Level
At this level, you’ll start learning more Filipino words and expressions, but this time, the words you’ll learn are not limited to the names of things or places. You’ll also learn words used to describe actions and experiences, as well as those used to describe a person or situation. In addition to taking your vocabulary to another level, you’ll also learn grammatical tenses and verb conjugation. Add to that the Filipino parts of speech and sentence structure, and you have a good idea of what your studies should focus on at this point.
How to Get There
There are still a lot of core Filipino words for you to learn at this level, so don’t do away with those flashcards yet. Aside from simply memorizing words and their meanings, practice pronouncing the words, too. It’s also important to learn them in context, as new words are more meaningful (and more memorable) this way. When memorizing a particular word, try using it in a sentence or a story. It also helps to study vocabulary based on a specific topic or theme.
If you’re wondering how to learn Filipino words outside of flashcards, keep in mind that you can learn more words and their pronunciation by listening to audio lessons. By now, you should be able to watch Tagalog films or TV programs with subtitles. This is also the best time to read Tagalog literature. You don’t necessarily have to read Noli Me Tangere or Banaag at Sikat; you can instead find reading materials with content appropriate to your level and relevant to your learning goals.
For best results, do all these things in addition to having regular practice conversations with a native speaker.
Intermediate Level Tip: The key to becoming fluent in Tagalog is to practice your listening skills. Listen carefully to how a native speaker would pronounce words, break down sentences into parts, and try to understand each word. Repeat the process until you’ve familiarized yourself with Tagalog words, how they’re pronounced, and how they’re used in a sentence. |
Bonus Tip: It’s important to imitate the accent and intonation of a native speaker, as they both carry the emotions the speaker wishes to convey. |
- → By now, you should be able to post social media comments the Filipino way. This lesson should be able to help you with that.
How long will it take for you to get from the beginner level to the intermediate level? To achieve this, you’ll need to spend another 250-300 hours of studying.
Find reading materials with content appropriate to your level and relevant to your learning goals.
3. How Long Does it Take to Achieve the Advanced Level?
Congratulations! You’re now ready for the advanced level.
Once you master this level, you’ll be almost as fluent in Filipino as you are in your own language. You’ll now be able to produce well-structured, detailed sentences on any subject, whether simple or complex. You’ll also be able to understand demanding texts and their implicit meaning. In addition, you’ll be comfortable expressing yourself spontaneously without having to grasp for words. You can also use Filipino now for professional and academic purposes and not just for casual conversations.
What You Will Learn at the Advanced Level
Expanding your vocabulary doesn’t stop after you complete the intermediate level. Most native speakers know at least 15,000 word families, so it should be your goal to become familiar with at least 10,000 words in the language to reach the advanced level. This time, your approach will be more advanced, too. You won’t simply memorize words, but also learn the grammar and gain a deeper understanding of the Filipino culture.
How to Get There
In addition to the habits you formed to get to the beginner and intermediate levels, you must now start speaking and writing with a Filipino tutor who can guide you and offer you feedback. You’ll want to look for more Tagalog books, as well. Several authors write in contemporary Tagalog, such as Bob Ong and Edgar Calabia. If you’re going to visit a bookstore in the Philippines, head straight to the Filipiniana section where you will find a collection of books that are strong in history, economics, literature, sociology, and political science.
Advanced Level Tip: Filipino grammar books are okay, but that’s the only thing they can teach you—grammar. When studying a language, it’s important to learn what a native speaker would actually say in real situations, and not just repeat sentences you read from books. |
- → At the advanced level, you should already know how to conduct business using the Filipino language. This lesson should help you prepare!
So how long does it take to learn Tagalog fluently? To go from the intermediate level to the advanced level, you’ll need to study for another 550-600 hours.
Again, your learning speed will depend on several factors, and the numbers here are just estimates. They’re particularly based on the numbers provided by the Foreign Service Institute, which is the center for foreign-language learning in the United States government. According to their research, Tagalog is a Category III language and takes a total of 1100 hours to learn. That means Tagalog is more difficult to learn than French, Italian, or Spanish!
Tagalog is a Category III language and takes a total of 1100 hours to master.
Nothing is Too Hard with FilipinoPod101 on Your Side!
