Monday, July 30, 2012

Common Filipino Phrases


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Kamusta po kayo, tuloy po kayo, and salamat po are just some of the usual phrases that you will often hear and encounter when visiting the Philippines. The phrases have loose translations in the English language yet its context can be approximated to the said translation.  Like kamusta po kayo or simply kamusta, the context of the phrase inquires on how you are doing or ‘how are you?’ while the po added in kamusta is a Filipino value of showing respect.  Po is often used in formal conversations and it is usually added in most phrases.  But without it, the phrase can stand alone. So, if you will use kamusta po kayo, with or without po, in a conversation, it could be like:  “Hello, I’m John.  Kamusta (po) kayo?”      

For better understanding, the common Filipino phrases will be presented in an order that shows the Filipino phrase, English translation or context of its meaning, how the phrase is used in a sentence and how it will be pronounced in syllabication. Also, the po will be in a parenthesis to show that its usage is on your own discretion.     

Filipino phrase: Tuloy (po) kayo or simply tuloy                
English translation/context:  ‘Please, come in’ or ‘Come in’        
Usage in sentence:   “Hi John, tuloy po kayo,” said the host and you can answer, “Salamat.  Tuloy na po ako (Thank you.  I’ll come in).”
Pronunciation: Tu-loy po ka-yo

Filipino phrase: Maraming salamat (po) or salamat      
English translation/context:  Salamat po is ‘Thank you’ while Maraming salamat po is ‘Thank you very much.         
Usage in sentence:   Salamat Peter,” or “Maraming salamat Peter,” you said and your host can answer, “Walang anuman (You are welcome).”
Pronunciation: Ma-ra-ming sa-la-mat po

Filipino phrase: Walang anuman or Wala pong anuman
English translation/context:  You are welcome or it can also be loosely translated as ‘Don’t mention it.’
Usage in sentence:   The phrase is usually a response to salamat and when it is used in a sentence, it will be:   Salamat Peter,” or “Maraming salamat Peter,” you said and your host can answer, “Walang anuman or wala pong anuman (You are welcome).”
Pronunciation: Wa-lang pong a-nu-man

When asking and answering questions, some of common phrases are: 

Filipino phrase: opo, oho, or Oo              
English translation/context:  The three phrases yield the same meaning or context wherein it simply says ‘yes’.  However, the opo and oho are usually used in formal or polite conversations while oo is used for informal conversations.           
Usage in sentence:   “Joe, are you leaving?” your host asked and you can answer, “Oo.”
Pronunciation: O-o

Filipino phrase: Hindi po, hindi ho, or hindi         
English translation/context:  No
Usage in sentence:   “Mark, are you leaving?” your host asked and you can answer, “Hindi po.”
Pronunciation: Hin-di po

The phrases used for greetings are:


Filipino phrase: Magandang umaga po
English translation/context:  Good morning  
Usage in sentence:   Magandang umaga Mark,” your host greeted and you can answer, “Magandang umaga din po.” Please note that the word din was added as it was to connote the word ‘also’ or ‘same to you’.
Pronunciation: Ma-gan-dang u-ma-ga 

Filipino phrase: Magandang tanghali po
English translation/context:  Good noon  
Usage in sentence:   Magandang tanghali Joseph,” your host greeted and you can answer, “Magandang tanghali din po.”
Pronunciation: Ma-gan-dang tang-ha-li

Filipino phrase: Magandang hapon po
English translation/context:  Good afternoon  
Usage in sentence:   Magandang hapon Dennis,” your host greeted and you can answer, “Magandang hapon din po.”
Pronunciation: Ma-gan-dang ha-pon

Filipino phrase: Magandang gabi po
English translation/context:  Good evening  
Usage in sentence:   Magandang gabi Joseph,” your host greeted and you can answer, “Magandang gabi din po.”
Pronunciation: Ma-gan-dang ga-bi