Tagalog phrasebook Voyage Tips and guide

Filipino or Pilipino (Wikang filipino) is the national language of the Philippines, according to the country's constitution, and is spoken by 90 million people worldwide.

Filipino is a modified version of Tagalog (Wikang Tagalog), the main language of southern Luzon and some nearby areas. Originally, Filipino was intended to include many words from the numerous other languages of the Philippine islands, but this project stalled. In reality nobody actually uses official Filipino, but rather plain Tagalog instead.

About a quarter of the population of the Philippines speak Tagalog as a native language and many more understand it as a second language. Filipino and English are the two official languages of the Philippines, with English being the more prestigious of the two and exclusively used in court judgments and legislation, though the national anthem is in Tagalog. Filipino is widely used in schools throughout the islands, including regions where the local language is not Tagalog.

Tagalog is a member of the Austronesian language family, fairly closely related to the other languages of the Philippines such as Cebuano, and more distantly to Malay/Indonesian and various languages of the Pacific islands. Due to European influences in the Philippines, it has loanwords from both Spanish and English, and is one of the few languages in Southeast Asia to use the Latin alphabet. Baybayin, the pre-colonial writing system is sometimes taught in schools, but not commonly used in everyday life, although the use of the script is growing in popularity and efforts are being made to revive it.

Grammar

The main difference with its grammar is that it is not word-order transitive like English. For example, the sentence Jill gives the book to Tom in Tagalog can't tell who is giving to whom without the personal markers si and ni. If an actor focus verb is used, Jill becomes si Jill (the subject), and Tom becomes ni Tom (the object). If a non-actor focus verb is used, then si and ni are reversed. This works something like active and passive voice in English, but neither form would seem passive in Tagalog.

People learning Tagalog should take note that translations for the to be verbs, such as am, are, is may be confusing. This can be overcome in one of several ways:

Use "ay" or "ay mga": This may or may not be a verb depending on each person, but means "is equal to" but some Filipinos may consider this as a linking verb. Use "ay" for before singular nouns and use "ay mga" to indicate noun plurality.
Use "may" or "may mga": This is a verb which can mean "there is/are" or "has/have" (beginning of sentence only). Use "may" for before singular nouns and use "may mga" to indicate noun plurality.
Skip it: Where not absolutely needed for meaning, it can be omitted — even though this sounds awful in English. Sino siya? literally who he? (or who she?)

The good news regarding word order in Filipino is that you can juggle the words just about any which way and still be understood (assuming the personal markers are attached to the correct person). Also, it's easy to substitute similar words within simple sentences like those found in this phrasebook. However, the bad news is that proper word order has a steep learning curve and can be affected even by the number of syllables. Also, Filipino is notorious for its large number of complicated verb forms which require several words in English.

The vast majority of Filipinos are either bilingual (Filipino and English) or trilingual (Filipino, English, and the native language of the speaker). English is one of the official languages of the Philippines and is overwhelmingly used as the main language of government, commerce, and education. Filipinos use Philippine English, an English variety based largely on US English, though it might be spoken with a distinct accent and contains certain colloquialisms and slang unique to it (e.g. the most common word for "toilet" or "bathroom" in the Philippines is the Philippine English "comfort room", usually shortened to the initials "CR").

Code-switching is also common in everyday speech, with most conversations incorporating both English and Filipino to a certain extent. Some English words are even used exclusively when using the Filipino equivalent can be considered too formal (e.g. "mall", "computer", "internet", "highway", "hotel", and "taxi"). If you are having trouble finding the correct word or phrase in Filipino, don't hesitate to switch to English. For example: instead of saying "Saan ang labasan?" (Where is the exit?), you can say either "Saan ang exit?" or "Where is the labasan".

Note that similar to Malay, there are two equivalents of the English word "we" in Filipino. If you wish to include the person(s) you are addressing, the word to use will be táyo. If the subject does not include your listener(s), the word to use will be kamí.

Social distance is considered when using the correct word for "you"; Tagalog uses "ikaw" as the common form, while "kayó" is used as the polite form, alongside the honorific "pô". Using them the other way around, for example, using "ikaw" to a superior, unless you know the person very well, is considered a breach of etiquette. The Batangas dialect follows the mainstream Tagalog convention, but it also uses the third-person "silá" as a very polite form, similar to how Italian uses lei in polite speech.

Pronunciation guide

Although Filipino words may seem long and tongue-twisting at first, pronunciation is easier than in many other languages. Long words are almost always based on smaller root words. The only foreign sound is an initial ng found in a few words such as ngiti (smile). Unlike its neighboring languages (e.g. Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese), Filipino is not tonal. However, stressing the wrong syllable can often change the meaning of a word. Only very rarely does this occur in English (such as desert/dessert). Meanings in such cases can be closely related such as buhay (alive or life) or totally unrelated such as hapon (afternoon or Japan). There is also the use of the glottal stop, which makes a pause between two vowels. The glottal stop is often used in the Filipino language. A space will be provided for the glottal stop.

Vowels

a: like 'a' in "arrive"
e: like 'e' in "ten"
i: like 'i' in "fin"
o: like 'o' in "cord"
u: like 'oo' in "hoop"

Consonants

Although the Filipino alphabet contains 23 consonants, only 15 are in common use. This is a holdover from the days when the language was written in the "Abakada" alphabet, which only had 20 letters.

b: like 'b' in "bed"
k: like 'k' in "kid"
d: like 'd' in "dog"
g: like 'g' in "go"
h: like 'h' in "help"
l: like 'l' in "love"
m: like 'm' in "mother"
n: like 'n' in "nice"
ng: like 'ng' in "fang", but pronounced 'nang' as a stand-alone word (though most English-speakers might classify is as two letters, it is considered as a single letter in Filipino as well as in other Asian languages)
p: like 'p' in "pig"
r: like 'r' in "row" or 'r' in "feather"
s: like 's' in "sun" or 'z' in "haze"
t: like 't' in "top"
w: like 'w' in "weight"
y: like 'y' in "yes", 'ie' in "pie", or 'ee' in "flee"

In the 1970s, the alphabet was expanded to include 11 letters from the Spanish and English alphabets, and in 1987, the Spanish letters 'ch', 'll' and 'rr' were dropped, leaving only eight additional letters. Unlike the 15 common letters, these letters are normally found only in loanwords, slang and code-mixed speech.

c: like 's' in "supper", 'k' in "kid"
f: like 'f' in "fine"
j: like 'dg' in "edge", 'h' in "ham"
ñ: like 'ny' in "canyon"
q: like 'q' in "quest" (almost always with 'u')
v: like 'v' in "victory"
x: like 'cks' in "kicks", like 'z' in "haze" (at beginning of a word)
z: like 'z' in "haze"

Diphthongs

ay: like 'i' in "high": tatay (father)
aw: like 'ow' in "cow": kalabaw (carabao/water buffalo)
ey: like 'ay' in "say": reyna (queen)
iw: like "ew" in "few": baliw (crazy)
oy: like 'oy' in "boy": apoy (fire)

Other sounds

ts: as the 'ch' in "chip". Corresponds to the former letter 'ch', and usually found in Spanish loanwords.
dy/diy: as the 'j' in "jeep"
ly/liy: as the 'lli' in "million".
ny/niy: as the 'ny' in "canyon". Corresponds to the letter 'ñ'. However, in certain words, such as tanyag (well-known), this is pronounced as two separate letters.
sy/siy: as the 'sh' in "ship"
ty/tiy: as the 'ch' in "chip" or as the 'ti' in "tienda".

Phrase list

Stress: Many Filipino words are stressed on the second to last syllable

Basics

Two ways to state yes and no: in Tagalog, the question "Are you married?" is answered very differently from the question "Do you have children?" The key is the word "have" in the second question. Questions with "is/are there?" are also answered in this second way.

oo (opo): Yes, I'm married.
hindi (po): No, I'm not married.
mayroon (po): Yes, I have children.
wala (po): No, I don't have children.

Hello.: Kumusta. (koo-mooss-TAH)
Hello. (informal): Kumusta. (koo-mooss-TAH)
How are you?: Kumusta ka? (koo-mooss-TAH kah?)
Fine, thank you.: Mabuti naman, salamat. (muh-BOO-tih nuh-MAHN, suh-LAH-muht)
What is your name?: Ano ang pangalan mo? (ah-NOH ahng puh-NGAH-lahn moh?)
My name is ______ .: Ako si ______. (uh-KOH see _____)
Nice to meet you.: Nagagalak akong makilala ka. (nuh-guh-GAH-luhk uh-KOHNG muh-kih-LAH-luh kah)
Please.: Pakiusap. (puh-kee-'OO-suhp)
Thank you.: Salamat. (suh-LAH-muht)
You're welcome.: Walang ano man. (wuh-LAHNG uh-NOH mahn)
Yes.: Oo. ('OH-'oh)
No.: Hindi. (hihn-DEH')
Excuse me. (getting attention): Paumanhin po. (puh-'oo-muhn-HEEN poh')
Excuse me. (begging pardon): Paumanhin po. (puh-oo-muhn-HEEN poh')
I'm sorry.: Pasensya na. (puh-SEHN-shuh nah)
Goodbye: Paalam. (puh-AH-luhm)
Goodbye (informal): Hanggang sa muli (huhng-GAHNG sah moo-LEE')
I can't speak name of language [well].: Hindi ako magaling magsalita ng [Tagalog]. (hihn-DEE uh-KOH muh-guh-LEENG muhg-suh-lih-TAH' nahng [tuh-GAH-lohg])
Do you speak English?: Marunong ka bang mag-Ingles? (muh-ROO-nohng kah BAHNG muhg-ihng-GLEHSS?)
Is there someone here who speaks English?: Meron ba ditong marunong mag-Ingles? (MEH-rohn bah DEE-tohng muh-ROO-nohng muhg-ihng-GLEHSS?)
Help!: Tulong! (TOO-lohng!)
Look out!: Tumingin ka sa dinaraanan mo! (too-mih-NGEEN kah sah dih-nuh-ruh-AH-nuhn moh!)
Good day.: Magandang araw. (muh-guhn-DAHNG AH-rahw)
Good morning.: Magandang umaga. (muh-guhn-DAHNG 'oo-MAH-guh)
Good noon.: Magandang tanghali. (muh-guhn-DAHNG tuhng-HAH-lee')
Good afternoon.: Magandang hapon. (muh-guhn-DAHNG HAH-pohn)
Good evening.: Magandang gabi. (muh-guhn-DAHNG guh-BEE)
Good night.: Magandang gabi. (muh-guhn-DAHNG guh-BEE)
I don't understand.: Hindi ko maintindihan. (hihn-DEE koh muh-inn-TEEN-dih-hahn)
Where is the toilet?: Nasaan ang banyo? (nuh-suh-AHN ahng BAHN-yoh?)

