English Translate to Tagalog Language: 50 Essential Phrases for Daily Conversation

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Learning to translate English to Tagalog starts with mastering the phrases you’ll actually use. Forget memorizing verb conjugation tables for now—these 50 essential expressions will get you through real conversations, whether you’re traveling to the Philippines, connecting with Filipino family, or simply practicing your new language skills.

Greetings & Basic Politeness (1-10)

1. Kumusta? - Hello / How are you?

2. Mabuti, salamat - I’m fine, thank you

3. Magandang umaga - Good morning

4. Magandang hapon - Good afternoon

5. Magandang gabi - Good evening

6. Salamat - Thank you

7. Salamat po - Thank you (polite/formal)

8. Walang anuman - You’re welcome

9. Oo / Opo - Yes / Yes (polite)

10. Hindi / Hindi po - No / No (polite)

Pro tip: Adding “po” to almost any phrase makes it respectful. When in doubt with elders or strangers, use it!

Essential Questions (11-20)

11. Ano ang pangalan mo? - What is your name?

12. Nasaan ang...? - Where is...?

13. Magkano ito? - How much is this?

14. Puwede ba...? - Can I...? / Is it possible...?

15. Saan ang CR? - Where is the bathroom? (CR = comfort room)

16. Anong oras na? - What time is it?

17. Paano pumunta sa...? - How do I get to...?

18. May wifi ba? - Is there wifi?

19. Saan ka nakatira? - Where do you live?

20. Marunong ka ba ng English? - Do you know English?

Getting Around (21-30)

21. Pakiusap, para po - Please, stop here (in transportation)

22. Magkano ang pamasahe? - How much is the fare?

23. Malapit ba? - Is it near/close?

24. Malayo ba? - Is it far?

25. Tawid - Cross (the street)

26. Kaliwa - Left

27. Kanan - Right

28. Diretso - Straight ahead

29. Traffic - Traffic (yes, same word!)

30. Saan tayo? - Where are we?

Food & Restaurants (31-40)

31. Gutom ako - I’m hungry

32. Uhaw ako - I’m thirsty

33. Masarap! - Delicious!

34. Puwede ba akong umorder? - Can I order?

35. Bill po - The bill, please

36. Walang bawang - Without garlic

37. Hindi maanghang - Not spicy

38. Mainit - Hot (temperature)

39. Malamig - Cold

40. Busog na ako - I’m full

Cultural note: Filipinos love when foreigners compliment their food. A simple “Masarap!” creates instant smiles and connection.

Shopping & Transactions (41-50)

41. Mahal! - Expensive!

42. Tawad - Discount/haggle

43. May sukli? - Do you have change?

44. Pwede bang tignan? - Can I see/look at it?

45. Malaki - Big/Large

46. Maliit - Small

47. Kulay - Color

48. Bago - New

49. Luma - Old

50. Sige, bibili ako - Okay, I’ll buy it

Putting It All Together

When you english translate to tagalog language, remember that context matters enormously. The same phrase can sound formal or casual depending on whether you add “po,” your tone, and your body language.

Practice Scenario - At a Restaurant:

You: “Kumusta po! Puwede ba akong umorder?” (Hello! Can I order?) Server: “Opo, ano po?” (Yes, what would you like?) You: “Isa pong adobo, walang bawang. Magkano po?” (One adobo without garlic. How much?) Server: “150 pesos po.” You: “Sige po.” (Okay) [After eating] You: “Masarap! Bill po.” (Delicious! The bill please.) Server: “Salamat po!” You: “Salamat din!” (Thank you too!)

Your Challenge This Week

Choose 10 phrases from this list that match your current needs. Write them on index cards or save them in your phone. Practice saying each one out loud 10 times daily—yes, even if you feel silly talking to yourself. Proper pronunciation comes from muscle memory, not just reading.

Then find one opportunity to use at least three of these phrases with a Filipino speaker. It could be at a Filipino restaurant, with a coworker, or through a language exchange app like HelloTalk or Tandem.

The beauty of learning to translate English to Tagalog through essential phrases is the immediate applicability. You’re not studying abstract grammar rules—you’re building real communication skills from day one.

Next week, we’ll explore how to expand these basic phrases into full conversations. But for now, master these 50 expressions. They’re the foundation that everything else builds upon.

Kaya mo ‘yan! (You can do it!)

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