The Philippines has a whopping 187 dialects on record, including 175 indigenous dialects and four extinct dialects. For your holiday here, we suggest you learn (at least) 10 essential words and phrases.
In case you’re wondering, the official language of the Philippines is Filipino, which is a combination of Tagalog and Spanish words. We’ve listed for you 10 phrases in Visayan, which is the main dialect in central and southern Philippines; and in Tagalog, which is widely spoken in Luzon and our northern destinations. These will help you get by (and endear you to the locals) during your trip.
Thank you very much.
Visayan: Daghang salamat
Tagalog: Maraming salamat
You’re welcome.
Visayan: Walay sapayan
Tagalog: Walang anuman
Good morning/afternoon/night.
Visayan: Maayong buntag/hapon/gabii
Tagalog: Magandang umaga/hapon/gabi
How much?
Visayan: Tag-pila?
Tagalog: Magkano?
What? Where? Who?
Visayan: Unsa?/Asa?/Kinsa?
Tagalog: Ano?/Saan?/Sino?
Yesterday/Today/Tomorrow
Visayan: Gahapon, Karon adlawa, Ugma
Tagalog: Kahapon, Ngayon Araw, Bukas
Numbers: 1 to 10 and 100. (and some Spanish numbers because they are still used up to this day)
Visayan: usa/duha/tulo/upat/lima/unum/pito/walo/siyam/napu’o and usa ka gatos
Tagalog: isa/dalawa/tatlo/apat/lima/anim/pito/walo/siyam/sampu and isang daan
Spanish 10, 20. 30. 40. 50, 60, 70, 80, 90: dies/beinte/treinta/kwarenta/singkwenta/sisenta/setenta/ochenta/nobenta
Stop here!
Visayan: Lugar lang!
Tagalog: Para!
Excuse me (sorry).
Visayan: Pasaylo-a ko
Tagalog: Pasensya na
Where is the…?
Visayan: Asa dapit ang…?
Tagalog: Nasaan ang…?
As a side note, you can show respect to those older than you by adding the word ‘po’ at the end of your sentences. If someone looks older than you but is still within your generation, you can address them by calling them ‘Ate’ (pronounced “ah-teh” or older sister) or ‘Kuya’ (older brother.).
Happy Travels!
Feel free to send us the top words/phrases you learned while in the Philippines or which words/phrases you would like to know by clicking this link.