Negative tag questions are answered in the opposite way compared to English :

Are you not married?: Hindi (No, I am married.)

Oo (Yes, I am not married.)

In a full and complete sentence, "mayroon" can be shortened to may (sounds like English "my"). Most often this means have/has/there are rather than a direct yes.

May mga bata sa paaralan.: There are kids in the school.
May barya ka ba para sa piso?: Do you have change for a peso?

Add po at (or near) the end of a sentence or question to make it formal and polite. An exception is after an interrogative word, po immediately follows. Sino po siya? Who is he/she? (formal) It is important to note that "opo" (po) and "oho" (ho) are used only to be polite to one's elders. Ho (not used in this phrasebook) is a dialectal version of po and can virtually always be interchanged with it. Although its use is very limited in Manila and the northern Katagalugan (Tagalog homeland), many people use it in Southern Luzon, especially in Batangas, Cavite and Laguna. Po (or ho) and opo (or oho) is most commonly heard to show respect to elders or superiors. Po (and ho) are incompatible with ka and ikaw (use kayo) and with mo (use nila).

Yes (logical): Oo ('OH-'oh) (informal); Opo (OH-poh) (formal)
No (logical): Hindi (hihn-DEH') (informal); Hindi po (hihn-DEE poh') (formal)
Yes (to have or there are some): Mayroon (MAI-roh ohn) (informal, also 'Meron' (MEH-rohn)); Mayroon po (MAI-roh-'ohn poh') (formal)
No (to not have or there is none): Wala (wuh-LAH') (informal); Wala po (wuh-LAH' poh') (formal)
I don't know: Hindi ko alam. (hihn-DEE' koh uh-LAHM); Di ko alam. (DEE' koh 'uh-LAHM)(informal) Hindi ko po alam. (hihn-DEE' koh poh 'uh-LAHM'') (formal)
Hi: Hi (hai)
Hello: Helow (heh-LOHW)
How are you?: Kumusta ka? (koo-moos-TAH kah?) (informal); Kumusta po kayo? (koo-moos-TAH poh' kuh-YOH?) (formal)
Fine, thank you.: Ayos naman, salamat. (AH-yohs nuh-MAHN, suh-LAH-muht); Mabuti po, salamat. (muh-BOO-tih poh', suh-LAH-muht) (formal)
And you: Ikaw? (ih-KAHW?) (informal); Kayó po? (kuh-YOH poh'?) (formal)
Good/Well: Mabuti (muh-BOO-tih); Mabuti po (muh-BOO-tih poh) (formal)
What is your name?: Ano ang pangalan mo? (uh-NOHN ahng puh-NGAH-luhn moh?) (informal); Ano po ang pangalan ninyo? (uh-NOH poh ahng puh-NGAH-luhn nihn-YOH?) (formal)
My name is ______ .: Ang pangalan ko ay _______. (ahng puh-NGAH-luhn koh ai___)

Note: As shown above, markers (Si / Ni / Kay) are mandatory before a person's nam--no exceptions (other than one word answers, and after ay)

"I'm John" Ako si John.

"John's" or "by John" (ownership/authorship) Kay John.

"Who does this belong to?" may be answered with either "It is John's" "Kay John" or "John's bag" Bag ni John.

Nice/pleased to meet you.: Ikinagagalak kong makilala ka. (ih-kih-nuh-guh-GAH-luhk kohng muh-kih-LAH-luh kah) Ikinagagalak ko po kayong makilala. (ih-kih-nuh-guh-GAH-luhk koh poh kuh-YOHNG muh-kih-LAH-luh) (formal)
Please.: Pakiusap (po). (puh-kee-OOH-suhp (poh')) (in the Philippines, they usually say Please instead of Pakiusap. Often, inserting a po/ho into the sentence or paki- into the verb conveys the same message.)
Thank you.: Salamat (suh-LAH-muht) (informal) Salamat po (suh-LAH-muht poh') (formal)
Thank you very much: Maraming salamat (muh-RAH-mihng suh-LAH-muht)(informal) Maraming salamat po (muh-RAH-mihng suh-LAH-muht poh')(formal)
You're welcome.: Walang anuman. (wuh-LAHNG uh-NOO-mahn) or Wala 'yun. (wuh-LAH yoon) (literally It is nothing. or No problem.)
Take care.: Ingat! (EE-nguht!)
How old are you?: Ilang taon ka na? (ih-LAHNG tuh-'OHN kah nah?)
Where are you from?: Taga-saan ka? (TAH-guh suh-'AHN kah?)
Where do you live?: Saan ka nakatira? (suh-'AHN kah nuh-kuh-tih-RAH?)
Where have you been?: Saan ka galing? (suh-'AHN kah GAH-lihng?) (often used rhetorically)
Where are you going?: Saan ka pupunta? (sah-'AHN kah poo-poon-TAH?)
Can you accompany me to _____?: Pwede mo ba akong samahan sa _____? (PWEH-deh moh bah uh-KOHNG suh-MAH-huhn sah___?)
Can you take me to_____?: Pwede mo ba akong dalhin sa_____? (PWEH-deh moh BAH uh-KOHNG duhl-HEEN sah____?)
What is your work?: Ano ang trabaho mo? (uh-NOH ahng truh-BAH-hoh moh?)
What are you doing?: Ano ang ginagawa mo? (uh-NOH ahng ghih-NAH-guh-WAH' moh)
Where do you go to school?: Saan ka nag-aaral? (suh-'AHN kah nuhg-uh-AH-ruhl?)
Excuse me. (getting attention): Sandali lang [po]. (Suhn-duh-LEE lahng poh'?) Mawalang galang na po. (Muh-wuh-LAHNG GAH-luhng nah poh')
Excuse me. (may I get by?): Padaan [po]. (puh-duh-AHN [poh']) or Nakikiraan lang po. (Nuh-kih-kih-ruh-'AHN lahng poh')
May I____ ? (To ask for permission): Maaari [po] bang ____? (muh-'uh-'AH-rih' [poh] bahng ____?)
I'm sorry.: Paumanhin. (puh-'oo-muhn-HEEN) or Patawad. (puh-TAH-wuhd) (the usually say Sorry)
Goodbye: Paalam. (puh-'AH-luhm)
Goodbye (informal): Bye. (BAI) Paalam (puh-'AH-luhm)
I can't speak Filipino [well].: Hindi ako marunong mag-?????? ng [mabuti]. (hihn-DEE' uh-KOH muh-ROO-nohng muhg-?????? nuhng [muh-BOO-tih])
Help!: Saklolo! (suhk-LOH-loh!) or Tulong! (TOO-lohng)
Look out!: Mag-ingat! (muhg-'EE-nguht!)
Good morning. (lit. 'beautiful morning'): Magandang umaga (muh-gahn-DAHNG oo-MAH-guh) (informal)
Magandang umaga po (muh-guhn-DAHNG oo-MAH-guh poh') (formal)
Good day: Magandang araw (muh-guhn-DAHNG AH-rahw)
Good afternoon: Magandang hapon (muh-guhn-DAHNG HAH-pohn)
Good evening: Magandang gabi. (muh-guhn-DAHNG guh-BEE)
Goodnight (to sleep): Magandang gabi. (muh-guhn-DAHNG guh-BEE)
I don't understand.: Hindi ko maintindihan. (hihn-DEE' koh muh-ihn-TEEN-dih-huhn)
Where is the bathroom/washroom?: Nasaan ang C.R.? (nuh-suh-'AHN ahng SEE-ahr?) [where C.R. = Comfort Room ~ Rest Room]
What time is it?: Anong oras na? (uh-NOHNG oh-RAHS nah?)
Do you understand English?: Nakakaintindi ka ba ng Ingles? (nuh-KAH-kuh-ihn-TEEN-dih kah bah nahng ihng-GLEHS?)
Do you speak English?: Marunong ka ba mag-Ingles?/Nakapagsasalita ka ba ng Ingles? (muh-ROO-nohng kah bah muhg-ihng-GLEHS?/nuh-kuh-PAHG-suh-suh-lih-TAH' kah bah nahng ihng-GLEHS?)
Yes, I speak/understand a little.: Oo, kaunti lang. ('OH-'oh, kuh-OON-tih' lahng)
I don't understand Tagalog.: Hindi ko naiintindihan ang Tagalog. (hihn-DEE' koh nuh-ihn-ihn-TEEN-dih-huhn 'ahng tuh-GAH-lohg)
Is there someone here who speaks English?: Meron ba ditong marunong mag-Ingles? (MEH-rohn bah DEE-tohng muh-roo-NOHNG muhg-ihng-GLEHS?)
Who is s/he?: Sino siya? (SEE-noh shah)
What is s/he saying?: Anong sinasabi niya?(uh-NOHNG sih-nuh-SAH-bih nih-YAH?)
What do you mean?: Anong ibig mong sabihin? (uh-NOHNG EE-bihg mohng suh-BEE-hihn?)
Please say it again/pardon.: Paki-ulit. (puh-kih-OO-liht)
Please write it down.: Pakisulat. (puh-kih-SOO-luht)
Let's go!: Tara (na)! (tuh-RAH (nah)!) (very informal) Halika! (huh-lih-KAH!) (semi-formal)
Wait!: Teka! (TEH-kuh!) or Sandali (lang)! (suhn-duh-LEE' (lahng)!)
Can I speak to ____ ? (on the phone): Pwede ko pong makausap si _____? (PWEH-deh koh pohng muh-kuh-'OO-suhp sih____?)
One moment: Sandali lang. (suhn-DAH-lih' lahng)
Who?: Sino?(SEE-noh?)
What?: Ano? (uh-NOH?)
Why?: Bakit?(BAH-kiht?)
Where?: Saan? (suh-'AHN?)
When?: Kailan? (kuh-'ih-LAHN?)
How?: Paano? (puh-'AH-noh?)
How many?: Ilan?('ih-LAHN?)
How much?: Magkano?(muhg-KAH-noh?)

