Useful Phrases to Know

Filipino (also known as Tagalog) is the national language, but don’t worry—most people speak English. However, knowing a few local phrases will earn you some serious friend points and help make your trip feel more personal. Here’s a list of essential phrases to get you by, with a pronunciation guide that’s simple to follow.

👋 Greetings & Basic Interactions

• Kamusta? – [ka-MOOS-tah] – How are you?
  A classic, always nice to ask when you meet someone new.

• Magandang umaga! – [mah-GAN-dang oo-MAH-gah] – Good morning!
  Perfect for greeting people in the early hours.

• Magandang hapon! – [mah-GAN-dang HAH-pon] – Good afternoon!
  Use it after noon and before evening.

• Magandang gabi! – [mah-GAN-dang gah-BEE] – Good evening!
  Best for when the sun sets.

• Salamat! – [sah-LAH-maht] – Thank you!
  A small but powerful word to show appreciation.

• Walang anuman! – [wah-LAHNG ah-noo-MAHN] – You’re welcome!
  A humble way to say, “no problem” when someone thanks you.

• Paumanhin. – [pah-oo-MAHN-hin] – Excuse me/sorry
  Use this to apologize or politely get someone’s attention.

💬 Helpful Travel Phrases

• Saan ang [place]? – [sah-AHN ahng ...] – Where is [place]?
  Use this when you need to find a location or direction. Example: Saan ang beach? (Where is the beach?)

• Puwede bang magtanong? – [PWEH-deh bahng mag-tah-NOONG?] – Can I ask a question?
  Useful when you need to ask for help or directions.

• Magkano ito? – [mah-GKAH-noh ee-TOH?] – How much is this?
  Great for shopping or buying things at the market.

• Wala akong alam. – [wah-LAH ah-KOHNG ah-LAHM] – I don’t know.
  Use this when you're caught off guard or just don’t have an answer.

• May wifi ba? – [my WAI-fi bah?] – Do you have Wi-Fi?
  Handy when you need to stay connected.

• Sarap! – [sah-RAHP] – Delicious!
  Say this after a tasty meal—you'll definitely make the local foodies smile.

🍽️ Ordering Food & Drinks

• Isang [food] po, please. – [ee-SAHNG ... PO, pleez] – One [food], please.
  Great for ordering at a restaurant or street food stall. Example: Isang adobo po, please (One adobo, please).

• Gusto ko ito. – [GOO-stoh koh ee-TOH] – I like this.
  Useful when pointing at food or something you want to try.

• Kumain na ba kayo? – [koo-MAI-in nah bah kah-YOH?] – Have you eaten yet?
  A common phrase when greeting someone.

• Kailangan ko ng tubig. – [kah-IH-lah-ngahn koh nahng TOO-bihg] – I need water.
  Simple but essential, especially in the heat.

• Pwedeng mag-order? – [PWEH-dehng mag-OR-dehr?] – Can I order?
  When you’re ready to place your order.

🌴 Asking for Directions

• Doon lang po. – [DOO-ohn lahng po] – Just over there.
  Point and use this when directing someone.

• Malayo ba? – [mah-LAH-yo bah?] – Is it far?
  Useful when asking how far something is.

• Daanan lang po. – [DAH-ah-nahn lahng po] – It’s just along the way.
  A helpful response when someone’s giving you directions.

🚖 Transportation & Getting Around

• Puwede ba mag-taxi? – [PWEH-deh bah mag-TAX-ee?] – Can I take a taxi?
  Great for asking if you can grab a ride.

• Saan ang terminal ng bus? – [sah-AHN ahng ter-MEE-nahl nahng boos?] – Where is the bus terminal?
  Perfect when heading to catch a bus.

• Gusto ko ng [destination]. – [GOO-stoh koh nahng ...] – I want to go to [destination].
  Use this when telling a taxi or tricycle driver where you’re headed.

🤝 Polite Phrases

• Po and Opo – [POH] & [OH-po] – Polite words
  Used to show respect, especially when talking to older people or in formal situations. Example: Opo, salamat (Yes, thank you).

• Tama po. – [TAH-mah po] – That’s correct.
  Use this when agreeing with someone.

• Pasensya na. – [pah-SEHN-shah nah] – Sorry for the inconvenience.
  Great when apologizing for a minor mistake.

💬 Wrapping It Up

Knowing a few phrases like these can make your trip feel more connected and let locals know you're making an effort. Filipinos are incredibly kind and appreciative when you try—even if it’s just a “Kamusta?” to start the conversation.