Basic Words

1. Oo

   O-o

   Yes

   Usage

   The basic affirmative reply; also works when someone checks something with you

2. Dili

   Di-li

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; say it gently to stay polite

3. Palihug

   Pa-li-hug

   Please

   Usage

   Add it when asking for something; it also works on its own

   Grammar Note

   Put palihug before a verb to turn it into a polite request

4. Salamat

   Sa-la-mat

   Thank you

   Usage

   The basic thank-you when you receive something or get help

5. Tabi lang

   Ta-bi lang

   Excuse me

   Usage

   Use to get a stranger's attention or to squeeze past someone

   Grammar Note

   Used when squeezing past someone or getting their attention

6. Pasayloa ko

   Pa-say-lo-a ko

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology when you are at fault — bumping into someone, making a mistake

7. Okay ra

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Both to wave off an apology and to decline help or concern

8. Wala ko kasabot

   Wa-la ko ka-sa-bot

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say this first when the language is not getting through; people will rephrase

9. Nakasabot ko

   Na-ka-sa-bot ko

   I understand

   Usage

   The reply when you have understood; it also signals agreement

10. Human na

    Hu-man na

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you are done with a meal, a payment, or a procedure

11. Palihug hulat

    Pa-li-hug hu-lat

    Please wait

    Usage

    A polite way to ask someone to hold on

12. Kadiyot lang

    Ka-di-yot lang

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For just a few seconds — while you find your wallet or your bag

13. Usa ka adulto

    U-sa ka a-dul-to

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance, to state how many people

14. Wala koy reserbasyon

    Wa-la koy re-ser-ba-syon

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Say this first when walking into a restaurant or hotel without booking

15. Naa koy reserbasyon

    Na-a koy re-ser-ba-syon

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    At the front desk; follow it with your name

16. Tabangi ko

    Ta-ba-ngi ko

    Please help me

    Usage

    Call for help in an emergency — it is fine to shout this

17. Palihug balika

    Pa-li-hug ba-li-ka

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what they just said

18. Palihug hinay-hinay ug istorya

    Pa-li-hug hi-nay-hi-nay ug is-tor-ya

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When someone speaks too fast; people almost always slow down

19. Gamay ra akong kabalo

    Ga-may ra a-kong ka-ba-lo

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Keeps the conversation going while lowering expectations

20. Kabalo ka mag-English?

    Ka-ba-lo ka mag-English?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Check for a shared language when you need to discuss something complicated

21. Kini

    This

    Usage

    Refers to the thing in your hand or right in front of you

22. Kana

    That (near you)

    Usage

    Refers to something near the person you are talking to

23. Kadto

    That (over there)

    Usage

    Refers to something away from both of you

24. Diri

    Here

    Usage

    Points at where you are standing

25. Diha

    There (near you)

    Usage

    Points at where the other person is

26. Didto

    Over there

    Usage

    Points at a place away from both of you

27. Ako

    I / me

    Usage

    The pronoun for yourself; the short form is ko

28. Ikaw

    You

    Usage

    The pronoun for the other person; the short form is ka

29. Kuyog ta

    Let us go together

    Usage

    Show this to offer or ask to go along together

30. Dugang pa

    More

    Usage

    Point at this to ask for more of something

31. Gamay ra

    Just a little

    Usage

    Point at this to ask for only a small amount

32. Tunga

    Half

    Usage

    Point at this to ask for half the amount

33. Tanan

    All

    Usage

    Means all of it; use it for an order or for what you are paying

34. Igo na

    That is enough

    Usage

    Say that you have had enough; stops someone from adding more

35. Karon dayon

    Right now

    Usage

    Says that it is urgent

36. Usa ka tawo

    One person

    Usage

    Give the number of people for a table, room or ticket

37. Duha ka tawo

    Two people

    Usage

    Give the number of people for a table, room or ticket

38. Tulo ka tawo

    Three people

    Usage

    Give the number of people for a table, room or ticket

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