Nouns

Like English, there is no gender assigned to common nouns, including those of Spanish origin. The only exception is Spanish-origin words referring to a type of person or occupation. But even here, the article (ang, ng, etc.) is gender neutral. Example: Ang abogado/a The lawyer or attorney (m/f). Ironically, Tagalog-origin words can even be more gender-neutral than English. Example: kapatid brother or sister.

For plurals, add mga (pronounced manga) immediately before the noun. Example: Mga hayop Animals. Adding s does not make anything plural, and is sometimes added on to Spanish nouns regardless of whether the topic is plural or not. Example: mansanas apple; mga mansanas apples (from Spanish manzana).

One point of confusion is the word Filipinas. It can mean either The Philippines (the country) or a group of females from the Philippines.

Girl/Female: Babae (buh-BAH'-eh)
Boy/Male: Lalaki (luh-LAH-kih or also pronounced as luh-LAH-keh)
Animal: Hayop (HAH-yohp)
Place: Lugar (loo-GAHR)
Name: Pangalan (puh-NGAH-luhn)
Nickname: Palayaw (puh-LAH-yahw)
Surname: Apelyido (ah-pehl-YEE-doh)
Address: Tirahan (tih-RAH-huhn)
Age: Edad (eh-DAHD)
Sex/Gender: Kasarian (kuh-suh-ree-'AHN)
School: Paaralan (PAH-'uh-ruh-LAHN)
Variety Store: Tindahan (tihn-DAH-huhn)
Birthday: Kaarawan (KAH-uh-ruh-WAHN)
Birthdate: Kapanganakan (kuh-PAH-nguh-NAH-kuhn)
Child: Anak (uh-NAHK)(refers to son/daughter)/Bata (BAH-tuh') (refers to young child)
Adult: Matanda (muh-tuhn-DAH')
Tricycle: Traysikel (trai-sih-KEHL)
Jeepney: Jeepney (DZHEEP-nih)
Bus: Bus (boos)
Train: Tren (trehn)
Light: Ilaw (EE-lahw)
Water: Tubig (TOO-bihg)
Electricity: Kuryente (koo-RYEHN-teh)
Table: Mesa (MEH-sah)
Couch: Sofa (SOH-fah)
Chair: Upuan (ooh-pooh-'AHN) or Silya (SEEL-yuh)
Living room: Sala (SAH-luh)
Kitchen: Kusina (koo-SEE-nuh)
Bedroom: Kwarto (KWAHR-toh) or Silid (sih-LEED)
Bathroom: Banyo (formal) (BAH-nyoh)/Kubeta (koo-BEH-tuh)(informal)/CR(casual)
Picture: Litrato (lih-TRAH-toh) o Larawan (luh-RAH-wuhn)
Radio: Radyo (RAH-dzhoh)
Air Conditioner: Aircon (EHR-kohn)
Television: Telebisyon (teh-leh-bih-SHOHN)
Refrigirator: Pridyider (prih-DZEE-dehr)
Faucet: Gripo (GREE-poh)
Door: Pinto (pihn-TOH')
Window: Bintana (bihn-TAH-nuh')
Friend: Kaibigan (kuh-ih-BEE-guhn)
Mother: Nanay (NAH-nai) or Ina (ih-NAH)
Father: Tatay (TAH-tai) or Ama (ah-MAH)
Brother: Kapatid na lalaki (kuh-puh-TEED nah luh-LAH-kih); Kuya (KOO-yuh)
Sister: Kapatid na babae (kuh-puh-TEED nah buh-BAH'-eh); Ate ('AH-teh)
Relative: Kamag-anak (kuh-muhg-AH-nuhk)
Neighbor: Kapit-bahay (KAH-piht-BAH-hai)
Wife: Asawang babae (uh-SAH-wuhng buh-BAH'-eh)
Husband: Asawang lalaki (uh-SAH-wuhng luh-LAH-kih)
Fiancee: Nobyo/Nobya(for female) (NOH-byoh/NOH-byuh)
Girlfriend/Boyfriend: Kasintahan (kuh-sihn-TAH-huhn)
Buddy: Pare (PAH-reh)

Adjectives

Separate adjectives are sometimes used to describe things and people (e.g. tall building, tall person). Adjectives without a noun are often ended with the article na, which roughly translates as "already" or "now." This is usually dropped when translating back into English. Madumi na. [It's] dirty (now/already). In Tagalog, an article such as na or pa is required when no noun follows the adjective. Na is a bit more immediate (i.e. shorter time than expected) than pa, but both have similar usage.

Many nouns can become adjectives by adding the prefix Ma, such as Dumi (dirt) becoming Madumi (dirty).

Adjective-noun pairs must be linked. Na (not the same na as above) is used if the adjective ends in a constant, and ng is used if it ends in a vowel. Magandang babae (beautiful girl). Malinis na kusina (clean kitchen).

Beautiful: Maganda (muh-guhn-DAH)
Handsome: Guwapo/Pogi (goo-WAH-poh/POH-ghih')
Ugly: Pangit (PAH-ngiht)
Good: Mabuti (mah-BOO-tih)
Bad: Masama (mah-sah-MAH')
Smart/Intelligent: Matalino (muh-tuh-LEE-noh)
Tall (person): Matangkad (muh-tuhng-KAHD)
Short/Small: Maliit (muh-lih-'EET)
Clean: Malinis (muh-LEE-nihs)
Dirty: Madumi (muh-doo-MEE)
Delicious: Masarap (muh-suh-RAHP)
Bland: Matabang (muh-tuh-BAHNG)
Large: Malaki (muh-luh-KEE)
Medium: Katamtaman (kuh-tuhm-TAH-muhn)
Small: Maliit (muh-lih 'EET)
Cold: Malamig (muh-luh-MEEG)
Hot: Mainit (muh-'EE-niht)
Happy: Masaya (muh-suh-YAH)
Sad/Lonely: Malungkot (muh-loong-KOHT)
Far: Malayo (muh-LAH-yoh')
Close/Near: Malapit (mih-LAH-piht)
Strong: Malakas (muh-luh-KAHS)
Noisy: Maingay (muh-'EE-ngai)
Silent: Tahimik (tuh-HEE-mihk)
High: Mataas (muh-tuh-AHS)
Low: Mababa (muh-BAH-buh')
Old (person): Matanda (muh-tuhn-DAH')
Old (things): Luma (LOO-muh')

Prepositions

Here: Dito (DEE-toh)
There: Doon (doh-'OHN)
Outside: Sa labas (sah luh-BAHS'')
Inside: Sa loob (sah loh-'OHB)
Upstairs: Sa itaas (sah ih-TAH-uhs)
Downstairs: Sa ibaba (sah ih-bah-BAH')
Behind: Sa likod (sah lih-KOHD'')
Next: Katabi (kuh-tuh-BEE)
Beside: Katabi (kah-tuh-BEE)
Front: Harapan (huh-ruh-PAHN)
Back: Likuran (lih-koo-RAHN)

Problems

"Don't no nothing" Filipino has several ways to say "no", such as: Hindi (di) "No/not". Negates verbs and statements. Iyo ba ito? (Is this yours?) Hindi akin iyan. (That's not mine.) Wala "None/Don't have/Nothing". Used to negate questions with may or mayroon. May libro ka ba? (Do you have a book?) Wala. ([I have] none./[I] don't have one.) Huwag (wag) "Don't". Use to tell someone not to do something. Huwag mong kunin iyan! (Don't get that!)

What's the matter/problem?: Ano ang problema? (ah-NOH ahng proh-BLEH-muh?)
Are you ok?: Ayos ka lang? (AH-yohs kah lahng?)
Leave me alone.: Lumayo ka sa akin. (loo-muh-YOH' sah AH-kihn)
Don't touch me!: Huwag mo akong hawakan. (hoo-WAHG moh uh-KOHNG huh-WAH-kuhn)
Let go of me!: Bitawan mo ako! (bih-TAH-wuhn moh uh-KOH!)
I'll call the police.: Tatawag ako ng pulis. (tuh-TAH-wuhg 'ah-KOH nahng poo-LEES'')
Police!: Pulis (poo-LEES)
Police Headquarters: Pulisiya (poo-LEE-shah)
There's an accident: May aksidente. (mai uhk-sih-DEHN-teh)
There's a fire!!: May sunog!! or Sunog!! (lit. "burning") (mai SOO-nohg) or (SOO-nohg)

Note: Tagalog always refers to what's burning and not the flames. Fire (controlled or in abstract) : Apoy ('ah-POY)