Learning Filipino is a journey that starts with a single step. And just like with any other journey, the best way to get to your destination is to travel with a map. In this case, your map is FilipinoPod101! Yes, it’s possible to reach the advanced level and start speaking fluent Tagalog like a native speaker. You can do this largely on your own, but with an expert to guide you and give you feedback along the way, you’ll be able to learn Tagalog fast.
Want to save time and money as you learn the Filipino language and discover the culture? Sign up with FilipinoPod101 today! Here, you’ll get access to free learning resources you won’t find elsewhere, as well as access to exclusive lessons from our Lesson Library. Our Innovative Language 101 app will also give you a way to view your lessons and track your progress anytime, anywhere.
Need a personal teacher to guide you through lessons tailored to your specific needs and goals? Our MyTeacher service will take care of you! With this Premium PLUS feature, you’ll receive continuous feedback on your progress, so you’ll know exactly where you are in your journey toward mastering Filipino.
So, what did you think of this post? Were we able to answer your question on how to learn Tagalog faster? Let us know in the comments section!
Happy learning!
30 Filipino Proverbs for Everyday Life
The Filipino culture is saturated with all kinds of traditions, beliefs, and superstitions, many of which are either illogical or impractical. Despite this, it’s also rich in proverbs that contain ageless wisdom. Known as salawikain in Tagalog, Filipino proverbs are bits and pieces of knowledge passed down orally from one generation to another. Their main purpose is to relate perceptions and little truths that have been tested through time.
There are many things from my childhood I will never forget. Among them are the Filipino proverbs that were taught to me by my parents and elders, and the ones I read from the once-popular Tagalog children’s magazine Pambata, which featured a comic strip entitled ‘Mga Salawikain ni Lolo Brigido.’
In this article, allow me to share with you some of the most celebrated proverbs that Filipinos have grown to love over the years.
Ang kapaitan ng pag-aaral ay mas kanais-nais kaysa kapaitan ng kamangmangan.
“The bitterness of studying is preferable to the bitterness of ignorance.”
- Proverbs About Character and Wisdom
- Proverbs About Life and Living
- Proverbs About Work and Success
- Proverbs About Relationships
- Miscellaneous Filipino Proverbs
- Learn Filipino Proverbs Plus Much More With FilipinoPod101!
1. Proverbs About Character and Wisdom
Every culture has its own ideals concerning how one should act, and its own ideas of what it means to be wise. So what better way to begin our Filipino proverbs list than with some proverbs on character and wisdom?
#1
Filipino | Anuman ang gagawin, pitong beses iisipin. |
Translation | “Whatever you do, think about it seven times.” |
This old Filipino saying is a reminder that every action has a consequence. Filipinos are known for being procrastinators, but we can be impulsive in many ways as well. Filipino parents who have grown in wisdom often use this very proverb to tell their young and more daring offspring not to be hasty when making decisions. Huwag kang mag padalos-dalos. Bago ka mag desisyon, mag-isip ka muna ng pitong beses. “Don’t rush. Think carefully before you make a decision.” |
#2
Filipino | Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makakarating sa paroroonan. |
Translation | “He who forgets where he came from will never reach his destination.” |
This proverb is usually attributed to Dr. Jose Rizal, although there’s evidence it didn’t originate from him. There’s no question that this is one of the most popular Filipino proverbs, and one that’s often on the lips of Filipino people. There are several ways it can be interpreted, but many people use it to refer to the importance of repaying a favor. Matuto kang lumingon sa pinanggalingan mo. Kung hindi dahil sa akin, hindi ka aasenso ng ganito. “Learn to look back where you came from. If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t be as successful as you are today.” |
- → Speaking of seven times, here are seven ways to speak confidently in Filipino.
