Filipino, primarily based on Tagalog, is the national language of the Philippines. It incorporates words from Spanish, English, and other Philippine languages, making it a rich, dynamic language. Here’s a comprehensive guide to essential conversational phrases and questions in Filipino for various contexts.

Greetings

• Hello – “Kamusta” (informal) / “Kumusta po” (formal)
• Good morning – “Magandang umaga” / “Magandang umaga po” (formal)
• Good afternoon – “Magandang hapon” / “Magandang hapon po” (formal)
• Good evening – “Magandang gabi” / “Magandang gabi po” (formal)
• Goodbye – “Paalam”

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Ang pangalan ko ay [pangalan].”
• This is [name]. – “Ito si [pangalan].”
• I am from [country/city]. – “Galing ako sa [bansa/siyudad].”
• I live in [city/place]. – “Nakatira ako sa [siyudad/lugar].”

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Saan ang [lugar]?”
• How do I get to [place]? – “Paano pumunta sa [lugar]?”
• Is this the way to [place]? – “Ito ba ang daan papunta sa [lugar]?”
• Can you show me on the map? – “Puwede mo ba akong ipakita sa mapa?”

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Pasensya na, hindi ko naiintindihan.”
• Can you please repeat that? – “Puwede mo bang ulitin iyon?”
• I mean… – “Ang ibig kong sabihin…”
• What does [word] mean? – “Ano ang ibig sabihin ng [salita]?”

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “Kitakits” (informal) / “Hanggang sa muli” (formal)
• Take care – “Ingat”
• Have a good day – “Magandang araw sa iyo”

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Gusto kong mag-book ng kwarto.”
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Puwede ko bang makita ang menu?”
• I am vegetarian. – “Ako ay vegetarian.”
• The bill, please. – “Puwede bang hingin ang bill?”

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Magkano ito?”
• Do you have this in another size? – “Mayroon ba kayo nito sa ibang sukat?”
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Tumingin-tingin lang, salamat.”
• Can I pay by card? – “Puwede bang magbayad gamit ang card?”

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “Ang ganda mo.” / “Ang pogi mo.”
• I miss you. – “Miss na kita.”
• I love you. – “Mahal kita.”
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Gusto mo bang lumabas kasama ako?”

Emergencies

• Help! – “Tulong!”
• Call the police! – “Tawagin ang pulis!”
• I need a doctor. – “Kailangan ko ng doktor.”
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Saan ang pinakamalapit na ospital?”

These phrases provide a solid foundation for basic communication in Filipino. Remember, practice is key to learning any language. Engage with native speakers, listen to Filipino music, watch Filipino shows, and immerse yourself in the culture to enhance your understanding and fluency.