Stop! Thief!: Tigil! Magnanakaw! (TEE-geel! muhg-nuh-NAH-kahw!)
I need your help.: Kailangan ko ng tulong mo. (kuh-'ih-LAH-nguhn koh nahng TOO-lohng moh)
It's an emergency.: Ito ay isang emergency. ('EE-toh ai ih-SAHNG eh-mehr-dzhehn-SEE)
I'm lost.: Nawawala ako. (nuh-wuh-wuh-LAH 'ah-KOH)
I'm tired: Pagod ako. (PAH-gohd uh-Koh)
I'm not feeling well.: Masama ang pakiramdam ko. (muh-suh-MAH ahng puh-kih-RAHM-duhm koh)
I can't sleep: Hindi ako makatulog. ('uh-Koh muh-kuh-TOO-lohg)
I can't eat: Hindi ako makakakain. (hihn-DEE 'uh-KOH muh-kuh-kuh-KAH-'ihn)
I have a headache: Sumasakit ang ulo ko. (soo-muh-suh-KEET ahng OO-loh koh)
I'm hungry: Gutom na ako. (GOO-tohm nah 'ah-KOH'')
I'm thirsty: Nauuhaw ako. (nah-'oo-'OO-hahw 'uh-KOH)
I ran out of money: Naubusan na ako ng pera. (nuh-'oo-BOO-suhn nah 'uh-KOH nahng PEH-ruh)
I lost my bag.: Nawawala ang bag ko. (nuh-WAH-wuh-LAH ahng bahg koh)
I lost my wallet.: Nawawala ang pitaka ko. (nuh-WAH-wuh-LAH ahng pih-TAH-ka koh)
I'm sick.: May sakit ako. (mai suh-KEET 'uh-KOH)
I've been injured.: Nasugatan ako. (nuh-soo-GAH-tahn 'uh-KOH)
I need a doctor.: Kailangan ko ng doktor/mangagamot. (kuh-'ih-LAH-nguhn koh nahng DOHK-tor/muhng-guh-GAH-moht)
Can I use your phone?: Pwedeng makigamit ng telepono? (PWEH-dehng muh-kih-GAH-miht nahng teh-LEH-poh-noh?)
Where's the hospital?: Saan ang ospital? (suh-'AHN ahng ohs-pih-TAHL?)
I need to get you to the hospital.: Kailangan kitang dalhin sa ospital. (kuh-ih-LAH-nguhn kih-TAHNG duhl-HEEN sah 'ohs-pih-TAHL)
Do you know how to speak English?: Marunong ka ba mag-Ingles? (muh-ROO-nohng kah bah muhg-ihng-GLEHS?)

Numbers and currency

Note: In some cases Spanish numbers (with Filipino spelling) are used.

0: sero (SEH-roh)
1: isá, uno (ih-SAH, OO-noh), piso (for currency, not isang piso) (PEE-soh)
2: dalawá, dos (duh-luh-WAH, dohs), dalawang piso (for currency)
3: tatlo, tres (tuht-LOH, trehs), tatlong piso (for currency)
4: apat, kuwatro (AH-puht, koo-WAHT-roh) apat na piso (for currency)
5: limá, singko (lih-MAH, SEENG-koh), limang piso (for currency)
6: anim, sais (AH-nihm, sa-EES), anim na piso (for currency)
7: pito, siyete (pee-TOH, SHEH-teh), pitong piso (for currency)
8: walo, otso (wuh-LOH, OH-tsoh), walong piso (for currency)
9: siyam, nuwebe (SHAHM, noo-WEH-beh), siyam na piso (for currency)
10: sampu, diyes (sahm-POO', dzhehs), sampung piso (for currency)
11: labing-isa, onse (luh-BEENG-ih-SAH, OHN-seh), onse pesos (for currency) (OHN-seh peh-sos)
12: labing-dalawa, dose (luh-BEENG-duh-luh-WAH, DOH-seh), dose pesos (for currency)
13: labing-tatlo, trese (luh-BEENG-tuht-LOH, TREH-seh), trese pesos (for currency)
14: labing-apat, katorse (luh-BEENG-AH-paht, kuh-TOHR-seh), katorse pesos (for currency)
15: labing-lima (luh-BEENG lih-MAH), kinse pesos (for currency) (KEEN-seh PEH-sohs)
16: labing-anim (luh-BEENG AH-nihm), diesisais pesos (for currency) (dih-sih-suh-EES PEH-sohs)
17: labing-pito (luh-BEENG pee-to), disisyete pesos (for currency) (dih-sih-SHEH-teh PEH-sohs)
18: labing-walo (luh-BEENG wuh-LOH), disiotso pesos (for currency) (dih-sih-'OH-tsoh PEH-sohs)
19: labing-siyam (luh-BEENG-SHAHM), disinuwebe pesos (for currency) (dih-sih-noo-WEH-beh PEH-sohs)
20: dalawampu (da-la-wam-POO), beinte pesos or dalawangpung piso (for currency) (BEYN-teh PEH-sohs)
21: dalawampu't isa (duh-luh-wuhm-POOT ih-SAH), beinte uno pesos (for currency) (BEYN-teh OO-noh PEH-sohs)
22: dalawampu't dalawa (duh-luh-wuhm-POOT dah-lah-WAH), beinte dos pesos (for currency) (BEYN-teh dohs PEH-sos)
23: dalawampu't tatlo (duh-luh-wuhm-POOT tat-LO), beynte tres pesos (for currency) (BEYN-teh trehs PEH-sos)
30: tatlumpu (tuht-loom-POO): treinta pesos(for currency) (TREYN-tah PEH-sos)
40: apatnapu(AH-put-nuh-POO') : kwarenta pesos (for currency) (kwah-REHN-tah PEH-sos)
50: limampu(lih-MAHM-POO) : singkwenta pesos (for currency) (sihng-KWEHN-tah PEH-sos)
60: animnapu (AH-nihm-nah-POO): sisenta pesos (for currency) (sih-SEHN-tah PEH-sos)
70: pitumpu (pih-toom-POO): sitenta pesos(for currency) (sih-TEHN-tah PEH-sos)
80: walumpu(wuh-loom-POO): otsenta pesos (for currency) (oh-TSEN-tah PEH-sos)
90: siyamnapu(SHAM-nuh-POO): nobenta pesos (for currency) (noh-BEHN-tah PEH-sos)
100: isang daan (ih-SAHNG duh-'AHN), isang daang piso (for currency)
200: dalawang daan (duh-luh-WAHNG duh-'AHN), dalawang daang piso (for currency) (duh-luh-WAHNG duh-'AHNG PEE-soh)
300: tatlong daan (tut-LOHNG duh-'AHN), tatlong daang piso (for currency)
400: apat na daan (AH-puht nah duh-'AHN), apat na daang piso (for currency)
500: limang daan (lih-MAHNG duh-'AHN), limang daang piso (for currency)
600: anim na raan (AH-nihm nah ruh-AHN), anim na daang piso (for currency)
700: pitong daan (pih-TOHNG duh-'AHN), pitong daang piso (for currency)
800: walong daan (wah-LOHNG duh-'AHN), walong daang piso (for currency)
900: siyam na raan (SHAHM nah ruh-'AHN), siyam na raang piso (for currency)
1000: isang libo (ih-SAHNG LEE-boh), isang libong piso (for currency)
2000: dalawang libo (duh-luh-WAHNG LEE-boh), dalawang daang piso (for currency)
1,000,000: isang milyon (ih-SAHNG mihl-YOHN), isang milyong piso (for currency)
1,000,000,000: isang libong milyon (ih-SAHNG LEE-bohng mihl-YOHN) for British English, isang bilyon (ih-SAHNG bihl-YOHN) for American English, isang bilyong (for currency)
1,000,000,000,000: isang bilyon (ih-SAHNG bihl-YOHN)for British English, isang trilyon (ih-SAHNG trihl-YOHN) for American English
number _____ (train, bus, etc.): bilang _____ (BEE-lung) : numero _____ (noo-MEH-roh) (usually with a Spanish number, e.g. numero uno, (noo-MEH-roh OO-noh) number one)
half: kalahati (kuh-luh-HAH-tih')
less: kaunti (kuh-oon-TEE) or konti (kohn-TEH)
more: madami (muh-DAH-mih) or marami (muh-RAH-mih)

For numbers above 10, Spanish is frequently used.

Ordinal Numbers

First: Una (OO-nuh)
Second: ikalawa (ih-kuh-luh-WAH) (formal) or pangalawa (informal)
Third: ikatlo (ih-kuht-LOH) or pangatlo (informal)
Fourth: ikaapat (ih-kuh-AH-puht) or pang-apat (informal)
Fifth: ikalima (ih-kuh-lih-MAH) or panlima (informal)
Sixth: ikaanim (ih-kuh-AH-nihm) or panganim (informal)
Seventh: ikapito (ih-kuh-pih-TOH) or pampito (informal)
Eight: ikawalo (ih-kuh-wuh-LOH) or pangwalo (informal)
Ninth: ikasiyam (ih-kuh-SHAHM) or pansiyam (informal)
Tenth: ikasampu (ih-kuh-suhm-POO') or pansampu (informal)
Twentieth: ikadalawampu (ih-kuh-duh-luh-wuhm-POO) or pandalawampu (informal)
Hundreth: ikasandaan (ih-kuh-suhn-duh-'AHN)

Time

now: ngayon (nguh-YOHN)
a while ago/earlier: kanina (kuh-NEE-nuh)
later: mamaya (muh-muh-YAH')
before: bago (BAH-goh)
after: pagkatapos (puhg-kuh-TAH-pohs)
morning: umaga (oo-MAH-guh)
noon: tanghali (tuhng-HAH-lih')
afternoon: hapon (HAH-pohn)
evening: gabi (guh-BEE)
night: gabi (guh-BEE)
midnight: hatinggabi (HAH-tihng-guh-BEE)
dawn: madaling-araw (muh-duh-LEENG-'AH-rahw)

Clock time

"ng" is pronounced 'nang' (rhymes with sung)

What time is it?: Anóng oras na? (uh-NOHNG OH-ruhs nah?)
At what time...?: Sa anóng oras...? (sah 'uh-NOHNG OH-ruhs...?)