#3
Filipino | Ang karanasan ay mabuting guro. |
Translation | “Experience is the best teacher.” |
Probably every culture has a version of this proverb. It reminds us that life is a series of experiences, a series of learning opportunities. Ayaw mo kasing makinig, kaya ngayon, ang pinagdaanan mo na ang nagturo sa iyo. “You didn’t want to listen, so now your experience became your teacher.” |
#4
Filipino | Ubos-ubos biyaya, pagkatapos nakatunganga. |
Translation | “Spend lavishly and you end up with nothing.” |
The word ubos is Filipino for “nothing is left.” It’s repeated here to emphasize a point. In this case, it’s used to refer to spending all your blessings in one go. Nakatunganga, on the other hand, is “to be idle.” It can also refer to the act of staring blankly into space, the exact expression someone has on their face after learning they have no money left. Bakit mo inubos ang pera mo? Nakatunganga ka diyan ngayon. “Why did you spend all your money? Now, you don’t know what to do.” |
#5
Filipino | Walang nakasisira sa bakal kundi sariling kalawang. |
Translation | “Nothing destroys iron except its own rust.” |
This proverb has two meanings, although the first one is similar to the second. It’s a metaphor that could mean no one can hurt you as much as the people who know you well, such as a family member or close friend. In the same manner, no one can destroy your reputation as much as you can—that is, if you keep on doing what is wrong and dishonorable. Sisirain ka ng sarili mong kalawang kapag hindi ka nagbago. “Your own rust will destroy you if you don’t mend your ways.” |
#6
Filipino | Laging nasa huli ang pagsisisi. |
Translation | “Regret is always at the end.” |
No one regrets their action at first. Being sorry about something always comes after the damage has been done. If you think about it, this proverb complements our first proverb (the one about pondering deeply about a decision before acting on it). Pag-isipan mo ‘yan ng pitong beses. Tandaan mo, laging nasa huli ang pagsisisi. “Evaluate your next step very carefully—think about it seven times. Remember, regret is always at the end.” |
Laging nasa huli ang pagsisisi.
“Regret is always at the end.”
2. Proverbs About Life and Living
We all strive to live the best life we can, but it’s not always easy and our path is not always clear. Here are some Filipino proverbs about life and living to give you some cultural perspective on the topic.
#7
Filipino | Ang buhay ay parang gulong, minsang nasa ibabaw, minsang nasa ilalim. |
Translation | “Life is like a wheel: Sometimes you’re up, and sometimes you’re down.” |
They say life is full of ups and downs, and we can’t expect to be happy all the time. This proverb is a reminder of that truth. The earlier you come to terms with it, the fewer frustrations you’ll have in life. A popular version of this proverb is: Ang buhay ay weather-weather lang. (Life is like the weather.) Huwag kang makampante. Nasa ibabaw ka ngayon, pero hindi mo alam baka bukas nasa ilalim ka na. “Don’t be overconfident. You may be at the top now, but you never know if you’re going to be at the bottom tomorrow.” |
- → Did I just read “weather”? Here’s a list of 15 weather conditions in Filipino.
#8
Filipino | Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa. |
Translation | “To be merciful is God’s; to act is man’s.” |
The bahala na mentality, or the concept that the future is up in the air, is deep within the psyche of the Filipino people. Many Filipinos fail to reach their true potential because of this. “I did my best. I’ll just pray that God will do the rest?” This proverb is a direct rebuke to that mentality, and it’s very similar to the famous motto, “God helps those who help themselves.” Kumayod ka kung gusto mong umasenso. Nasa Diyos nga ang awa, pero nasa tao ang gawa! “Work hard if you want to succeed. God is gracious, but nothing will happen to you if you remain idle!” |
#9
Filipino | Habang may buhay, may pag-asa. |
Translation | “As long as there is life, there is hope.” |
Filipinos are among the most resilient of peoples, and this proverb speaks of this truth. Various threats loom so largely every day that we sometimes feel that our situations are hopeless. But if one thing is true, it’s that we should never lose hope as long as there is breath in our lungs. Alam ko nahihirapan ka na, pero huwag mong kalimutan na habang may buhay, may pag-asa. “I know you’re having a very difficult time, but never forget that as long as there is life, there is hope.” |
#10
Filipino | Pag may hirap, may ginhawa. |
Translation | “When there is a difficulty, there is also a relief.” |
This is somewhat similar to the previous proverb about life being full of ups and downs. Most assuredly, life is full of paradoxes and dilemmas. But even if we’re facing hardships right now, we should never forget that we’ve also experienced many good things in the past—and we’ll experience more in the days to come! So don’t lose hope. A wise man once said, “Should we accept from God only good and not adversity?” |
