Among all of the Asian countries, the Philippines is the only country where you will not feel so alienated as an English-speaking foreigner. Most Filipinos know the basic words of English, thus making it easier for a foreigner to communicate in a foreign country such as the Philippines.
But, it can never hurt to know at least a few basic Filipino words. Below is a simple list of five common words that will often be helpful as you tour the Philippines.
- Oo or Opo /OOH-ooh/ or /OOH-po/- These two words have the same meaning which is “yes”. “Opo” is used to say yes to people who are older than you, and is the more polite way of saying “yes”.
- Hindi /HIN-di/- This word means “no”. As soon as you land in Manila Airport, people will swarm around you, trying to get you to take their “special taxi” or trying to sell you a hotel room… if you’re not interested, just shake your head left and right or you can say.. “hindi”.
- Saan /sa-AN/- This word is so helpful when you are looking for directions to go somewhere. This word means “where”. You can say, “Saan ANG ____” . You just have to add the word “ANG” before the name of the place, and you’ve made a question. “Saan ang C.R.?” (The restroom is most commonly known as the C.R. in Filipino.)
- Magkano /mug-KA-no/- This will come in handy when you go to shopping centers in Divisoria or Greenhills where you can get some great deals. Just ask “Magkano?” which means how much… and from there you can ask for a better price.
- Salamat /sa-LA-mat/- Filipinos will be delighted to hear you say this Tagalog word which means “Thank you”. You will put a smile on their face making them feel thrilled you know how to say a Tagalog word. Besides that, it will also make them feel appreciated.