‘Hello’ in Tagalog

Hello.

Hello.

It is common for Filipinos to use the English word in greeting each other. In recent years, there’s a
tendency to affix the respectful marker po when speaking to even slightly older people. Though this
used to sound very strange and awkward, these days you will hear the phrase “Hello po” all the time.

Kamusta?

How are you?

– the closest equivalent to the English greeting “Hello”

– this is the more current spelling of Kumusta

– it comes from the Spanish ¿Cómo está?

Kamusta ka na?

How have you been?

– this is like “What’s up?”

– don’t use with old people

Mabuti.

Fine. / Good.

Okey lang. / Ayos lang.

Just fine. (So-so…)

Kamusta ang buhay?

How’s life?

Ano ang bago?

What’s new?
Wala.

Nothing.

Wala masyado.

Nothing much.

Ikaw? Mabuti ka ba? Sana mabuti ka rin.

You? Are you fine? I hope you’re fine too.

Top 10 Basic Tagalog Phrases to Know

Make an effort to learn at least a few basic phrases in Tagalog!

Magandang araw! = Beautiful day!

This is how Filipinos would say hello. It’s the equivalent of “Good morning!” though you
can use it in the early afternoon too.
Mahal kita. = I love you.
This is the most common way of saying ‘I Love You.’ This phrase can be used with
anyone, from your wife to your grandfather.
Sarap nito. = This is delicious. / This feels good.
The Tagalog word for ‘delicious‘ is also used for something that feels good.
Maligayang Bati. = Happy Wishes.
This is how Filipinos would say Happy Birthday.
Ayaw ko. = I don’t want. / I don’t like. / I don’t want to.
This Tagalog phrases is often shortened to one word:
Ayoko.
Gusto ko ‘to. = I like this. / I want this.
The Tagalog word gusto can mean ‘want’ or ‘ like.’
Sandali lang. = Just a moment. (Wait. Hold on a sec.)
Ingat ka. = Take care.
Aalis na ako.
I’m leaving now. (A phrase Filipinos use when they’d like to say goodbye.)
Pasensya ka na. = Sorry, bear with me.
Use this phrase when you’ve done something that inconveniences a Filipino.
 At the end of this module, you will be able to perform the following tasks in Tagalog:

Lesson 1: Greetings and Introductions

1. Greet civilians and members of the military.

2. Use Philippine military ranks in greetings.
3. Respond to greetings.
4. Introduce yourself and others.
5. Respond to introductions.

Lesson 2: In the Philippines

1. Respond to the question “How long have you been living in (the Philippines, Philippine
cities)?” with the number of days, weeks, etc.
Ask and respond to the question “Do you like ••• ?” “Would you like ••• ?”
2. Ask and respond to the question “Where are you from?”
3. Use weather expressions such as “It’s hot” and “It’s cold.”

Lesson 3: Where Do You Live?

1. Ask and respond to the question “Do you have children?”

2. Ask and respond to the question “Where do you work?”
3. Ask and respond to the question “Where do you live?”
4. Excuse yourself, saying that you have to leave.
5. Use typical parting expressions.