English to Tagalog Examples

Used as a general greeting, similar to "How are you?" in English.

Formal: Kamusta po kayo? (How are you, sir/ma'am?)

Informal: Kamusta ka? (How are you?)

Used from sunrise until around 11 AM. Add "po" for formality: "Magandang umaga po."

Used as both a greeting (Good evening) and farewell (Good night) depending on context.

Commonly used expression of gratitude. For added politeness, say "Salamat po."

Very thankful: Maraming salamat (Thank you very much)

Formal word for "please." In everyday conversation, Filipinos often use "paki-" prefix or just say the request politely.

Common usage: Pakiabot ng tubig. (Please pass the water.)

The standard word for "yes." Sometimes Filipinos use "Opo" (OH-poh) as a more respectful form when speaking to elders.

The standard word for "no." The respectful form is "Hindi po."

Emphatic no: Hindi talaga (Absolutely not)

This is a direct question structure. "Kamusta" means "how" or "state/condition," and "ka" means "you."

Formal version: Kamusta po kayo? (How are you, sir/ma'am?)

"Mahal" means love or expensive. "Kita" is a special pronoun that means "you (by me)" or "I (verb) you."

Alternative: Iniibig kita (More poetic/literary)

"Ano" means "what," "ang" is a marker, "pangalan" means "name," and "mo" means "your."

Formal version: Ano po ang pangalan ninyo? (What is your name, sir/ma'am?)

Essential question for travelers. "Nasaan" means "where is," "ang" is a marker, "banyo" means "bathroom."

Alternative: Saan po ang CR? (Where is the comfort room?)

Essential for shopping. "Magkano" means "how much," "ito" means "this."

Polite form: Magkano po ito? (How much is this, please?)

This is a common greeting in the Philippines, not considered intrusive. It's similar to "How are you?" in English.

Response: Sa palengke. (To the market.)