Feelings

1. Masaya ako

   I'm happy

   Usage

   The easiest one to reach for; "ako" is "I". Add "po" for politeness: "masaya po ako"

2. Maligaya

   Joyful / Blessed

   Usage

   A more formal word than "masaya", for the happiness of a life. It appears in greetings such as "Maligayang Pasko" (Merry Christmas)

3. Natutuwa ako

   I'm delighted

   Usage

   Being pleased by something you have seen or heard — also a good response to someone's kindness

4. Nasasabik ako

   I'm excited

   Usage

   Looking forward to something. In everyday speech people usually say the Taglish version, "excited ako"

5. Proud ako

   I'm proud

   Usage

   Taglish, but this is what people actually say. The pure Tagalog form is "ipinagmamalaki ko"

6. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag

   I'm relieved

   Usage

   Literally "I breathed freely" — the idiom for when a lost item turns up or you arrive safely

7. Mahal kita

   I love you

   Usage

   "Mahal" means both "beloved" and "expensive". Used with partners and family alike

8. Gusto ko ito

   I like this

   Usage

   Works for food or places, and doubles as a shopping phrase when you point at an item

9. Namimiss kita

   I miss you

   Usage

   English "miss" with Tagalog affixes — this is how people really say it. Read as "na-MI-miss"

10. Malungkot ako

    I'm sad

    Usage

    Sadness in general; the same word also covers loneliness

11. Nadismaya ako

    I'm disappointed

    Usage

    From Spanish "desmayar" — also a calm way to register dissatisfaction with a service

12. Sayang

    What a pity / What a waste

    Usage

    A single word Filipinos use constantly — for plans that fall through and for food about to be thrown away

13. Nangungulila ako

    I feel lonely

    Usage

    Longing for people or home — closer to "missing someone" than the general sadness of "malungkot"

14. Galit ako

    I'm angry

    Usage

    Raising your voice in public makes someone lose face ("hiya") and can end the relationship. Save this for when you truly mean it

15. Naiinis ako

    I'm annoyed

    Usage

    Milder than "galit" — the feeling of being stuck in traffic or kept waiting

16. Natatakot ako

    I'm scared

    Usage

    Add the thing you fear: "natatakot ako sa aso" means "I'm afraid of dogs"

17. Nagulat ako

    I was startled

    Usage

    For a sudden shock — an earth tremor or a blast of a car horn

18. Nag-aalala ako

    I'm worried

    Usage

    "Huwag kang mag-alala" means "don't worry" — heard constantly around typhoons and cancelled sailings

19. Stressed ako

    I'm stressed

    Usage

    Taglish, but this is what people say. "Nakaka-stress" means "it's stressful"

20. Nahihiya ako

    I feel shy / awkward

    Usage

    "Hiya" sits at the heart of Filipino culture, covering shame, restraint and face at once. Saying it when declining hospitality reads exactly right

21. Nababagot ako

    I'm bored

    Usage

    For a long wait. Avoid aiming it at something your host arranged

22. Pagod ako

    I'm tired

    Usage

    Add "po" for politeness: "pagod po ako". What you say after a long bus ride or a day of island hopping

23. Inaantok ako

    I'm sleepy

    Usage

    What you feel after a night bus or a dawn flight

24. Ayos lang ako

    I'm OK

    Usage

    The standard reply to "kumusta ka?", and the way to reassure someone. Polite form: "ayos lang po ako"

25. Masama ang pakiramdam ko

    I don't feel well

    Usage

    What to say when you cannot name the problem; "pakiramdam" is how your body feels. Show it at a pharmacy or the front desk

26. Kinikilig ako

    I'm giddy with delight

    Usage

    The tingling thrill of a romantic moment — a word Filipinos consider untranslatable. Used between friends

27. Nalilito ako

    I'm confused

    Usage

    Show it when you are lost or stuck with paperwork — someone usually steps in to help

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