one o'clock AM: ala una ng madaling araw (AH-luh OO-nuh nahng muh-dah-LEENG AH-rahw)
one thirty AM: ala una y media ng madaling araw (AH-luh OO-nuh ih MEH-dzhah nahng muh-dah-LEENG AH-rahw)
one forty five AM: ala una kwarenta y singko ng madaling araw (AH-luh OO-nah kwah-REHN-tah ih SEENG-koh nahng muh-dah-LEENG AH-rahw)
two o'clock AM: alas dos ng madaling araw (AH-luhs dohs nahng muh-dah-LEENG AH-rahw)
three o'clock AM: alas tres ng madaling araw (AH-luhs trehs nahng muh-dah-LEENG AH-rahw)
four o'clock AM: alas kuwatro ng madaling araw (AH-luhs koo-WAH-troh nahng muh-dah-LEENG AH-rahw)
five o'clock AM: alas singko ng madaling araw (AH-luhs SEENG-koh nahng muh-dah-LEENG AH-rahw)
six o'clock AM: alas sais ng umaga (AH-lahs sa-EES nahng oo-MAH-guh)
seven o'clock AM: alas siyete ng umaga (AH-luhs SHEH-teh nahng oo-MAH-guh)
eight o'clock AM: alas otso ng umaga (AH-luhs OH-tsoh nahng oo-MAH-guh)
nine o'clock AM: alas nuwebe ng umaga (AH-lahs noo-WEH-beh nahng oo-MAH-guh)
nine thirty AM: alas nuwebe ng umaga (AH-lahs noo-WEH-beh nahng oo-MAH-gah)
nine forty five AM: alas nuebe kwarenta y singko ng umaga (AH-lahs noo-EH-beh kwah-REHN-tah ee SEENG-koh nahng oo-MAH-gah)
ten o'clock AM: alas diyes ng umaga (AH-luhs dzhehs nahng oo-MAH-guh)
eleven o'clock AM: alas onse ng umaga (AH-luhs OHN-seh nahng oo-MAH-guh)
twelve o'clock/noon: alas dose ng tanghali (AH-lahs DOH-seh nahng tahng-HAH-lih-lee)
one o'clock PM: ala una ng hapon (AH-luh OO-nuh nahng HAH-pohn)
one thirty o'clock PM: ala una y media ng hapon (AH-luh OO-nuh ih MEH-dzhah nahng HAH-pohn)
two o'clock PM: alas dos ng hapon (AH-luhs dohs nahng HAH-pohn)
two thiry PM: alas dos y media ng hapon (AH-luhs dohs ih MEH-dzhah nahng HAH-pohn)
three o'clock PM: alas tres ng hapon (AH-luhs trehs nahng HAH-pohn)
four o'clock PM: alas kuwatro ng hapon (AH-luhs koo-WAH-troh nahng HAH-pohn)
five o'clock PM: alas singko ng hapon (AH-luhs SEEHNG-koh nahng HAH-pohn)
six o'clock PM: ala sais ng hating gabi (AH-luh sa-EES nahng HAH-tihng guh-BEE)
seven o'clock PM: ala siyete ng hating gabi (AH-luh SHEH-teh nahng HAH-tihng guh-BEE)
eight o'clock PM: alas otso ng hating gabi (AH-lUhs OH-tsoh nahng HAH-tihng guh-BEE)
nine o'clock PM: alas nuebe ng hating gabi (AH-luhs noo-WEH-beh nahng HAH-tihng guh-BEE)
ten o'clock PM: alas dies ng hating gabi (AH-luhs DZHEHS nahng HAH-tihng guh-BEE)
eleven o'clock PM: alas onse ng hating gabi (AH-laluhs OHN-seh nahng HAH-tihng guh-BEE)
twelve o'clock/midnight: alas dose ng madaling araw (AH-luhs DOH-seh nahng mah-du-LEENG AH-row)

Duration

A vowel ending number must be suffixed with "-ng" while consonant-ending numbers must be followed by "na", e.g. isaNG minuto (one minute) or apat NA minuto (four minutes).

_____ second(s): _____ segundo (seh-GOON-doh)
_____ minute(s): _____ minuto (mih-NOO-toh)
_____ hour(s): _____oras (OH-ruhs)
_____ day(s): _____araw (AH-rahw)
_____ week(s): _____ linggo (lihng-GOH)
_____ month(s): _____buwan (boo-WAHN)
_____ year(s): _____taon (tuh-'OHN)

The Filipino language borrowed its terms for the days of the week and months of the year from the Spanish language.

Days

today: ngayon (nga-YOHN)
the day before yesterday: kamakalawa (kuh-muh-kuh-luh-WAH)
yesterday: kahapon (kuh-HAH-pohn)
tomorrow: bukas (BOO-kuhs)
the day after tomorrow: sa makalawa (muh-kuh-luh-WAH)
this week: ngayong linggo (nga-YONG lihng-GOH)
last week: nakaraang linggo (nuh-kuh-ruh-'AHNG lihng-GOH)
the week before last week: linggo bago noong nakaraang linggo (lihng-GOH BAH-goh noo-'OHNH nuh-kuh-ruh-'AHNG lihng-GOH)
next week: sa isang linggo (sah ih-SAHNG lihng-GOH)
the week after next week: sa linggo pagkatapos ng sumunod na linggo (Sah lihng-GOH puhg-kuh-TAH-pohs nuhng soo-moo-NOHD nah lihng-GOH)

Sunday: Linggo (lihng-GOH)
Monday: Lunes (LOO-nehs)
Tuesday: Martes (MAHR-tehs)
Wednesday: Miyerkules (mih-YEHR-koo-lehs)
Thursday: Huwebes (hoo-WEH-behs)
Friday: Biyernes (bih-YEHR-nehs)
Saturday: Sabado (SAH-buh-doh)

Months

January: Enero (eh-NEH-roh)
February: Pebrero (peh-BREH-roh)
March: Marso (MAHR-soh)
April: Abril (uh-BREEL)
May: Mayo (MAH-yoh)
June: Hunyo (HOON-yoh)
July: Hulyo (HOOL-yoh)
August: Agosto (uh-GOHS-toh)
September: Setyembre (seh-TSHEHM-breh)
October: Oktubre (ohk-TOO-breh)
November: Nobyembre (nohb-YEHM-breh)
December: Disyembre (dih-SHEHM-breh)

Holidays

Christmas: Pasko (puhs-KOH)
New Year: Bagong Taon (BAH-gohng tuh-'OHN)
Holy Week: Mahal na Araw (muh-HAHL nah AH-rahw),; Semana Santa (casual) (seh-MAH-nuh SAHN-tuh)
All Souls Day: Araw ng mga Patay (AH-rahw nahng mangah puh-TAI)(formal); Todos los Santos (TOH-dohs lohs SAHN-tohs) (casual); Undas (oon-DAHS)(casual)

Writing times and dates

Dates can be written as follows:

English format: September 19, 2005 would be Setyembre 19, 2005
Spanish format: September 19, 2005 would be Ika-19 ng Setyembre, 2005

Times are written as in English (as in 6:23 AM) but spoken as in Spanish.

Colors

black: itim (ih-TEEM)
white: puti (pooh-TEE)
red: pula (pooh-LAH)
gray: abo (uh-boh)
orange: kahel (kuh-HEL)
yellow: dilaw (dih-LAHW)
green: berde (BEHR-deh), luntian (loon-TEE-uhn)
blue: asul (uh-SOOL), bughaw (boog-HAHW)
purple: ube (OOH-beh), lila (LEE-la)
pink: pink, rosa (ROH-sa)
brown: brown, tsokolate (tso-ko-LAH-teh) (for objects); kayumanggi (kuh-yoo-mang-GEE), moreno (for skin color) (moh-REH-noh):
silver: pilak (PEE-luhk)
gold: ginto (gihn-TOH')

Transportation

car: kotse (KOH-tseh)
taxi: taxi (TAHK-sih)
bus: bus (boos)
van: bungad (BOO-nguhd)
truck: trak (trahk)
tram: trambiya
ship: barko (BAHR-koh)
boat: bangka (bUhng-KAH)
ferry: lantsa (LAN-tsah)
helicopter: helicopter (heh-lih-KOHP-tehr)
airplane: eroplano (eh-roh-PLAH-noh)
bicycle: bisikleta (bih-sih-KLEH-tuh)
motorcycle: motorsiklo (moh-tohr-SEE-kloh)
scooter: iskuter (ihs-KOO-tehr)
carriage: karwahe (kuhr-WAH-heh)
jeepney: jeepney (DZHEEP-nih) [form of transportation common in the Philippines]

Bus and train

How much is a ticket to _____?: Magkano ang tiket papuntang _____? (muhg-KAH-noh ahng TEE-keht puh-poon-TAHNG____?)
How much is the fare to _____?: Magkano ang pamasahe sa ______? (muhg-KAH-noh ahng puh-muh-SAH-heh sah____?)
One ticket to _____, please.: Isang tiket papuntang _____. (ih-SAHNG TEE-keht puh-poon-TAHNG _______)
Where does this train/bus go?: Saan patungo ang tren/bus na ito? (Suh-'AHN puh-TOO-ngoh ahng trehn/boos nah ih-TOH?)
Where is the train/bus to _____?: Nasaan ang tren/bus na patungong _____? (nuh-suh-AHN ahng trehn/boos nah puh-TOO-ngohng______?)
Does this train/bus stop in _____?: Hihinto ba ang tren/bus na ito sa _____? (HEE-hihn-toh bah ahng trehn/boos nah ih-TOH sah______?)
I'm going to take a ( bus/jeepney/taxi): Sasakay ako ng (bus/jeep/taxi). (suh-suh-KAI uh-KOH nahng)
When does the train/bus for _____ leave?: Kailan aalis ang tren/bus papuntang_____? (kuh ih-LAHN 'uh-'uh-LEES ahng trehn/boos puh-poon-TAHNG_______?)
What time is this bus going to leave?: Anong oras aalis itong bus? (uh-NOHNG OH-ruhs 'uh-'uh-LEES ih-TOHNG boos?)
When will this train/bus arrive in _____?: Kailan darating yung bus na ito sa _____? (kuh-ih-LAHN duh-ruh-TEENG yoong boos nah ih-TOH sah______?)
What time will the bus arrive?: Anong oras darating ang bus? (uh-NOHNG OH-ruhs duh-ruh-TEENG ahng boos?)

