Yohan Yuki Xieㆍ사요한・謝雪矢 on Nostr: Visiting the Philippines? Here are some words you should remember: 1. "Kumusta po" = ...

Visiting the Philippines? Here are some words you should remember:

1. "Kumusta po" = How are you / How do you do. It's both a greeting and a real question. Since you're a foreigner, Filipinos will take it as a greeting.

It's polite and formal.

* "Kumusta po sila" : very very polite and formal
* "Kumusta po kayo" : very polite and formal
* "Kumusta po" : polite and formal (use this)
* "Kumusta" : formal
* "Kamusta po sila": very very polite but casual
* "Kamusta po kayo" : very polite but casual
* "Kamusta po" : polite and casual
* "Kamusta" : very casual
* "Hoy", etc. : very very casual (don't use this unless you're close friends)

2. "Saan po ito?" Or "S'an po ito?" = Where is this?

3. "Paano po pumunta dito?" = How do you go here? (Pa-a-no)

4. "Magkano po ito?" Or "Magkano po dito?" = How much is this?

Using "ito" is casual. While "dito" makes it formal. Either is fine since you used "po", it's both polite/respectful. But "dito" is preferred for new learners of Filipino or visiting foreigners.

Oh, it's "di-to" not "ditto". "Di" as in "did", "to" as in "Tom". "Di-to".

5. "Magkano po?" = How much?

6. "Kailan po aalis?" Or "Kailan po tayo aalis?" = When are we leaving.

The former is generic, the context is usually understood if used correctly. For example, you asked a ferryman, "Kailan po aalis?" The context is understood you're referring to when the ferry will leave, so you can remove "tayo" ("we") to simplify your sentence.

7. "Masarap" in reference to food = good, delectable.

8. "Malinamnam" = umami (savory); rich in flavor.

9. "Mahal" = expensive; love (depends on context/usage)

10. "Wala na bang tawad?" = No more discounts?

11. "Tulong!" Or "Saklolo!" = Help!

12. "Tawag" = call

13. "Telepono" = Telephone

Vowel pronunciations are:
* A as in "ah". It's "ah-pple" not "ey-pple"
* E as in "eh", like "bed".
* I as in "in", like "indigo" or "fin".
* O as in "or", like "Oreo".
* U as in "hu" or "ru". "Rudimentary".

Note: simplest and basic form, and examples only.

Words are also syllabic. If there are two vowels or continents together, those are generally pronounced separately in syllables.

Mata = ma-ta = eye
Pilipinas = pi-li-pi-nas = Philippines
Maganda = ma-gan-da

There are other pronunciation considerations but those are level 2 or level 3 already. If you're only visiting, it's fine if you don't know those.

Like: "baba" and "basa". Depending on how you pronounce it, the meaning can change.

baba = down, go down; or chin
basa = wet; or read

And there are regional meanings to consider too, but again, higher level language learning.

Yes, many Filipinos can communicate in English. But, there are times when it's hard for some, they tend to switch or mix Filipino words without realizing it.

😃

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