Filipino words and phrases
English is widely spoken, but a few words of Filipino will earn you big smiles.
Quick answer
- Official languages: Filipino and English.
- Many languages: more than 170 are spoken across the islands, including Cebuano, Ilocano and Hiligaynon.
- English: widely understood in cities and tourist areas, and used in signs, menus and government.
- Most useful word: 'salamat' (thank you). Add 'po' to be polite: 'salamat po'.
- Taglish: everyday speech often mixes Tagalog and English in the same sentence.
The Philippines is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in Asia, with more than 170 languages. Under the 1987 Constitution, Filipino, based mainly on Tagalog, is the national language, and Filipino and English are the official languages.
In practice, you can travel almost everywhere in English. But people light up when a visitor tries a few words of Filipino, and in the Visayas and Mindanao, a word or two of Cebuano goes even further.
Being polite
| Filipino | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Salamat (po) | Thank you (politely) |
| Walang anuman | You’re welcome |
| Opo / Oo | Yes (polite / casual) |
| Hindi po | No (polite) |
| Pasensya na | Sorry / Excuse me |
| Kumusta? | How are you? |
| Mabuti | Fine, good |
| Paalam / Ingat! | Goodbye / Take care! |
Shopping and eating
| Filipino | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Magkano? | How much? |
| Mahal | Expensive (also “love”) |
| Tawad po? | Can you give a discount? |
| Masarap! | Delicious! |
| Busog na ako | I’m full |
| Tubig | Water |
| Kain tayo! | Let’s eat! |
Getting around
| Filipino | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Saan ang…? | Where is…? |
| Saan ang CR? | Where is the toilet? (CR means comfort room) |
| Bayad po | Here’s my fare (on a jeepney) |
| Para po! | Please stop! (to get off) |
| Kanan / Kaliwa | Right / Left |
| Diretso | Straight on |
| Tara na! | Let’s go! |
See our guide to riding a jeepney.
People
| Filipino | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ate | Older sister; a polite way to address a woman |
| Kuya | Older brother; a polite way to address a man |
| Lolo / Lola | Grandfather / grandmother |
| Kaibigan | Friend |
A few Cebuano words
Useful in Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete, Siargao and much of Mindanao:
- Salamat (thank you), as in Filipino
- Maayong buntag (good morning)
- Pila? (how much?)
- Lami! (delicious!)
Pronunciation tips
- Say every vowel: a as in “father”, e as in “bed”, i as in “machine”, o as in “go”, u as in “rule”.
- The word “ng” on its own is said “nang”, and “mga” (plural marker) is said “manga”.
- Stress can change meaning, but people will understand you from context.
For how to use these words politely, see our guide to etiquette for visitors.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is Filipino the same as Tagalog?
Filipino is the national language and is based mainly on Tagalog, the language of Manila and surrounding provinces. In practice, the two are very close.
Do people speak English in the Philippines?
Yes. English is an official language, used in schools, business and government, and widely understood in cities and tourist areas.
What language do they speak in Cebu?
Cebuano (often called Bisaya) is the main language of Cebu, Bohol and much of the Visayas and Mindanao. 'Salamat' still works for thank you.
How do you say hello in Filipino?
'Kumusta?' means 'How are you?' and is a common greeting. Many people simply say 'Hi' or 'Hello'.
Is Filipino hard to pronounce?
It is mostly pronounced as written, with every vowel sounded. 'Ng' alone is said 'nang'.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
