Greetings
Tagalog greetings vary by time of day, formality level, and relationship between speakers. Polite particles like po and ho are commonly added when addressing elders or showing respect.
Basic Greetings
| Tagalog | English |
|---|---|
| Kumusta? | How are you? |
| Kumusta ka? | How are you? (informal) |
| Kumusta po kayo? | How are you? (formal/respectful) |
| Mabuti naman. | I'm fine. |
| Mabuti naman, salamat. | I'm fine, thank you. |
| Okay lang. | I'm okay. |
Time-Based Greetings
| Tagalog | English |
|---|---|
| Magandang umaga. | Good morning. |
| Magandang umaga po. | Good morning. (formal) |
| Magandang tanghali. | Good noon. |
| Magandang hapon. | Good afternoon. |
| Magandang gabi. | Good evening. |
| Magandang gabi po. | Good evening. (formal) |
Introductions
| Tagalog | English |
|---|---|
| Ako si Maria. | I am Maria. |
| Ano ang pangalan mo? | What is your name? |
| Ano po ang pangalan ninyo? | What is your name? (formal) |
| Ikinagagalak kong makilala ka. | Pleased to meet you. |
| Ikinagagalak ko pong makilala kayo. | Pleased to meet you. (formal) |
| Saan ka galing? | Where are you from? |
| Taga-saan ka? | Where are you from? (colloquial) |
Partings
| Tagalog | English |
|---|---|
| Paalam. | Goodbye. |
| Paalam po. | Goodbye. (formal) |
| Sige. | Okay/Bye. (casual) |
| Ingat. | Take care. |
| Ingat ka. | Take care. (informal) |
| Hanggang sa muli. | Until we meet again. |
| Kita tayo bukas. | See you tomorrow. |
| Mamaya na lang. | See you later. |
Gratitude and Apologies
| Tagalog | English |
|---|---|
| Salamat. | Thank you. |
| Salamat po. | Thank you. (formal) |
| Maraming salamat. | Thank you very much. |
| Walang anuman. | You're welcome. |
| Pasensya na. | Sorry/Excuse me. |
| Pasensya na po. | Sorry/Excuse me. (formal) |
| Patawad. | I'm sorry. (seeking forgiveness) |
| Sori. / Sorry. | Sorry. (borrowed English word, common in casual speech) |
Polite Expressions
| Tagalog | English |
|---|---|
| Excuse me po. | Excuse me. (getting attention) |
| Paumanhin po. | Excuse me/Pardon me. (formal apology) |
| Pwede po? | May I? (asking permission) |
| Oo, sige. | Yes, go ahead. |
💡 Cultural Note
Adding po and ho shows respect and is expected when speaking to elders, authority figures, or strangers. Omitting these particles when appropriate can be considered rude.[^po]
[^po]: The particle po is more formal than ho, though both indicate respect. Po is preferred in most situations.
See also: Cultural Etiquette, Daily Conversation