Filipino phrasebook

From MaxTravelz

Tagalog is an official national language of the Philippines. Pilipino is based on Tagalog, Spanish, and English, it is spoken by about 17 million people worldwide. here are many duplicate words of meaning where one is Tagalog and the other is of Spanish origin. The main difference with its grammar is that it is not word-order transitive like English. For example, the sentence Jill gives the book to Tom has no meaning without the personal markers Si and Ni. If an actor focus verb is used, Jill becomes Si Jill, and Tom becomes Ni Tom. If a non-actor focus verb is used, then Si and Ni are reversed. This works something like active and passive voice in English, but neither form would seem passive in Tagalog.

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

Pronunciation guide

Abbreviation ng Tagalog

Two very common words are always abbreviated:

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

Although Pilipino words may seem long and tongue-twisting at first, pronunciation is easier than in many other languages. Long words are almost always based on smaller root words. The only foreign sound is an initial ng on a few words such as ngiti (smile).

Vowels

a: like 'a' in "apple", 'a' in "cake", "a" in "amen"
e: like 'i' in "magazine", 'e' in "bed" (often silent at the end of a word)
i: like 'i' in "pine", 'i' in "fin"
o: like 'ow' in "low", like 'o' in "top"
u: like 'oo' in "hoop", like 'u' in "cup"

Consonants

b: like 'b' in "bed"
c: like 's' in "supper", 'k' in "kid"
d: like 'd' in "dog"
f: like 'ph' in "phone"
g: like 'g' in "go", 'j' in "jello"
h: like 'h' in "help" (often silent in the UK and other Commonwealth countries)
j: like 'dg' in "edge"
k: like 'c' in "cat"
l: like 'l' in "love"
m: like 'm' in "mother"
n: like 'n' in "nice"
ng: like 'ng' in "fang", but pronounced 'nang' as a standalone word
p: like 'p' in "pig"
q: like 'q' in "quest" (with "u", almost always)
r: like 'r' in "row", like 'r' in "feather" (often silent in the UK and other Commonwealth countries at end of word)
s: like 'ss' in "hiss", like 'z' in "haze"
t: like 't' in "top"
v: like 'v' in "victory"
w: like 'w' in "weight"
x: like 'cks' in "kicks", like 'z' in "haze" (at beginning of a word)
y: like 'y' in "yes", like 'ie' in "pie", like 'ee' in "flee"
z: like 'z' in "haze"

Common diphthongs

ay: like 'ay' in "say"
ai: like 'ay' in "say"
au: like 'awe'

ee: like 'ee' in "see"
ei: like 'ay' in "say"
ey: like 'ay' in "say", like 'ee' in "see"

ie: like 'ee' in "see"

oi: like 'oy' in "boy"
oo: like 'oo' in "food", like 'oo' in "good"
ou: like 'ow' in "cow", like 'oo' in "food", like 'o' in "cot"
ow: like 'ow' in "cow"
oy: like 'oy' in "boy"

ch: like 'ch' in "touch"
sh: like 'sh' in "sheep"
th: like 'th' in "this", like 'th' in "those"
gh: like 'f' in "fish"
ph: like 'f' in "fish"

Phrase list

Some phrases in this phrasebook still need to be translated. If you know anything about this language, you can help by plunging forward and translating a phrase.

Basics

Add po at (or near) the end of a sentence or question to make it formal. Exception: after an interrogative po immediately follows. Sino po siya? Who is he/she? (formal) Ho (not used in this phrasebook) is a slightly downgraded version of po and can virtually always be interchanged with it (including Opo -- see below). It's most commonly heard within families to show respect to elders. Po (and ho) are incompatible with ka and ikaw (use kayo) and with mo (use nila).

Negative tag questions are answered in the opposite way compared to English.
Oo Yes, I don't. Hindi No, I do.