Directions

How do I get to _____ ?: Paano pumunta ng/sa ______? (puh-AH-noh poo-moon-TAH nahng/sah____?)
...the train station?: ...himpilan ng tren. (hihm-PEE-luhn nahng trehn)
...the bus station?: ...himpilan ng bus? (hihm-PEE-luhn nahng boos?)
...the airport?: ... paliparan? (pah-lih-PAH-rahn?)
...downtown?: ...bayan? (BAH-yuhn)
...supermarket?: ...supermarket? (English) (Western style supermarkets)
...wet market?: ...palengke? (puh-LENG-keh) (Traditional Filipino market)
...bank?: ...bangko? (BAHNG-koh)
...the youth hostel?: ...hostel? (hohs-TEHL)
...the _____ hotel?: ..._____ otel? (oh-TEHL)
...the American/Canadian/Australian/British consulate?: ... konsulado ng Estados Unidos (Amerika)/Canada/Australia/Britanya?(kohn-soo-LAH-doh nahng ehs-TAH-dohs oo-NEE-dohs / KAH-nuh-duh / ohs-TREHL-yuh / Brih-TAHN-yuh? )
Where are there a lot of...: Saan (po) ang karamihan ng... (Suh-AHN (poh) ahng kuh-ruh-MEE-huhn nahng )
...hotels?: ...mga hotel? (muh-NGAH oh-TEHL)
...restaurants?: ... mga kainan? (muh-NGAH KAH-ee-nun)
...malls?: ...mga mall? (muh-NGAH mohl?)
...cinema?: ...mga sinehan? (muh-NGAH sih-neh-HAHN?)
...bars?: ...mga bar? (English) (muh-NGAH bahrs?)
...sites to see?: ...mga magagandang tanawin? (muh-NGAH muh-guh-guhn-DAHNG tuh-NAH-wihn?)
Can you show me on the map ____ ?: Maari (po) bang ituro mo sa akin sa mapa ang _____? (muh-AH-rih (poh) bahng ih-TOO-roh mo sah AH-kihn sah MAH-puh ahng____)
street: kalye (KAHL-yeh)
Turn left.: Kumaliwa. (Koo-muh-lee-WAH)
Turn right.: Kumanan. (Koo-MAH-nuhn)
left: kaliwa (kuh-lih-WAH)
right: kanan (KAH-nuhn)
straight ahead: dumiretso (doo-MEE-reh-tso)
towards the _____: patungo sa _____ (puh-TOO-ngo sah)
past the _____: lagpas sa _____ (luhg-PAHS)
before the _____: bago sa _____ (BAH-goh sah)
Watch out for the _____.: Maging mapagmasid ka sa _____. (muh-GEENG muh-puhg-muh-SEED kah sah)
intersection: interseksyon (ihn-tehr-SEHK-shon)
north: hilaga (hih-LAH-gah)
south: timog (TEE-mohg)
east: silangan (sih-LAH-nguhn)
west: kanluran (kuhn-LOO-ruhn)
uphill: paakyat ng burol (puh-uhk-YAHT nahng boo-ROHL)
downhill: pababa ng burol (pah-bah-BAH nahng boo-ROHL)

Taxi

Taxi!: Taksi! (TAHK-sih)
Take me to _____, please (formal).: Pakihatid mo ako sa_____. (Puh-kih-huh-TEED moh uh-KOH sah___.)
To _____ , please (casual).: Sa ____. (sah)
I'm going to ____: Papunta akong _____ (puh-poon-TAH uh-KONG)
How much does it cost to get to _____?: Magkano papuntang _____? (muhg-KAH-noh puh-poon-TANG)
How much do you charge?: Magkano (po) ang singil mo? (muhg-KAH-noh (poh) ahng sih-NGEEL moh)
How much is the fare?: Magkano (po) ang bayad? (muhg-KAH-noh (poh) ahng BAH-yuhd)
Take me there, please.: Pakihatid mo (po) ako doon. (puh-kih-huh-TEED moh (poh) uh-KOH doh-'OHN)

Jeepney/Bus

One / Two / Three etc. to ____ (When paying the fare for number of people): Isa / Dalawa / Tatlo papuntang _____ (insert the destination here) (ih-SAH / duh-luh-WAH / tuht-LOH puh-poon-TAHNG____)
Stop!!! (to get off the jeepney/bus): Para!!!! (PA-ruh)
How much is the fare to _____?: Magkano ang pamasahe papuntang _____ ?(Muhg-KAH-noh ahng puh-muh-SAH-heh puh-poon-TAHNG____?)
Sir (driver) Where's my change?: Manong, nasaan ang sukli ko? ( MAH-nohng nuh-suh-AHN ahng sook-LEE koh?)
Can you drop me off at ____?: Maari niyo ba akong ibababa sa ____? (muh-AH-rih nih-YOH bah uh-KOHNG ih-buh-BAH' sah___?)

Lodging

Do you have any rooms available?: Meron (po) ba kayong kwarto na hindi ginagamit? (MEH-rohn (poh) bah kuh-YOHNG KWAHR-toh nah hihn-DEE ghih-nuh-GAH-miht?)
How much is a room for one person / two people?: Magkano (po) ang isang kwarto para sa isang / dalawang tao? (Muhg-KAH-noh (po) ahng ih-SAHNG KWAHR-toh PAH-ruh sah ih-SAHNG / duh-luh-WAHNG TAH'-oh)
Does the room come with...?: Kasama ba sa kwarto ang ______ ? (Kuh-SAH-muh bah sah KWAHR-toh ahng______?)
...bedsheets?: ...kumot? (KOO-moht)
...pillows?: ...unan (OO-nuhn)
...a bathroom?: ...banyo? (BAHN-yoh)
...a telephone?: ...telepono? (teh-LEH-poh-noh)
...a TV?: ...TV? (TV)
Can I see the room first?: Pwede (po) bang makita muna ang kwarto? (PWEH-deh (poh) bahng muh-KEE-tuh MOO-nuh ahng KWAHR-toh?)
Do you have anything quieter?: Meron (po) ba kayong mas tahimik? (MEH-rohn (poh) bah kuh-YOHNG mahs tuh-HEE-mihk?)
...bigger?: ...mas malaki? (...mahs muh-luh-KEE)
...cleaner?: ...mas malinis? (...mahs muh-LEE-mihs)
...cheaper?: ...mas mura? (mahs MOO-ruh)
OK, I'll take it.: Sige, kukunin ko. (SEE-geh, koo-KOO-nihn koh.)
I will stay for _____ night(s).: Mananatili ako ng _____ gabi. (Muh-nuh-nuh-TEE-lih uh-KOH nahng____ guh-BEE)
Can you suggest another hotel?: Pwede ba kayong magmungkahi ng ibang hotel? (PWEH-deh bah kuh-YOHNG muhg-moong-KAH-hih' nuhng ih-BAHNG hoh-TEHL)
Do you have a safe?: Meron (po) ba kayong safe? (MEH-roh (poh) bah kuh-YOHNG seyf)
...lockers?: ...lockers? (...LAWH-kuhrs)
Is breakfast / lunch / supper included?: Kasama (po) ba ang almusal / tanghalian / hapunan? (Kuh-SAH-muh (poh) bah ahng uhl-moo-SAHL / tuhng-huh-LEE-'uhn/ huh-POO-nuhn?)
What time is for breakfast / lunch / supper?: Anong oras sa almusal / tanghalian / hapunan? (Uh-NOHNG OH-ruhs sah uhl-moo-SAHL / tuhng-huh-LEE-'uhn/ huh-POO-nuhn?)
Please clean my room.: Pakilinisan mo (po) ang aking kwarto. (Puh-kih-lih-NEE-suhn moh (poh) ahng AH-kihng KWAHR-toh)
Can you wake me up at _____ ( e.g. ten o'clock AM) ?: Pwede mo ba akong gisingin ng _____(e.g. alas diyes ng umaga)? (PWEH-deh moh bah uh-KOHNG gih-SEE-ngihn nuhng______?)
I want to checkout.: Gusto ko na mag-checkout. (GOOS-toh koh nah muhg-TSEHK-ahwt)
Who's knocking the door?: Sino ang kumakatok sa pinto? (SEE-noh ahng koo-MAH-kuh-TOHK sah pihn-TOH')
Who's there?: Sino (po) (i)yan? (SEE-noh (poh) (ih-)YAHN?)
The toilet is not working.: Sira (po) ang inidoro. (Sih-RAH' (po) ahng ih-nih-DOH-roh)

Money

Do you accept ...: Tumatanggap (po) ba kayo ng ... (Too-muh-tang-GAP (poh) bah kuh-YOH nuhng...)
... credit cards?: ... credit card? (KREH-diht kahrd?)
... checks?: ... tseke? (TSEH-keh)
... dollars?: ... dolyares? (dohl-YAH-rehs)
Can you change my money to _____?: Pwede mo bang mapalitan ang pera ko sa _____? (PWEH-deh moh BAHNG muh-puh-lih-TAHN ahng PEH-rah koh sah _____)
I want to change my money to Philippine pesos.: Gusto kong papalitan ang pera ko sa peso. (GOOS-toh kohng muh-puh-lih-TAN ahng PEH-rah koh sah PEH-soh)
Where can I get my money changed?: Saan (po) pwedeng magpapalit ng pera? (Suh-'AHN (poh) PWEH-dehng muhg-puh-puh-LEET nuhng PEH-rah?)
Can you change a traveler's check for me?: Pwede mo bang mapalitan ang tseke ko? (PWEH-deh moh bahng muh-puh-lih-TAN ahng TSEH-keh koh?)
Where can I get a traveler's check changed?: Saan ko pwedeng mapalitan ang tseke ko? (Suh-'AHN ko PWE-deng muh-puh-lih-TAHN ahng TSEH-keh koh?)
What is the exchange rate in _____?: Magkano ang palitan sa _____? (Muhg-KAH-noh ang puh-LEE-tuhn sah _____)
Where is the ATM (Automatic Teller Machine)?: Saan (po) ang ATM? (Suh-'AHN (poh) ahng ATM?)
I want to withdraw money from an ATM.: Gusto kong mag-withdraw (sa ATM). (GOOS-toh kohng muhg-wid-DROH (sah EY-TEE-EHM))

