Tagalog is spoken by around 80 million people in the Philippines, where it serves as the basis for Filipino, the official language. It is written in the Latin alphabet and is full of loanwords from Spanish and English. With this kit, you have the bare minimum to get by in Manila, Cebu or Davao.
Tagalog is spoken as a first or second language by around 80 million people in the Philippines. It serves as the basis for Filipino, the national official language codified from Manila and the central Luzon region. An Austronesian language, Tagalog is now written in the Latin alphabet (after using pre-colonial baybayin) and is full of loanwords from Spanish (legacy of more than three centuries of colonization), English (since the American occupation) and Chinese. Its grammar is marked by a complex verbal system (the verbal "focuses" that orient the sentence around the agent, patient, place or beneficiary) and a frequent use of the suffix "po" to mark respect. Pronunciation is largely transparent for a French speaker, with stress often on the second-to-last syllable. Beyond the language, traveling to the Philippines means discovering an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands marked by Catholic culture, community conviviality (bayanihan), creole cuisine (adobo, sinigang, lechon) and English widely spoken in cities. Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan offer as many contrasting faces. This kit gathers the bare essentials to handle an arrival at NAIA, a taxi or jeepney ride, an order in a carinderia, a medical emergency and a smooth departure. You will find key greetings, phrases to orient yourself, words to eat and sleep, as well as cultural tips to avoid faux pas.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You land in Manila (NAIA) in the early evening. The hall is busy and you are looking for the official taxi exit. An agent meets your gaze, you greet him and ask for directions.
The driver loads your suitcase and asks for your destination. You give him the hotel address, want to check the price before leaving, then will ask him to stop right in front of the entrance.
You enter a local carinderia. The waiter seats you and hands you the menu. You ask for his recommendation and mention that you cannot handle too much chili before ordering water.
You feel sick after a meal and need help quickly. You ask where the nearest hospital is and mention that you are allergic to certain foods.
On the morning of departure, you want to confirm check-out time at the reception, then catch a taxi to the airport. Before leaving, you warmly say goodbye to the hotel staff.
What you need to know before travelling to a tagalog-speaking country.
The word "po" (and "opo" for "polite yes") is added to sentences to mark respect, especially with elders, strangers or superiors. Omitting it seems abrupt or rude.
The "mano po" is a gesture of respect towards elders: you take their hand and bring it to your forehead. It is a traditional sign still widely practiced in families and villages.
English is widely spoken in the Philippines, especially in cities. Tagalog often mixes English words ("Taglish"). Do not hesitate to switch to English if necessary.
Filipino hospitality is legendary. Refusing an invitation to eat or drink can be experienced as a rejection. Accept at least symbolically, even if you are not hungry.
The Philippines are 80% Catholic. Religious festivals (Christmas, Holy Week, local fiestas) shape social life. Dress appropriately in churches.
The concept of "hiya" (shame, modesty, sense of honor) is central. People avoid embarrassing someone in public, criticism is given in private and gently.
The "bayanihan" (community help) remains a fundamental value, particularly in villages. Neighbors, friends and family help each other without calculation.
In transport, especially jeepneys, you pass your money through the other passengers' hands to the driver. It is normal and very smooth. Learn to say "para po" to stop.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Oo
O-o
Yes
Hindi
hin-DI
No
Salamat
sa-LA-mat
Thank you
Walang anuman
wa-LANG a-noo-MAN
You're welcome
Paumanhin
pa-oo-man-HIN
Sorry
Tubig
TOO-big
Water
Pagkain
pag-KA-in
Food
Otel
O-tel
Hotel
Paliparan
pa-li-PA-ran
Airport
Ospital
os-pi-TAL
Hospital
A hundred words, thirty key phrases, as a printable PDF. Instant download, also sent by e-mail.
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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