Basic Words

1. Oo

   Yes

   Usage

   The basic affirmative reply; also works when someone checks something with you

   Grammar Note

   The polite form is Opo — use it with elders and staff

2. Hindi

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; say it gently to stay polite

   Grammar Note

   Add po for politeness: Hindi po

3. Pakiusap

   Please

   Usage

   Add it when asking for something; it also works on its own

   Grammar Note

   The prefix paki- turns a verb into a request, e.g. pakiabot = please pass it

4. Salamat po

   Thank you

   Usage

   The basic thank-you when you receive something or get help

5. Paumanhin po

   Excuse me

   Usage

   Use to get a stranger's attention or to squeeze past someone

6. Pasensya na po

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology when you are at fault — bumping into someone, making a mistake

7. Ayos lang po

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Both to wave off an apology and to decline help or concern

8. Hindi ko po maintindihan

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say this first when the language is not getting through; people will rephrase

9. Naiintindihan ko po

   I understand

   Usage

   The reply when you have understood; it also signals agreement

10. Tapos na po

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you are done with a meal, a payment, or a procedure

11. Pakihintay po

    Please wait

    Usage

    A polite way to ask someone to hold on

12. Sandali lang po

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For just a few seconds — while you find your wallet or your bag

13. Isang adult po

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance, to state how many people

14. Wala po akong reservation

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Say this first when walking into a restaurant or hotel without booking

15. May reservation po ako

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    At the front desk; follow it with your name

16. Tulungan po ninyo ako

    Please help me

    Usage

    Call for help in an emergency — it is fine to shout this

17. Pakiulit po

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what they just said

18. Pakidahan-dahan po ang pagsasalita

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When someone speaks too fast; people almost always slow down

19. Kaunti lang po ang alam ko

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Keeps the conversation going while lowering expectations

20. Marunong po ba kayo ng English?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Check for a shared language when you need to discuss something complicated

21. Ito

    This

    Usage

    Refers to something next to you

22. Iyan

    That (near you)

    Usage

    Refers to something near the person you are talking to

23. Iyon

    That over there

    Usage

    Refers to something away from both of you

24. Dito

    Here

    Usage

    The place where you are, e.g. for telling a driver where to drop you

25. Diyan

    There (near you)

    Usage

    The place near the person you are talking to

26. Doon

    Over there

    Usage

    A place away from both of you

27. Ako

    I / me

    Usage

    Refers to yourself, e.g. when asked who

28. Ikaw

    You

    Usage

    Refers to the other person; use the polite "kayo" with elders or strangers

29. Magkasama

    Together

    Usage

    Shows that you are with someone or want to be seated together

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