Here I have the basic Filipino greetings that I have collected and simplified for everyone to understand easily. Along with the closest English equivalent, I have a few lines here to give you background for each word and phrase. I’ll use this as the basis for the other post I plan to do. Hopefully I’ll be able to follow the sequence here as I’ll be working on these expressions soon.

Mabuhay-Welcome or long life.

This is used here to greet everyone, including foreigners, a warm welcome, hoping that everyone will let their guard down (peace/friendship). This is derived from the root word buhay which means life. This is an auspicious thing to say and is usually heard during celebrations like at weddings, we always hear someone exclaim “Mabuhay ang bagong kasal” and everyone else will clap to congratulate the newly married couple.

Magandang umaga-Good morning.

The word magandang is derived from ganda which means beauty, hence magandang umaga is a beautiful morning.

Magandang Tanghali-Good afternoon.

The word tanghali means the time when the day is hottest (10am to 3pm, the time when sunscreen is a must). Unlike the konnichiwa (good afternoon/good morning/hello/hello) of the Japanese which cover most of the day, magandang tanghali only covers what is not early in the day and what is not late in the day.

Magandang hapon-good afternoon (afternoon).

This is similar to the Spanish good afternoon (said when one socializes after the so-called siesta). Of course, Filipinos do this siesta too (after-noon nap/beauty break?). Tanghali is so hot that Filipinos sleep at this time instead of going out (socializing is down).

Magandang gabi-Good afternoon and good night.

There is no distinction between evening and night in Filipino. Gabi can mean anyone and that doesn’t matter or bother anyone.

Kumusta-how are you?

Let’s go back to the Spanish influence to the Filipino. This greeting is derived from the original in Spanish ¿Cómo está? Featured with Filipino spelling.

Salamat-Thank you.

This is a bit of a headache for me. One reference says that it is derived from the Arabic salam which means peace. When I came across Malaysian/Indonesian, I saw selamat in several of the greetings there, but not as a thank you. As for the thanks from Malaysia, it is terima kasih. I wonder if salamat is somehow related to selamat?

Walang anuma-You’re welcome.

Actually this means “It’s nothing” but understood as “You’re welcome”. Like the English counterpart, so does the one who is thanked in response.

Paumanhin-I’m sorry or excuse me.

This word varies in meaning depending on how the speaker pronounces it. There are usually clues to the meaning of this in the sentences before or after this word. This is like the Japanese sumimasen.

Patawad-I’m sorry

While paumanhin can also mean “excuse me,” this can mean “sorry” or “can I haggle?” It is derived from the root word tawad which means to haggle or apologize.

Makikiraan-May I come in?

This is to kindly ask if it can happen between two people or a group; in front of a group of people who are watching something; or when someone from a group of people is blocking your way (unintentionally). These and more are the example of when to use this word.

Makikisuyo – Can I ask you a favor?

This is derived from the root suyo which means an act of affection for loved ones. Use this when you ask her favor in a sweeter or more charming way. This is also helpful to everyone, whether you don’t know them personally, but this way now act like you’re asking them to do you a favor. Helping others is one of the values ​​of Filipinos.

Makikiusap-Can I ask you a favor?

This time, he is not affectionate and does not ask for courtesy. This is a simple and direct way of asking, please do such and such if you can. It’s also not rude, but more of a normal, informal way of dealing with others.

Mawalang galang na- Excuse me.

Excuse me is all I can think of as its English equivalent, but this expression is similar to the Japanese shitsurei shimasu. Literally, this means “if I may be rude to you”, as it is derived from the compound word walang galang or shitsurei, meaning “not polite”.

tao po

This is said by someone knocking on the door and can denote “It’s a man (person) around here.” If I can relate it to Japanese, the closest Japanese equivalent to this is gomen kudasai.

Tuloy-Enter

This is said by someone who is inside the house (in connection with the previous sentence) when opening the door, letting in the one who is outside. This is also the root of the word enter.

Pasok-Enter

This is the same as the previous word. Consider this a variation.

Ingat-Take care.

It is usually said before leaving with a friend in the hope that they will stay safe. There is a humorous variation of this. That is ingat sila sayo. This implies that no one should mess with you or they will get in trouble. This may sound sarcastic to those who are not close to you.

Paalam-Goodbye.

This is the most common way to say goodbye. It can also mean “to inform” and is derived from the word alam which means “to know”. This can be a way of saying that you want someone close to you to know that you are leaving.

Sige-Ok

This is used both when you ask for permission and when you approve of something. It is also heard when saying goodbye, which is usually linked to other farewell phrases.

Hanggang su muli-See you later.

This is another way to say goodbye. This is expressed in the sense that you are interested in meeting that person again.