Eating

A table for one person/two people, please.: Isang mesa (po) para sa isa / dalawang katao. (ih-SAHNG MEH-suh (poh) PAH-ruh sah ih-SAH / duh-luh-WAHNG kuh-TAH'-oh)
Can I look at the menu, please?: Pwede ko bang makita ang menu, please? (PWEH-deh koh bahng muh-KEE-tuh ahng meh-NOO)
Can I look in the kitchen?: Pwede ko banng makita ang kusina? (PWEH-de koh bahng muh-KEE-tuh ahng koo-SEE-nuh)
Where's the bathroom/washroom?: Nasaan ang C.R.? (nuh-suh-AHN ahng SEE-ahr)
Is there a house specialty?: Meron ba kayong specialty? (meh-ron bah kah-yong speh-shahl-TEE)
Is there a local specialty?: Meron ba kayong local specialty? (...)
I'm a vegetarian.: Vegetarian (po) ako. (...)
I don't eat pork.: Hindi (po) ako kumakain ng karneng baboy. (Hihn-DEE (poh) ako koo-muh-KAH-ihn nuhng KAHR-nehng BAH-boy)
I don't eat beef.: Hindi ako kumakain ng karne. (Hihn-DEE (poh) ako koo-muh-KAH-ihn nuhng KAHR-neh)
I only eat kosher food.: Kosher lang ang kinakain ko. (KOH-shuhr lahng ahng kih-nuh-KAH-ihn koh)
Can you make it "lite", please? (less oil/butter/lard): Pwede mo (po) bang gawing "lite"? (PWEH-deh moh (poh) bahng guh-WEENG "layt" )
It's salty.: Maalat ito (Muh-AH-luht ih-TOH)
It's so sweet.: Napakatamis nito. (NAH-puh-kuh-tuh-MEES nih-TOH)
It's so spicy.: Napakaanghang nito. (NAH-puh-kuh-uhng-HAHNG nih-TOH)
fixed-price meal: fixed-price meal
à la carte: a la carte
breakfast: almusal (uhl-moo-SAHL)
lunch: tanghalian (tuhng-huh-LEE'-ahn)
snack (meal): meriyenda (meh-rih-YEHN-duh)
supper: hapunan (huh-POO-nuhn)
I want _____.: Gusto ko ng _____. (GOOS-to koh nuhng)
I want a dish containing _____.: Gusto ko ng ulam na naglalaman ng _____. (GOOS-to koh nuhng OO-luhm nah nuhg-LAH-luh-muhn nuhng_____.)
chicken: manok (mah-NOHK)
beef: karne (KAHR-neh)
fish: isda (ihs-DAH')
ham: hamon (huh-MOHN)
food: pagkain (puhg-KAH'-ihn)
drinks: inumin (ih-NOO-mihn)
sausage: longganisa (local sausage) (lohng-guh-NEE-suh)
cheese: keso (KEH-soh)
eggs: itlog (ihtt-LOG)
salad: ensalada (ehn-suh-LAH-duh)
corn: mais
(fresh) vegetables: (sariwang) gulay ((suh-REE-wuhng) GOO-ligh)
(fresh) fruit: (sariwang) prutas ((suh-REE-wuhng) PROO-tuhs)
bread: tinapay (tih-NAH-pai)
fastfood: fastfood
toast: tustado (toos-TAH-doh)
noodles: pansit (puhn-SEET)
rice: kanin (KAH-nihn)/bigas (bih-GAS, used for uncooked rice)
beans: priholes (prih-ho-les)
raw: hilaw (hih-LAHW)
cooked: niluto (nih-LOO-to)
fried: prinito (Prih-NEE-toh)
fried chicken / fish / egg: prinitong manok / isda / itlog (Prih-NEE-tohng muh-NOHK / ihs-DAH' / iht-LOHG)
grilled / roasted: inihaw
boiled: nilaga (nih-LAH-guh)
salt: asin (uh-SEEN)
sugar: asukal (uh-SOO-kuhl)
cooking oil: mantika (muhn-TEE-kuh)
garlic: bawang (BAH-wuhng)
onion: sibuyas (sih-BOO--yuhs)
black pepper: paminta (puh-MEEN-tuh)
soy sauce: toyo (toh-YOH')
butter: margarina or mantikilya (muhr-guh-REE-nuh, muhn-tih-KEEL-yuh)
Can/May I have a glass of _____?: Pwedeng/Maaaring makahingi ng isang baso ng _____? (PWEH-dehng / Muh-'uh-'uh-'AH-rihng muh-kuh-hih-NGEE' nuhng ih-SAHNG BAH-soh nuhng____?)
Can/May I have a cup of _____?: Pwedeng/Maaring makahingi ng isang tasa ng _____? (PWEH-dehng / Muh-'uh-'uh-'AH-rihng muh-kuh-hih-NGEE' nuhng ih-SAHNG TAH-suh nuhng____?)
Can/May I have a bottle of _____?: Pwedeng / Maaaring makahingi ng isang bote ng _____? (PWEH-dehng / Muh-'uh-'uh-'AH-rihng muh-kuh-hih-NGEE' nuhng ih-SAHNG BOH-teh nuhng____?)
coffee: kape (kuh-PEH)
tea: tsaa (tsa-'AH)
iced tea: iced tea (no direct translation)
chocolate: tsokolate (tso-koh-LAH-teh)
ice: yelo (YEH-loh)
juice: juice (DZHUHS)
water: tubig (TOO-bihg)
beer: serbesa (formal) (sehr-BEH-suh), beer (casual) (BEER)
red/white wine: red/white wine (no direct translation)
May I have some _____?: Maaaring makahingi ng_____? (Muh-'uh-'uh-'AH-rihng muh-kuh-hih-NGEE' nuhng____?)
dessert: panghimagas (formal) (puhng-hih-MAH-guhs), dessert (casual) (deh-SUHRT)
Excuse me, waiter? (getting attention of server): Excuse me, waiter? (no direct translation)
I'm finished / done.: Tapos na ako./ Tapos na akong kumain. (TAH-pohs nah uh-KOH / TAH-pohs nah uh-KOHNG koo-MAH'-in)
It was delicious.: Masarap ang pagkain. (muh-suh-RAHP ahng puhg-KAH'-ihn)
Please clean the table.: Pakilinisan mo (po) ang mesa. (Puh-kih-lih-NEE-suhn moh (poh) ahng MEH-suh)
Can I get the bill, please.: Yung bill (po). (YOONG bihl (poh).)

KTV (Karaoke Bars)

Can we get a room to sing?: Pwede (po) ba kaming kumuha ng kuwarto para kumanta? (PWEH-deh (poh) bah kuh-MEENG koo-MOO-huh' nuhng koo-WAHR-toh PAH-ruh koo-muhn-TAH')

Bars

Do you serve alcohol?: Nagseserb (po) ba kayo ng alak? (nuhg-suh-SUHRB (po) bah kuh-YOH nuhng AH-luhk?)
Do you have cigarettes?: Meron (po) ba kayong sigarilyo? (MEH-rohn (poh) bah kuh-YOHNG sih-guh-REEL-yoh?)
Is there a table service?: Meron (po) ba kayong "table service"? (MEH-rohn (poh) bah kuh-YOHNG "TEY-buhl SUHR-bihs")
A beer / two beers, please.: Isa / dalawa (po)-ng beer/s. (ih-SAH / duh-luh-WAH (poh)-ng BEER)
A glass of red/white wine, please.: Isang baso (po) ng "red / white wine". (ih-SAHNG BAH-soh (poh') nuhng "rehd / wayt wayn")
A pint, please.: Isang pinta, po. (ih-SAHNG PEEN-tuh, poh')
A bottle, please.: Isang bote, po. (ih-SAHNG BOH-teh, poh')
_____ (hard liquor) and _____ (mixer), please.: _____ at / saka _____, po. (_____ aht / suh-KAH _____, poh.)
whiskey: whiskey (wihs-KEE)
vodka: vodka (bod-KAH)
rum: rum (rahm)
water: tubig (TOO-bihg)
club soda: club soda (...)
tonic water: tonic water (...)
orange juice: orange juice (...)
Coke (soda/pop): Coke (soft drinks)
Do you have any snacks?: Meron (po) ba kayong chicherya? (MEH-rohn (poh) bah kuh-YOHNG tsih-tsehr-YAH)
One more, please.: Isa pa nga ulit. (ih-SAH pah ngah oo-LEET.)
Another round, please.: Isa pa ulit. (ih-SAH pah oo-LEET)
When is closing time?: Kailan (Anong oras) kayo magsasara? (kuh-ih-LAHN (uh-NOHNG OH-ruhs) kuh-YOH muhg-suh-suh-RAH?)
Cheers!: Tagay! (TAH-gai!)

