Useful Phrases

1. Gawa ko ang app na ito

   I made this app

   Usage

   Used when introducing an app you created

   Grammar Note

   "Gawa ko" = made by me: the noun "gawa" (a made thing, a work) plus the possessor "ko"

2. Libre ang app na ito

   This app is free

   Usage

   Used to inform someone the app is free of charge

   Grammar Note

   "Libre" is borrowed from Spanish, meaning free/no cost

3. Subukan mong i-download ito

   Please try downloading it

   Usage

   Used to encourage someone to download the app

   Grammar Note

   "I-" prefix is used to verbalize English loanwords in Filipino

4. Hapones ako

   I'm Japanese

   Usage

   Basic phrase for introducing your nationality

   Grammar Note

   Filipino uses predicate-first order; the adjective/noun comes before subject

5. Manlalakbay ako

   I'm a traveler

   Usage

   Used to identify yourself as a tourist/traveler

   Grammar Note

   "Manlalakbay" is a derived noun meaning one who travels

6. Mag-isa akong nagbibiyahe

   I'm traveling alone

   Usage

   Used to say you are traveling by yourself

   Grammar Note

   "Mag-isa" means alone (adverb). "Akong" is ako plus the linker -ng. "Nagbibiyahe" is the progressive form of travel

7. Unang beses ko ritong pumunta

   It's my first time here

   Usage

   Common phrase when visiting a place for the first time

   Grammar Note

   "Unang beses" literally means first time/occasion

8. Pwede bang kumuha ng litrato?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Used when asking permission to take a photo

   Grammar Note

   "Pwede bang" is a polite way to ask for permission

9. Maaari ba tayong kumuha ng litrato nang magkasama?

   Shall we take a photo together?

   Usage

   Used to suggest taking a photo together

   Grammar Note

   "Tayo" is inclusive "we". "Magkasama" means together

10. Paki-scan ang QR code

    Please scan the QR code

    Usage

    Used when asking someone to scan a QR code

    Grammar Note

    "Paki-" is a polite request prefix in Filipino

11. Huwag mo akong lokohin / Huwag kang maningil ng malaki

    Don't cheat me / Stop ripping me off

    Usage

    Strong protest used when being cheated or overcharged

    Grammar Note

    "Huwag + verb" is the Filipino prohibition imperative. "Lokohin" derives from "loko" (fool). "Maningil ng malaki" = charge a lot / overcharge

12. Huwag mo akong maliitin

    Don't underestimate me / Don't look down on me

    Usage

    Used when someone dismisses or disrespects you

    Grammar Note

    "Maliitin" = treat as small/trivial, from "liit" (small). Note the enclitic pronouns "mo ako" come before the verb root in Filipino

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