Yes (logical): Oo (OH-OH) (informal) Opo (OH-po) (formal)
No (logical): Hindi (hin-DEE) (informal) Hindi po (formal)
Yes (to have or there are some): Mayroon (MAY-ron) (informal, also 'Meron') Mayroon po (formal)

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

No (to not have or there is none): Wala (wa-LAH) (informal) Wala po (formal)
I don't know: Hindi ko alam. (informal) Hindi ko po alam. (formal)
Hello: Hi/Hoy (Like the word 'High' - same as in English, 'Hoy' is more attention-getting and less polite) (informal)
How are you?: Kamusta ka? (informal) Kamusta po kayo? (formal)
Fine, thank you.: Ayos naman, salamat. (Ayos nahman, sahlahmat) Mabuti po, salamat. (formal)
And you: Ikaw? (ee-COW) (informal) Kayo po? (formal)
Good/Well: Mabuti (mah-BOO-tee) Mabuti po (formal)
What is your name?: Anong pangalan mo? (informal) Ano po ang pangalan nila? (formal)
My name is ______ .: Ako'y si ______ . Ang pangalan ko ay si _______. (literal)

Note as shown above, markers (si/ni/kay) are mandatory before a person's name -- no exceptions (other than one word answers)

Nice/pleased to meet you.: Kinagagalak kong makilala ka. (...) Kinagagalak kong makilala kayo po. (formal)
Please.: paki usap po
Thank you.: Salamat (informal) Salamat po (formal)
Thank you very much: Maraming salamat (informal) Maraming salamat po (formal)
You're welcome.: Walang anuman. (literally it is nothing)
Take care.: Ingat!!!
How old are you?: Ilang taon ka na?
Where are you from?: Taga saan ka? (Tah-gah sah-ahn kah?)
Where do you live?: Saan ka nakatira?
Where have you been?: Saan ka galing? (often used rhetorically)
Where are you going?: Saan ka pupunta? (Sah-ahn kah poo-poon-tah?)
Can you accompany me to _____?: Pwede mo ba akong samahan sa _____?
Can you take me to _____ ?: Pwede mo ba akong dalhin sa _____ ?
What is your work?: Anong trabaho mo?
What are you doing?: Ano ang ginagawa mo? (ano ang ge-nah-gah-WAH mo)
Where do you go to school?: Saang eskwela ka nag-aaral?
Excuse me. (getting attention): Excuse me. (ehkz-KYOOZ mee)
Excuse me. (To ask for permission): Excuse me. (ehkz-KYOOZ mee)
I'm sorry.: Paumanhin/Sorry. (...)
Goodbye: Paalam.
Goodbye (informal): Bye. (BIGH)
I can't speak _____( insert name of language) [well].: Hindi ako makapagsalita ng _____ [mabuti].
Help!: Saklolo! (SAHK-lolo!) or Tulong! (TOO-LONG)
Look out!: Look out! (look OWT!)
Good morning.: Magandang umaga (ma-GAHN-dang oo-MAH-ga) (informal)
Magandang umaga po (ma-GAHN-dang oo-MAH-ga po) (formal)
Good day: Magandang araw (ma-GAHN-dang AH-row)
Good afternoon: Magandang hapon (ma-GAHN-dang HA-pon)
Good evening: Magandang gabi. (ma-GAHN-dang gah-BI)
Good night (to sleep): Good night. (good NIGHT)
I don't understand.: Hindi ko maintindihan.
Where is the bathroom/washroom?: Nasaan ang C.R.? (NAH-SAH-an ang C R?) [where C.R. = Comfort Room ~ Rest Room]
What time is it?: Anong oras na?
Do you understand English?: Nakakaintindi ka ba ng Ingles?
Do you speak English?: Nakakapagsalita ka ba ng Ingles?
Yes, I speak/understand a little.: Oo, kaunti lang.
I don't understand Tagalog.: Hindi ako nakakaintindi ng Tagalog.
Is there someone here who speaks English?: Meron ba ditong marunong mag Ingles?
Who is she/he?: Sino siya?
What is she/he saying?: Anong sinasabi niya?
What do you mean?: Ano ibig mong sabihin?
Please say it again/pardon.: Pakiulit.
Please write it down: Pakisulat.
Let's go!: / Tara!(very informal) Halika na (semi-formal)
Wait!!!: Teka!!!
Can I speak to ____ ? (on the phone): Pwedeng makausap si _____?
One moment: Sandali lang
Who?: Sino?
What?: Ano?
Why?: Bakit?
Where?: Saan? (SAH-ahn)
When?: Kailan?
How?: Paano? (PAH-ahno)