Shopping

Where can I buy ____?: Saan ako makakabili ng _____? (suh-'AHN uh-KOH muh-kuh-kuh-bih-LEE nuhng____?)
Do you have size ____ (e.g. 8/9/10) ?: Meron (po) kayong size _____(e.g. 8/9/10)? (MEH-rohn (poh) kuh-YOHNG says_____?)
How much is it?: Magkano ito? (muhg-KAH-noh ih-TOH?)
That's too expensive.: Napakamahal naman niyan. (nuh-puh-kuh-mah-HAHL nuh-MAN nih-YAHN)
Do you accept credit card?: Tumatanggap (po) ba kayo ng credit card? (too-MAH-tuhng-GAHP (poh) bah kuh-YOH nuhng KREH-diht kahrd?)
expensive: mahal (mah-HAHL)
cheap: mura (MOO-ruh)
I can't afford it.: Hindi ko (po) kayang bilhin. (hihn-DEE koh (poh) KAH-yuhng bihl-HEEN.)
I don't want it.: Hindi ko (po) ito gusto. (hihn-DEE koh (poh) ih-TOH goos-TOH'')
You're trying to fool me.: Dinadaya mo ako. (dih-nuh-DAH-yuh' moh uh-KOH.)
I'm not interested.: Hindi (po) ako interesado. (hihn-DEE (poh) uh-KOH ihn-teh-reh-SAH-doh.)
OK, I'll take it.: Sige, kukunin ko na iyan. (SEE-geh, koo-KOO-nihn koh nah ih-YAHN.)
Can I have a bag?: Pwede (po)-ng makahingi ng bag? (PWEH-deh (poh)-ng muh-kuh-hih-NGEE' nuhng BAHG?)
It's too big.: Sobrang laki nito. (SOH-bruhng luh-KEE nih-TOH.)
It's too small.: Sobrang liit nito. (SOH-bruhng lih-EET nih-TOH.)
Do you have a size smaller / bigger than this?: Meron (po) ba kayong mas maliit / malaki pa nito? (MEH-rohn (poh) bah kuh-YOHNG mahs muh-lih-EET / muh-luh-KEE pah nih-TOH?)
Can I change the size to ____?: Pwede ko (po)-ng palitan ang Size sa ____ ? (PWEH-deh koh (poh)-ng puh-lih-TAHN ahng says sah____?)
Do you ship overseas?: Nagpapadala (po) ba kayo sa ibang bansa? (nuhg-PAH-puh-duh-LAH (poh) bah kuh-YOH sah ih-BAHNG buhn-SAH')
Do you have ____?: Meron (po) ba kayong ______? (MEH-rohn (poh) bah kuh-YOHNG____?)
I need...: Kailangan ko (po) ng ... (kuh-'ih-LAH-nguhn koh (poh) nuhng)
...toothpaste.: ...toothpaste. (TOOT-peyst)
...shoes: sapatos (suh-PAH-tohs)
...clothes: damit (duh-MEET)
...jewelry: alahas (uh-LAH-huhs)
...necklace: kwintas (kwihn-TAHS)
...earings: hikaw (HEE-kahw)
...ring: singsing (SEENG-SEENG)
...a toothbrush.: ...sipilyo. (sih-PEEL-yoh)
...tampons.: ...napkin. (NAHP-kihn)
...soap.: ...sabon. (suh-BOHN)
...shampoo.: ...syampu. (SHAHM-poo)
...pain reliever. (e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen): ...pain reliever.
...cold medicine.: ...gamot sa sipon. (guh-MOHT sah sih-POHN)
...stomach medicine.: ...gamot sa tiyan. (guh-MOHT sah tsahn)
...a razor.: ...pang-ahit. (pung-AH-hiht)
...an umbrella.: ... payong. (PAH-yohng)
...sunblock lotion.: ...sunblock lotion.
...a postcard.: ...postkard. (POHST-KAHRD)
...postage stamps.: ...selyo. (SEHL-yoh)
...batteries.: ... baterya. (buh-tehr-YAH)
...writing paper.: ...papel. (puh-PEHL)
...a pen.: ...bolpen. (BOHL-pehn)
...pencil: ...lapis. (LAH-pihs)
...English-language books.: ...mga librong Ingles. (muh-NGAH lih-BROHNG ihhng-GLEHS'')
...English-language magazines.: ...mga magasin na pang-Ingles . (muh-NGAH MAH-guh-sihn nah puhng-ihng-GLEHS)
...an English-language newspaper.: ...dyaryong pang-Ingles (DZHAH-ryohng puhng-ihng-GLEHS)
...an English dictionary.: ...diksyonaryong Ingles. (dihk-sho-NAH-ryohng ihhng-GLEHS)

Driving

I want to rent a car.: Gusto ko (po)-ng mag-renta ng kotse. (GOOS-to ko (poh)-ng muhg REHN-tuh nuhng KOH-tseh'')
Can I get insurance?: Pwede (po) akong kumuha ng insurance? (PWEH-deh (poh) uh-KOHNG koo-MOO-huh nuhng ihn-SHOO-ruhns?)

Most Philippine road signs are in English.

stop (on a street sign): tumigil (too-MEE-gihl)
one way: iisang pagdaan (ih-ih-SAHNG puhg-duh-AHN)
yield: huminto (hoo-mihn-TOH')
no parking: bawal pumarada (BAH-wuhl poo-muh-RAH-duh)
speed limit: katakdaan sa bilis (kuh-tuhk-duh-'AHN sah bih-LEES )
gas (petrol) station: gasolinahan (guh-soh-lih-nuh-HAHN)
petrol: petrolyo (peh-TROHL-yoh)
diesel: krudo / disel (KROO-doh / DEE-sehl)

Authority

I haven't done anything wrong.: Wala (po) akong nagawang masama. (Wuh-LAH (poh) uh-KOHNG nuh-guh-WAHNG muh-suh-MAH.')
It was (just) a misunderstanding.: Isang hindi pagkakaunawaan (lang) (i)yon. (Ih-SAHNG hihn-DEE' puhg-kuh-KAH-oo-nuh-WAH'-uhn (lahng) (ih-)YOHN.)
Where are you taking me?: Saan mo / niyo ako dadalhin? (Suh-'AHN moh / nih-YOH uh-KOH DAH-duhl-HEEN?); (Use mo if you are talking to one person and niyo or nyo if you are talking to two or more people.)
Am I under arrest?: Arestado (po) ba ako? (Uh-rehs-TAH-doh (poh) bah uh-KOH?)
Where's the warrant?: Nasaan ang mandamyento / warrant? (Nuh-suh-'AHN ahng muhn-duh-MYEHN-toh / WAHR-ruhnt?)
I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen.: Ako ay isang mamamayang Amerikano / Australyano / Britaniko / Kanadyano. (formal) (uh-KOH 'ai ih-SAHNG MAH-muh-muh-YAHNG uh-meh-rih-KAH-noh / ohs-truhl-YAH-noh / brih-TAH-nih-koh / kuh-nuh-DZHAH-noh.); Mamamayang Amerikano / Australyano / Britaniko / Kanadyano ako. (Casual) (MAH-muh-muh-YAHNG uh-meh-rih-KAH-noh / ohs-truhl-YAH-noh / brih-TAH-nih-koh / kuh-nuh-DZHAH-noh uh-KOH.)
I want to talk to the American / Australian / British / Canadian embassy/consulate.: Gusto kong makipagusap sa embahada / konsulado ng Amerika / Australia / Britanya / Kanada. (GOOS-toh koh muh-kuh-puhg-OOH-suhp sah ehm-buh-HAH-duh / kohn-soo-LAH-doh nuhng uh-MEH-rih-kuh / ohs-TREHL-yuh / brih-TAHN-yuh / KAH-nuh-duh)
I want to talk to my lawyer.: Gusto kong makipagusap sa aking abugado. (GOOS-toh koh muh-kuh-puhg-OOH-suhp sah AH-kihng uh-boo-GAH-do)
Can I just pay a fine now?: Pwede na lang ako magbayad ng multa? (PWEHHdeh nah lahng uh-KOH muhg-BAH-yuhd nuhng MOOL-tuh)
Law: Batas (buh-TAHS)
Judge: Hukom, Huwes (hoo-KOOM, hoo-WEHS)
Lawyer: Abugado (uh-boo-GAH-doh)
Court: Hukuman, Korte (hoo-koo-MAHN, KOHR-teh)
Jail: Bilangguan, Kulungan (bih-luhng-GOO'-uhn, koo-LOO-nguhn)
Cop: Pulis (poo-LEES)

When in Danger

A thief!: Magnanakaw! (mug-nuh-NAH-kow)
Help!: Saklolo! or Tulong! (Actually, both 'Saklolo' and 'Tulong' mean the same thing for 'Help', and both words are understood by locals, thus they're interchangeable. Usage of them depends on your personal preference.) (suhk-LOH-loh o TOO-lohng)
I was robbed by that thief and now my purse is gone. What should I do now?: Ninakawan ako ng magnanakaw na iyon at ngayon wala na yung pitaka ko. Ano na ang gagawin ko ngayon? (nih-nuh-KAH-wuhn ah-KOH nuhng mug-nuh-NAH-kahw nah 'ih-YOHN aht ngah-YOHN wuh-LAH nah yoong pih-TAH-kuh koh. uh-NOH nah ahng GAH-guh-wihn koh?)
Call the police about the incident: Tawagan mo ang pulis ukol sa pangyayari. (tuh-WAH-guhn moh ang poo-LEESS OO-kohl sah nuhng-YAH-rih')
Fire!: Sunog! (SOO-nohg!)
Call the nearest fire station, quick!: Tawagan mo na ang pinakamalapit na istasyon ng bumbero, bilis! (tuh-WAH-guhn mo na ang pih-nuh-kuh-muh-LAH-piht nah ihs-tuh-SHON nuhng boom-BEH-roh)
Let's get out of here!: Umalis na tayo dito! (ooh-muh-LEESS nah TAH-yoh DEE-toh!)
There's an earthquake!: May lindol! (Migh lihn-DOHL)
Get some hard stuff to protect your heads, now!: Kumuha kayo ng matigas na bagay para maprotektahan ang inyong mga ulo, ngayon din! (coo-moo-HAH KAH-yoh ng ma-tih-GAHSS na BAH-gigh PAH-ruh ma-pro-TEHK-tuh-HAHN ahng ihn-YONG muhnga 'OO-loh, nguh-YOHN dihn)
Tsunami!: Tsunami! (Filipinos don't have their own word for tsunami.)
Let's evacuate!: Sumilong na tayo! (soo-MEE-lohng nah TAH-yoh!)
Run!: Takbo! (tuhk-BOH)
It's dangerous there!: Delikado diyan! (de-lih-KAH-doh jahn)
Am I going to die now?: Mamamatay na ba ako ngayon? (muh-MAH-muh-TIGH nah bah uh-KOH nguh-YON)

As natural disasters happen to the Philippines, if such disaster is severe, you might hear some locals saying this sentence, mainly because they're panicking. This sentence is just added to understand some of the locals' expressions during these calamities.

Filipino language

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