The beautiful islands of The Philippine's include over 7000 islands, with only 4000 of which are inhabited. They hold one very friendly population. You will find Philippino's working all over the world. I met many Philippinos while I was working onboard cruise ships. They are sea faring people, who work hard so they can provide for their families back home on the other side of the world.
Tagalog pronunciation is fairly straight forward, with all of the letters making pretty much the same sound. For example, the letter "a" sounds like "ah", "i" sounds like "ee", "o" sounds like "oh", and "u" makes an "oo" or an "ou" sound, as you hear in the word "you".
You will also find their accent makes them sometimes pronounce the English letter "F" like the letter "P". So one way to make your speech sound more fluent might be to do the same. For example they use the word "boyfriend", it might actually sound like "boy-priend".
And of course, I have to remind you that because of The Philippine's having so many islands, they also have dozens of different dialects. While I have tried to include the most basic or generic speech from Manila, someone from the Island of Cebu might not get what you are saying, so be prepared for that.
In my experience they are very friendly people and when they find that you speak some Tagalog they are often surprised and want to talk to you. So give it a shot and introduce yourself to some wonderful Philippino's.
Before we get started, do yourself a favor and get the most up to date Lonely Planet Guide to the Philippines. As well, if you really want a proper resource for Tagalog Pickup Lines, then buy Making Out in Tagalog
. This book is cheap and great help for travelers looking to meet people from the Philippines.
English | Tagalog | Phonetic |
How are you? | Kamu sta ka? | Ka-moo staa ka |
Good | Mabutay | Mah-boo-tay |
You are beautiful | Maganda ka | ma-gon-da ka |
Thank you | Salamat | Sah-lah-maht |
At this point, they usually ask how you know so much Tagalog, to which you will reply "I learned it from Travel Droppings.com. Or you say this... | ||
I am smart | Magaling ako | Mah-gah-leeng ah-ko |
Now move on to the next step: Compliments | ||
You have beautiful hair | Maganda ang buhok mo | Ma-gon-da ka boo-hoak mo |
You have a beautiful smile | Maganda ang ngiti mo | Ma-gon-da ka n-gee-tee mo |
You have beautiful eyes | Maganda ang mata mo | Ma-gon-da aang mah-tah mo |
Just to cover all of our bases | ||
You have beautiful hairy armpits | Maganda ang buhok
mo sa kili kili |
Ma-gon-da aang boo-hoak mo sa kee-lee kee-lee |
This is actually very funny, so pronounce it with a slight pause after "Buhok mo...", wait a second then say "...sa kili kili!" Guarranteed to get a laugh | ||
Do you have a boyfriend/grilfriend? | May boyfriend ka na ba? |
Ma-ee boyfriend ka na ba? "boy-prend" "girl-prend" |
Where is your sweetie? | Nasaan ang syota mo? | Nah-sa-ahn see-yota mo? |
Make a date and let them know you're serious | ||
Let's watch a movie | Manuod tayo ng sine | Ma-nu-ode tie-o nang see-nay |
I want to cook for you | Gusto mong ipagluto kita | Goo-sto mo-ng ee-pa-gloo-toe-kee-ta |
Let's eat dinner | Kain tayo ng hapunan | Kah-een tie-oh nang hah-poon-ahn |
I'm not kidding | Hindi nag bibiro | Heen-dee nog bee-bee-ro |
From this point on it is every man and woman for themself | ||
I want to hug and kiss you | Gusto kitang yakapin at halikan | Goo-sto kee-tang ya-ka-peen aht ha-li-kahn |
I want your kisses | Gusto ko ang iyong mga halik | goo-sto ko ang ee-yong mga hah-leek |
I want to kiss you | Gusto kong halikan | goo-sto ko ha-lee-kon |
I am dieing for your love | Ako ay sabik sayong pag mamahal | Aa-ko ah-ee saa-beek s-eye-yong paag ma-ma-hahl |
This Tagalog translation guide has been brought to you by my good friends onboard the many ships I have worked on. To Jose, my old roommate and Jefferson, my co-worker, "Salamat!". As well, if you really want a proper resource for Tagalog Pickup Lines, then buy Making Out in Tagalog. This book is cheap and great help for travelers looking to meet people from the Philippines.
If you are going to the Philippines do yourself a favor and get the most up to date Lonely Planet Guide to the Philippines
There are a few things I have left out, specifically words like Tae(tah-ay) and Utot(oo-toat). If you would like to contact us about our phrases or about any other language lessons Tweet us or contact us the old fashioned way and send an email.
More Mildly entertaining and insightful reads...