Nouns

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

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

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

Girl/Female: Babae
Boy/Male: Lalake
Animal: Hayop
Place: Lugar
Name: Pangalan
Nickname: Palayaw
Surname: Apelyido
Address: Tirahan
Age: Edad
Sex/Gender: Kasarian
School: Eskwelahan
Variety Store: Tindahan
Birthday: Kaarawan
Birthdate: Kapanganakan
Child: Bata
Adult: Matanda
Tricycle: Tricycle
Jeepney: Jeep
Bus: Bus (pronounced a little like boose in 'caboose', but shorter)
Train: Tren
Light: Ilaw
Water: Tubig
Electricity: Kuryente
Table: Mesa
Couch: Sofa
Chair: Silya
Living room: Sala
Kitchen: Kusina
Bedroom: Kwarto
Bathroom: Banyo(formal)/Kubeta(informal)/CR(casual)
Picture: Litrato
Radio: Radyo
Air Conditioner: Aircon
Television: Telebisyon
Refrigirator: Pridyider
Faucet: Gripo
Door: Pinto
Window: Bintana
Friend: Kaibigan
Buddy: Kumpare

Adjectives

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

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

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

Beautiful: Maganda
Handsome: Gwapo/Pogi(casual)
Ugly: Pangit
Good: Mabuti
Bad: Masama
Smart/Intelligent: Matalino
Tall (person): Matangkad
Short/Small: Maliit
Clean: Malinis
Dirty: Madumi
Delicious: Masarap
Bland: Matabang
Large: Malaki
Medium: Katamtaman
Small: Maliit
Cold: Malamig
Hot: Mainit
Happy: Masaya
Sad/Lonely: Malungkot
Far: Malayo
Close/Near: Malapit
Loud: Malakas
Noisy: Maingay
Silent: Tahimik
High: Mataas
Low: Mababa
Old (person): Matanda
Old (things): Luma

Adverbs

Here: Dito
There: Doon
Outside: Sa labas
Inside: Sa loob
Upstairs: Sa itaas
Downstairs: Sa ibaba
Behind: Sa likod
Next: Katabi
Beside: Katabi
Front: Harapan
Back: Likuran

Problems

What's the matter/problem?: Anong problema?
Are you ok?: OK ka lang?
Leave me alone.: Lumayo ka sa akin.
Don't touch me!: Huwag mo akong hawakan.
Let go of me!: Bitawan mo ako!!!
I'll call the police.: Tatawag ako ng pulis.
Police!: Pulis!
There's an accident: May aksidente.
There's a fire!!: May sunog!! (lit. "burning")

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

Stop! Thief!: Tigil! Magnanakaw!
I need help.: Kailangan ko ng tulong.
It's an emergency.: Emergency ito. (...)
I'm lost.: Nawawala ako.
I'm tired: Pagod ako.
I'm not feeling well.: Masama ang pakiramdam ko.
I can't sleep: Hindi ako makatulog.
I can't eat: Hindi ako makakakain.
I have a headache: Sumasakit ang ulo ko.
I'm hungry: Gutom na ako.
I'm thirsty: Nauuhaw ako.
I ran out of money: Naubusan na ako ng pera.
I lost my bag.: Nawala ang bag ko.
I lost my wallet.: Nawala ang walet ko.
I'm sick.: May sakit ako.
I've been injured.: Nasugatan ako.
I need a doctor.: Kailangan ko ng doktor.
Can I use your phone?: Pwedeng makigamit ng telepono?
Where's the hospital?: Saan ang ospital?
I need to get you to the hospital.: Kailangan kitang dalhin sa ospital

