10 MORE Common Filipino Words Expats Can Use to Talk Like a Local
Last time, we gave you a list of 10 commonly used Filipino words that expats can use to communicate with Filipinos. Hopefully, you’ve used most of them to lessen the language barrier whenever you talk to Filipinos you meet on a daily basis.
RIDING A JEEP. This is where you really get to test your Filipino speaking skills. Photo courtesy of #BecomingFilipino
But if you’ve been running out of things to say, here are 10 more Filipino worlds/phrases you can use:
Numbers
Filipinos are accustomed to using English terms for numbers, but it’s best to memorize these terms just in case:
• Isa – one, dalawa – two, tatlo – three, apat – four, lima – five, anim – six, pito – seven, walo – eight, siyam – nine, sampu – ten
• Isang daan – one hundred
• Isang libo – one thousand
Plus points if you know your numbers in Spanish (uno, dos, tres, etc.), since most Filipinos know these more than their English equivalent.
Directions
Getting lost anywhere is not fun for some of us, so here are a few terms you can use to get around the metro:
• Kaliwa – left
• Kanan – right
• Kanto – corner
• Diretso – straight ahead
• Kabila – other side
Time
As mentioned earlier, Filipinos are accustomed to English terms. This applies to time, but there are some words that you may have heard of but not necessarily understand:
• Madaling Araw – early morning
• Umaga – morning
• Tanghali – midday or noon
• Hapon – afternoon
• Gabi – evening (stress is on the i)
• Mamaya – later
• Ngayon – now, can also be ngayong araw for today
• Bukas – tomorrow
Baha
With the rainy season fast approaching, this is a term you’ll hear a lot in the news. Baha literally means flood, and is the bane of every Filipino commuter’s existence. Expect employees to say “Binaha kami kaya ako na-late” (I was late because our place was flooded) whenever it rains.
Ulan
We can’t talk about baha without talking about ulan. It means rain, and is either a welcome sight or an unfortunate event. You’ll often hear Filipinos asking for rain if it’s been a hot day (Sana umulan mamaya para lumamig), or else dreading it (Naku, malakas ang ulan. Babahain na naman tayo).
Banyo
Banyo is the Filipino word for toilet. If you ever need to take a dump or a tinkle, just say “Nasaan po ang banyo?” (Where is the toilet?). You can also use CR (comfort room) or restroom in place of banyo.
Ingat
Ingat means take care. Filipinos use it whenever they say paalam or goodbye (Ingat kayo! Paalam!) or to remind someone to be mindful of a place (“Mag-ingat ka kapag nasa Maynila ka na” or “Be careful when you get to Manila”).
Hingi
This one you might not use as much, but you’ll often hear some Filipinos saying it. Hingi is a way of asking for something, like pahingi naman niyan (can I have some of that?).
Sarap
This one is very common. Filipinos often ask their foreign guest how the food tastes. Most people would understand when you say “It’s good” or “It’s delicious”, but for those who want a bit of Filipino flair, just say masarap, which means means delicious.
Ayaw ko
When you hear someone say “Ayaw ko diyan” or “Ayoko”, it means they don’t want to do something. If you feel like you’re being forced to do something, this will come in handy.
Source: www.philippinecountry.com
Also read: 10 Common Filipino Words Expats Can Use to Talk Like a Local
