Although a large percentage of Filipinos can understand English, it is best to know some Filipino (the national dialect of the Philippines) terms. Here are common phrases that can be useful during your trip to the Philippines.
Magandang araw – This is the usual “hello” but can also mean “Good Morning or Good Afternoon”.
Sarap nito – This means “This is delicious” – to refer to food or drink.
Maligayang bati or Maligayang kaarawan – When you want to say “Happy Birthday” to someone.
Ayaw ko – Means “I don’t want to” or “I don’t want”. You can also use “Ayoko”.
Gusto ko to – Use this when you want to say “I want this” or “I like this.”
Sandali lang – Can mean “Wait” or “Hold on for a second”.
Ingat ka – When you want to say “Take care” or “Be careful”.
Aalis na ako – Say this when you want to say “Goodbye” or “I am leaving”.
Pasensya ka na – Use this when you have inconvenienced someone. This means “Sorry, bear with me”.
Patawarin mo ako – Means “Please forgive me.”
Magkano ito – Say this when you want to ask the price of something – “How much is this?”
Maganda ka – This is when you want to say “You are beautiful.”
Salamat – This is “Thank you.” in Filipino.
Saan ka pupunta – Means “Where are you going?”
Saan tayo pupunta – Means “Where are we going?”
Andito na tayo – Refers to “We are here already.”
Galit ka ba? – This is when you ask someone “Are you angry?”
Oo – is “Yes” in Filipino
Hindi – is “No” in Filipino
Saan ito? – Use this when you want to know where a place is – “Where is this?”
Mahal kita or Iniibig kita – This is when you want to say “I love you.”