Numbers

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

1: isa (...)
2: dalawa (...)
3: tatlo (...)
4: apat (...)
5: lima (...)
6: anim (...)
7: pito (...)
8: walo (...)
9: siyam (...)
10: sampu (...)
11: labing-isa (...)
12: labing-dalawa (...)
13: labing-tatlo (...)
14: labing-apat (...)
15: labing-lima (...)
16: labing-anim (...)
17: labing-pito (...)
18: labing-walo (...)
19: labing-siyam (...)
20: dalawampu(...)
21: dalawamput isa (...)
22: dalawamput dalawa (...)
23: dalawamput tatlo (...)
30: tatlumpu : treinta(for currency e.g. 30 pesos/treinta pesos) (...)
40: apatnapu : kwarenta(currency)(...)
50: limampu : singkwenta(currency)(...)
60: animnapu : sisenta (currency) (...)
70: pitumpu : sitenta (currency) (...)
80: walumpu : otsenta (currency)(...)
90: siyamnapu : nobenta (currency)(...)
100: isang daan (...)
200: dalawang daan (...)
300: tatlong daan (...)
1000: isang libo (...)
2000: dalawang libo (...)
1,000,000: isang milyon (...)
1,000,000,000: isang libong milyon in UK, isang bilyon in USA
1,000,000,000,000: isang bilyon in UK, isang trilyon in USA
number _____ (train, bus, etc.): bilang _____ (...)
half: kalahati (...)
less: kaunti(...) or konti
more: madami (...) or marami

For numbers above 10, Spanish is frequently used.

Time

now: ngayon (NGAyon)
a while ago: kanina (...)
later: mamaya (MA-MA-ya)
before: bago (...)
after: pagkatapos (...)
morning: umaga (Oo-MA-ga)
afternoon: tanghali(12 o'clock)/hapon(1-5 o'clock PM) (...)
evening: gabi (GAA-bee)
night: gabi (Gaa-bee)
dawn: madaling araw

Clock time

"ng" is pronounced 'nang'

one o'clock AM: ala una ng madaling araw
two o'clock AM: alas dos ng madaling araw
three o'clock AM: alas tres ng madaling araw
four o'clock AM: alas kwatro ng madaling araw
five o'clock AM: alas singko ng madaling araw
six o'clock AM: alas sais ng umaga
seven o'clock AM: alas siyete ng umaga
eight o'clock AM: alas otso ng umaga
nine o'clock AM: alas nuwebe ng umaga
ten o'clock AM: alas diyes ng umaga
eleven o'clock AM: alas onse ng umaga
twelve o'clock noon: alas dose ng tanghali
one o'clock PM: ala una ng hapon
two o'clock PM: alas dos ng hapon
three o'clock PM: alas tres ng hapon
four o'clock PM: alas kwatro ng hapon
five o'clock PM: alas singko ng hapon
seven o'clock PM: ala siyete ng hating gabi
six o'clock PM: ala sais ng hating gabi
eight o'clock PM: alas otso ng hating gabi
nine o'clock PM: alas nuebe ng hating gabi
ten o'clock PM: alas dies ng hating gabi
eleven o'clock PM: alas onse ng hating gabi
one o'clock PM: ala una ng hapon
two o'clock PM: alas dos ng gabi
twelve o'clock midnight: alas dose ng madaling araw
one thirty o'clock PM: ala una y media ng hapon
two thiry PM: alas dos y media ng hapon
one thirty AM: ala una y media ng madaling araw
nine thirty AM: alas nuwebe ng umaga
one forty five AM: ala una kwarenta y singko ng umaga
nine forty five AM: alas nuebe kwarenta y singko ng umaga

Duration

_____ minute(s): _____ minuto (...)
_____ hour(s): _____oras (...)
_____ day(s): _____araw (...)
_____ week(s): _____ linggo (...)
_____ month(s): _____buwan (...)
_____ year(s): _____taon (...)