#11
Filipino | Kalabaw lang ang tumatanda. |
Translation | “Only carabaos grow old.” |
There’s a reason that the carabao, or the water buffalo, is the national animal of the Philippines. As a symbol of hard work, the carabao is a tough, powerful, and tireless beast. But even an animal as majestic as the carabao grows old and eventually dies. Our grandparents used to quote this proverb to remind everybody that growing old is all in the mind and that anyone can stay as young and strong as they want by maintaining a positive outlook on life. In other words, “Age is just a number.” Lola, tama na ang trabaho. Magpahinga ka na. Hmp! Kalabaw lang ang tumatanda! “Grandma, you need to get some rest from work.” “Hmph! Only carabaos grow old!” |
#12
Filipino | Ang masamang damo ay matagal mamatay. |
Translation | “Weeds don’t die easily.” |
This proverb has long been used to describe evil people, particularly why they always seem to live longer. It’s somewhat related to the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” and its opposite, “Why do good things happen to bad people?” Indeed, we often perceive the wicked to be prospering more than they deserve, but let us not forget that both good and bad are part of life. Perhaps one of the purposes of this proverb is to remind us that it’s impossible to completely rid our lives of evil. All we can do is accept this fact, resist evil, and strive to be better individuals. Meanwhile, some people quote this proverb after narrowly escaping death. Huwag kayong mag-alala sa akin. Masamang damo ako. “Don’t be too worried about me. I don’t die easily.” |
Kalabaw lang ang tumatanda.
“Only carabaos grow old.”
3. Proverbs About Work and Success
Every culture has something to say about the value of hard work and what it takes to be successful. Below are some common Filipino proverbs on the topic to inspire and motivate you!
#13
Filipino | Hangga’t makitid ang kumot, matutong mamaluktot. |
Translation | “Learn how to curl up while the blanket is short.” |
Blankets are an important part of life in the Philippines. They protect not only against the cold, but also against mosquitoes and other bugs. In poor communities, a blanket can be a luxury. This proverb advises that if your blanket is too short, learn to bend your knees so that it can cover your entire body. In other words, learn to adjust to your circumstances. As we’ve already learned, life has its ups and downs. Be content with what you have at the moment. Work hard and save until you reach the point where you can indulge in a bit of luxury. Matuto ka munang mamaluktot habang naghahanap ka pa lang ng trabaho. “Learn to save first while you’re still looking for a job.” |
#14
Filipino | Pag may tiyaga, may nilaga. |
Translation | “If you persevere, you will reap the fruits of your labor.” |
In rural Philippines, the nilaga or stew is considered a reward after a hard day’s work. If a Filipino worker doesn’t work hard enough, he won’t have enough money to buy the ingredients for this nutritious dish. This proverb motivates us to work hard because if we persevere, success—and perhaps a delicious bowl of nilaga—will be waiting for us at the end. |
- → Since we’re talking about food, why don’t you learn about the top ten Filipino foods?
#15
Filipino | Daig ng maagap ang masipag. |
Translation | “Promptness wins over diligence.” |
To be maagap means to be proactive. You can be hardworking and persevering, but if you’re not mindful of what’s going on around you, you’ll risk losing your work and its potential rewards. Be a hardworking individual. Be excellent in what you do and never quit until you’ve completed your task. But in the process, don’t forget to stay alert and ready. In the end, a quick-witted person will win over someone who seems to work non-stop. |
#16
Filipino | Ang kita sa bula, sa bula rin mawawala. |
Translation | “What comes from bubbles will disappear in bubbles.” |
In a time when get-rich-quick schemes are becoming more and more rampant, nothing could be more valuable than this proverb. The word bula is Filipino for “bubble.” And as you know, bubbles can be attractive and mesmerizing sometimes. But just as fast as they appear, so do they disappear in the blink of an eye. Don’t fall for schemes that promise quick riches. As the saying goes, the way to get rich quickly is to do it slowly. |
#17
Filipino | Ang umaayaw ay di nagwawagi, ang nagwawagi ay di umaayaw. |
Translation | “A quitter never wins; a winner never quits.” |
There’s a time to quit and there’s a time to persevere and endure. This is a very straightforward proverb, reminding us that it ain’t over till the fat lady sings. After all, no one who quit prematurely became a champion in life. Huwag kang aayaw kaagad dahil ikaw din ang matatalo sa huli. “Don’t quit easily because you’ll only end up being the loser in the end if you do.” |