Tagalog 101
- Drew Carcellar
- Feb 8, 2021
- 2 min read
Hey everyone! So, we’re back after a prolonged break. I hope everyone’s feeling great after resting because this semester would be unlike any other. Seniors, you know what I mean.
To make this blog more relaxing and interesting, I decided to talk about Tagalog, one of the two languages that I can fluently understand. At school, my friends make an effort to learn words, sentences and phrases in Tagalog (good job Alan!). I felt inspired to write about a brief background of the language, while including a few handy phrases that you would need. I’ll include some of the modern slang that I use too. And just a disclaimer. I won’t be writing these in “Baybayin” (the “script” or newly implemented writing system in the country).
So let’s start from the basics! Tagalog is an Austronesian language that is spoken around the Philippines. People from the Central Luzon area, ethnically called Tagalogs (hence, the name), have the language as their mother tongue. Some people call it Filipino, some don’t agree to that. One thing is for sure. Most Filipinos can understand, speak, write and read in Tagalog, as it is one of the two main languages of the Philippines. If you look closely, Tagalog has influence from languages like Spanish, Hokkien, Sanskrit, Malay and English. Considering that, I’m pretty sure you’ll get the hang of it quickly.
Before everything, I want to emphasize on the idea of “respect” in the language. We use something called “honorifics,” which signifies that you are respecting someone older and of a higher position. The word “po” (which doesn’t have an accurate English translation) is what we use to show respect. It works if you add it at the end of some sentences, but know that it won’t. For this blog, I’ll be putting “po” in where it works best.
Basic Greetings
Good morning → Magandang umaga (po).
Good afternoon → Magandang hapon (po).
Good evening → Magandang gabi (po).
How are you? → Kumusta ka na (po)?
I’m fine → Mabuti (po) ako.
And you? → At ikaw (po)?
Goodbye → Paalam (po).
Thank you → Salamat (po).
You’re welcome → Walang anuman*
Introductions
What’s your name? → Anong pangalan mo?
Where are you from? → Taga-saan ka (po)?
My name is _____ → Ang pangalan ko (po) ay (say your name).
I’m ____ → Ako (po) si (say your name).
Nice to meet you → Ikinagagalak (po) kitang makilala.
Important Terms
Boy → Lalaki
Girl → Babae
Child → Bata/Anak**
Mom → Nanay
Dad → Tatay
Big Brother → Kuya (insert name)
Big Sister → Ate (insert name)
Youngest Sibling → Bunso
Uncle → Tito (insert name)
Aunt → Tita (insert name)
Grandpa → Lolo
Grandma → Lola
Modern Slang
“Fil-Am” → Filipino American
“Sana all” → A phrase you use when you want to experience something nice that someone else is going through (Ex. My friend has a new phone. Sana all.).
“Lodi” → Idol backwards, mainly used to people you look up to.
“Charot” → Literally means “Just kidding!”
“Praning” → Someone who overthinks and panics all the time.
“Petmalu” → In simple terms, “awesome” or “cool.”
Well that’s it for now! Let us know if you want a second part. I really hope you enjoyed this simple Tagalog lesson from HSM’s resident Fil-Am.
*I never heard or used “po” with this phrase because it sounded awkward, so I didn’t include it.
** “Bata” is for children you don’t know. “Anak” is usually used by parents (or sometimes other adults for endearment).
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