Days

today: ngayon
yesterday: kahapon
tomorrow: bukas
this week: ngayong linggo
last week: nakaraang linggo
next week: sa isang linggo

Sunday: Linggo (LING-go)
Monday: Lunes (LOO-ness)
Tuesday: Martes (MAR-tess)
Wednesday: Miyerkoles (MEE-yer-koh-less)
Thursday: Huwebes (HOOweh-bess)
Friday: Biyernes (BEEyer-ness)
Saturday: Sabado (SAba-do)

Holidays

Christmas: Pasko
New Year: Bagong Taon
Easter: Mahal na Araw(formal)/Semana Santa(casual)
All Souls Day: Araw ng mga Patay(formal)/Todos los Santos(Casual)

Months

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

January: Enero (...)
February: Pebrero (...)
March: Marso (...)
April: Abril (...)
May: Mayo (...)
June: Hunyo (...)
July: Hulyo (...)
August: Agosto (...)
September: Setyembre (...)
October: Oktubre (...)
November: Nobyembre (...)
December: Desyembre (...)

Writing time and date

Dates can be written as follows:

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

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

Colors

black: itim (EE-teem)
white: puti (...)
gray: abu-abuhin/gray (...)
red: pula (...)
blue: bughaw (...)
yellow: dilaw(...)
green: luntian (...)
orange: kahel (...)
purple: lila (...)
pink: rosas (...)
brown: kayumanggi (for skin color only), brown(for objects) (...)
gold: ginto

Transportation

Bus and train

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

Directions

How do I get to _____ ?: Paano papuntang ______? (...)
...the train station?: ...istasyon ng tren (...)
...the bus station?: ...istasyon ng bus? (...)
...the airport?: ... airport ? (...)
...downtown?: ...downtown? (...)
...supermarket?: ...supermarket?
...wet market?: ...palengke
...bank?: ...bangko?
...the youth hostel?: ...hostel? (...)
...the _____ hotel?: ..._____ hotel? (...)
...the American/Canadian/Australian/British consulate?: ... ?konsulado ng Estados Unidos (Amerika)/Canada/Australian/British (...)
Where are there a lot of...: Saan ang karamihan ng... (...)
...hotels?: ...hotels? (...)
...restaurants?: ... restaurants? (...)
...malls?: malls
...bars?: ...bars? (...)
...sites to see?: ...mga magagandang tanawin? (...)
Can you show me on the map ____ ?: Puwede mong ituro sa akin sa mapa ang _____? (...)
street: kalye (...)
Turn left.: Kumaliwa. (KooMAH-Leewah)
Turn right.: Kumanan. (...)
left: kaliwa (...)
right: kanan (...)
straight ahead: dumiretso (...)
towards the _____: tungo sa _____ (...)
past the _____: lagpas sa _____ (...)
before the _____: bago sa _____ (...)
Watch out for the _____.: Maging mapagmasid ka sa _____. (...)
intersection: intersection (...)
north: hilaga (...)
south: timog (...)
east: silangan (...)
west: kanluran (...)
uphill: paakyat ng burol (...)
downhill: pababa ng burol (...)

Taxi

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

Jeepney/Bus

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

Lodging

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

Money

Do you accept American/Australian/Canadian dollars?: Tumatanggap ba kayo ng American/Australian/Canadian dollars? (...)
Do you accept British pounds?: Tumatanggap ba kayo ng British pounds? (...)
Do you accept credit cards?: Tumatanggap ba kayo ng credit card? (...)
Can you change my money to ____ ?: Pwede mo bang palitan ang pera ko sa ____? (...)
I want to change my money to Phil. pesos ?: Gusto kong palitan ang pera ko sa pesos (...)
Where can I get my money changed?: Saan pwedeng magpapalit ng pera? (...)
Can you change a traveler's check for me?: Pwede bang palitan ang traveler's check ko? (...)
Where can I get a traveler's check changed?: Saan ko pwedeng papalitan ang check ko? (...)
What is the exchange rate in _____ (US Dollar/Canadian Dollar/British Pounds)?: Magkano ang palitan ng (US Dollar/Canadian Dollar/British Pounds)? (...)
Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)?: Saan merong ATM? (na-sah-AHN ang 'ATM')
I want to withdraw money from ATM.: Gusto kong magwithdraw sa ATM.

