Q&A for How to Speak Tagalog

Just add 'po' in every phrase and it will sound respectful.

"Po" is used as sign of respect when talking to your elder. Take note that "po" and "opo" have their differences. "Opo" means yes (literal meaning: oo) while po is added after words or phrases as sign of respect.

Here are some simple phrases: "Mahal mo ba ako?" means "Do you love me?; "Sino ang crush mo?" means "Who is your crush?"; and "Pwede ba kitang ligawan"? means "Can I court you?".

"Bahay" is the most commonly used Filipino translation of the word "house." But if you want to sound better in Filipino, you could also use the word "tahanan."

Just say "Hello", but when Filipinos greet each other, they either ask "Musta?" or "Kamusta?", which is like similar to "What's up?" or "Kamusta ka?", which means "How are you?".

"Kumusta!" is the appropriate word. But take note, that "Hi" is often used instead.

Yes, there are many different languages used in the Philippines (for example - in Pampanga, they use Kapangpangan). But Tagalog is used more often all around!

Study the words and see if there's any connection that can help you remember. Try to recite what you know so you understand what you need to study.

Yes, but they are different from plurals in English.

You could say "Iginagalang kita". It might be difficult to pronounce, but you can do it.

It depends on what country you come from and your current accent. Some people may take years to adopt the accent and some never do.

The word "and" in Filipino is "at." For example, "Si Maria at Kristina ay naglalaro." In English, this would mean, "Maria and Kristina are playing." "Or" in Filipino is "o." For example, "Anong mas gusto mo kape o gatas?" means "Which do you prefer: coffee or milk?". "Pero" means "but." These words have many different functions in the Filipino/Tagalog language.

Of course you can! This can be a very helpful way to acquaint yourself with the sounds of the language.

Filipinos also say "sir" to address a man, but sometimes they pronounce it as "ser." This is common in Visayan-speaking cities.

To say "What is your address" in Tagalog, you would say, "Ano ang address mo?"

"Anong grado ka na sa eskuela?" means "What grade are you in school?"

Yes! The culture and language are heavily impacted. by Spanish. There are even some Spanish letters in the alphabet.

You can say "Mahal na mahal ko ang pamilya ko."

See if there's a community education class in your area; in addition to building the basics, you'll get resources for further learning the language. Though Tagalog is not yet in Duolingo, you'll find several apps that can help - check out Drops.

Some of them are, like from Spanish, especially the Cebu languages because early Spaniards came and taught it.

You can say "Mahal ko ang Pilipinas," which means "I love the Philippines." You can also say mahal ko ang 'pinas.

You call it mahal ma-hal, which is love. You do not say babe in Tagalog. Baby is anak. a -nak. It is child.

"Kamusta ang araw mo?"

That would be "Huwag mo akong saktan" or "Wag mo akong saktan" (informal).

The first one is the most commonly spoken phrase. Mahal kita literally means "I love you." You might also just say "I love you" in English to your older boyfriend or girlfriend if you wanted to express your feelings.