The Filipino language can be difficult to learn because it’s hard to first identify what words are considered Filipino. For some, Filipino is just another word for Tagalog. Others consider Filipino to be its own language, a modified version of Tagalog. Today, most consider the Filipino language to be the standardized form of Tagalog.
Filipino Number Words
As with learning any language, some of the core words in Filipino include basics like numbers. Start by learning each numero, or number, from one to ten.
- Sero - Zero
- Isa - One
- Dalawa - Two
- Tatlo - Three
- Apat - Four
- Lima - Five
- Anim - Six
- Pito - Seven
- Walo - Eight
- Siyam - Nine
- Sampu - Ten
Filipino Color Words and Common Adjectives
Color words are another basic grouping of words you’ll want to know when you’re starting to speak Filipino. Knowing a few adjectives can help you describe things more precisely.
- Itim - Black
- Kulay-abo - Gray
- Puti - White
- Asul - Blue
- Berde - Green
- Dilaw - Yellow
- Pula - Red
- Kayumanggi - Brown
- Maliit - Small
- Mabuti - Good
- Maganda - Beautiful
- Masama - Bad
Filipino Animals
Mga pangalan ng hayop, or animal names, are usually one of the next groupings of words people cover when learning a new language. Here are the Filipino words for several common animals.
- Ahas - Snake
- Aso - Dog
- Baboy - Pig
- Baka - Cow
- Ibon - Bird
- Isda - Fish
- Kabayo - Horse
- Manok - Chicken
- Pusa - Cat
Filipino Body Parts
Knowing a few basic body part words can be handy, especially if you are sick or injured.
- Paa - Foot
- Hita - Leg
- Ulo - Head
- Braso - Arm
- Kamay - Hand
- Katawan - Body
- Tiyan - Stomach
Filipino Calendar and Time Terms
Learn the days of the week and common time terms so you can make plans with your Filipino friends.
- Lunes - Monday
- Martes - Tuesday
- Miyerkules - Wednesday
- Huwebes - Thursday
- Biyernes - Friday
- Sabado - Saturday
- Linggo - Sunday
- Ngayong araw - Today
- Bukas - Tomorrow
- Kahapon - Yesterday
- Linggo - Week
- Minuto - Minute
- Ang oras - O’clock
Filipino Greetings and Important Phrases
When you’re meeting and greeting Filipino strangers or friends, it’s important to show respect and be polite by using proper greetings and asking the right questions. You can also browse examples of Filipino idioms to learn fun phrases used by Filipino people.
- Ako si... - I’m…
- Anong sinabi niya? - What did he say?
- Anong pangalan mo? - What is your name?
- Hindi - No
- Kamusta - Hello
- Kamusta ka? - How are you?
- Ikinalulugod kitang makilala - Nice to meet you
- Mabuhay - Long live (used to welcome you to the country)
- Magandang araw - Good day
- Mabuti naman ako, salamat. - I’m good, thank you.
- Nagsasalita ako ng ingles. - I speak English.
- Opo - Yes (used as a sign of respect when talking to parent, teacher, or boss)
- Paalam - Goodbye
- Puwede mo akong tulungan? - Can you help me?
- Salamat - Thank you
Common Filipino Nouns and Pronouns
You’ll undoubtedly need to use pronouns and common nouns as you begin to speak the Filipino language.
- Ate - Older sister (used as a term of respect for any female older than you are)
- Babae - Woman
- Barkada - Group of friends
- Kanyang - His
- Kape - Coffee
- Kuya - Older brother (used as a term of respect for any male older than you are)
- Lalaki - Man
- Pangalan - Name
- Sa iyo - You
- Sila - They/Them
- Siya - He/She
- Tubig - Water
- Nars - Nurse
- Pulis - Police officer
- Guro - Teacher
Common Filipino Verbs and Action Words
Learning to conjugate verbs in Filipino is a whole other lesson, but you can start by learning the Filipino root words for some common verbs and action words now.
- Maaari - Can
- Gumamit - Use
- Gumawa - Do
- Kain - Eat
- Laro - Play
- Pumunta - Go
- Tumawa - Laugh
- Gawa - Make
- Makakita - See
Learning Filipino Words
The best way to learn any new language is to take lessons from someone who actually speaks that language fluently. You can find online courses for learning Filipino or look for Filipino teachers in your community. Now that you know the basics, check out some of the most beautiful Filipino words to increase your vocabulary. You can also explore idioms in Tagalog and examples of Tagalog poems to see more of this language in action.