Eating

A table for one person/two people, please.: Mesa para sa isa/dalawang katao, please. (...)
Can I look at the menu, please?: Pwedeng makita ang menu, please? (...)
Can I look in the kitchen?: Pwedeng makita ang kusina? (...)
Where's the bathroom/washroom?: Nasaan ang C.R.? (...)
Is there a house specialty?: Meron ba kayong specialty? (...)
Is there a local specialty?: Meron ba kayong local specialty? (...)
I'm a vegetarian.: Vegetarian ako. (...)
I don't eat pork.: Hindi ako kumakain ng baboy. (...)
I don't eat beef.: Hindi ako kumakain ng karne. (...)
I only eat kosher food.: Kosher lang ang kinakain ko. (...)
Can you make it "lite", please? (less oil/butter/lard): Pwede mong gawing "lite", please? (...)
It's salty.: Maalat ito
It's so sweet.: Napakatamis ito
It's so spicy.: Napakaanghang ito
fixed-price meal: fixed-price meal (...)
à la carte: a la carte (...)
breakfast: almusal (...)
lunch: tanghalian (...)
tea (meal): tea (...)
supper: hapunan (...)
I want _____.: Gusto ko ng _____. (GOOS-to koh)
I want a dish called _____.: Gusto ko ng ulam na _____. (...)
chicken: manok (chicken)
beef: karne (beef)
fish: isda (is-DAH)
ham: hamon (...)
food: pagkain
drinks: inumin
sausage: sausage (...)
cheese: keso (keh-soh)
eggs: itlog (eet-LOG)
salad: salad (...)
(fresh) vegetables: (sariwang) gulay (goo-LIE)
(fresh) fruit: (sariwang) prutas (proo-TAS)
bread: tinapay (ti-nah-PIE)
fastfood: fastfood
toast: toast (...)
noodles: noodles (...)
rice: kanin (KA-nin)/bigas (bi-GAS, used for uncooked rice)
beans: beans (...)
raw: hilaw (HEElaw)
cooked: luto (LOOto)
Can/May I have a glass of _____?: Pwedeng/Maaaring makahingi ng isang basong _____? (...)
Can/May I have a cup of _____?: Pwedeng/Maaring makahingi ng isang tasang_____? (...)
Can/May I have a bottle of _____?: Pwedeng/Maaaring makahingi ng isang boteng _____? (...)
coffee: kape (ka-FEH)
tea (drink): tsaa (cha-AH)
iced tea: iced tea
chocolate: chocolate
ice: yelo
juice: juice (...)
(bubbly) water: water (...)
water: tubig (TOO-BEEG)
beer: beer (...)
red/white wine: red/white wine (...)
May I have some _____?: Maaaring makahingi ng_____? (...)
salt: asin (uh-SEEN)
dessert: dessert (...)
black pepper: paminta(...)
butter: margarina or mantikilya (...)
Excuse me, waiter? (getting attention of server): Excuse me, waiter? (...)
I'm finished/done.: Tapos na ako. or Tapos na akong kumain. (tah-pohs NAH uh-KOH or tah-pohs NAH uh-KOHNG KOO-mah-in)
It was delicious.: Masarap ang pagkain. (muh-suh-RAHP yan)
Please clear the plates.: Pakilinis ang mesa. (...)
Can I get the bill, please.: Yung bill, please. (...)

KTV (Karaoke Bars)

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

Bars

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

Shopping

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

Driving

I want to rent a car.: Gusto kong mag-rent ng kotse. (GOOS-toh koh MAHG-RENT uhng koh-CHEH)
Can I get insurance?: Pwedeng kumuha ng insurance? (...)

Most Philippine road signs are in English.

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

Authority

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

Learning more

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