Signs

1. Entrance

   Usage

   Displayed at the entrance of buildings, stations, and facilities. English dominates in the Philippines; public markets and government offices may use the Tagalog "PASUKAN"

2. Exit

   Usage

   Displayed at the exit of buildings, stations, and facilities; the Tagalog "LABASAN" also appears at markets and terminals

3. Fire Exit

   Usage

   Philippine emergency exits are labeled "FIRE EXIT" more often than "EMERGENCY EXIT", usually with a green pictogram

4. Open

   Open (door sign)

   Usage

   The flip sign on a shop door; the Tagalog "BUKAS" also appears, but since it is spelled the same as "tomorrow", English is more common on signage

5. Sarado

   Closed

   Usage

   Posted on shop doors and counters to say the place is shut; often used alongside the English "CLOSED"

6. Bukas po kami

   We are open

   Usage

   Signage on eateries and sari-sari stores stating they are currently open — more explicit than the door's "OPEN" flip sign

7. Pansamantalang sarado

   Temporarily Closed

   Usage

   Tagalog has no exact equivalent of the Japanese "junbichuu" sign; this is the closest, used for break times or a not-yet-open status

8. Lalaki

   Men

   Usage

   Marks the men's entrance, typically for restrooms; the English "MEN" or "GENTLEMEN" is equally common

9. Babae

   Women

   Usage

   Marks the women's entrance, typically for restrooms; the English "WOMEN" or "LADIES" is equally common

10. Bawal pumasok

    No Entry

    Usage

    Posted on doors or areas restricted to authorized people; English versions read "NO ENTRY" or "AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY"

11. Bawal manigarilyo

    No Smoking

    Usage

    No-smoking sign indoors, in restaurants, and on public transport; frequently paired with the English "NO SMOKING"

12. Smoking Area

    Usage

    Marks a designated smoking area at airports, malls, and office buildings; in the Philippines this is signed in English only

13. Stairs

    Usage

    Directional sign for stairs in stations and buildings; the Tagalog word is "hagdan", but signage is almost always English

14. Push

    Usage

    Sign on a door meaning push it open; English is standard in the Philippines (Tagalog would be "tulak")

15. Pull

    Usage

    Sign on a door meaning pull it open; English is standard in the Philippines (Tagalog would be "hila")

16. Under Construction

    Usage

    Posted at construction sites and closed-off passages; roadworks are often signed "ROAD UNDER REPAIR" or "MEN AT WORK"

17. Sira

    Out of Order

    Usage

    Posted on broken elevators, ATMs, or restroom stalls; handwritten "SIRA" is the most common form, while printed signs read "OUT OF ORDER"

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