Tagalog Absolute Beginner Lesson 1
Basic Greetings
Learning Tagalog starts with mastering the most essential part of any language: greetings. These simple phrases are the building blocks of everyday conversations in the Philippines, whether you’re meeting someone for the first time, entering a room, or simply showing respect.
In this first lesson of the Tagalog Absolute Beginner series, you’ll learn the most common greetings used by Filipinos, how to pronounce them, and when to use each one. Let’s get started!
Why Greetings Matter in Tagalog
Filipino culture places a strong emphasis on respect and warmth when interacting with others. Using proper greetings shows courtesy and builds instant trust and connection. Even knowing just a few key phrases can help you form better relationships with locals, friends, or family members.
Basic Tagalog Greetings
Below are the foundational greetings every beginner should know. These will help you navigate daily conversations with confidence.
1. Hello – Kamusta?
Pronunciation: kah-moos-tah
Meaning: How are you? / Hello
Filipinos rarely use “Hello” alone. Instead, the default greeting is “Kamusta?”, which literally means How are you? It works for both casual and friendly conversations.
Examples:
Kamusta ka? – How are you? (informal)
Kamusta po kayo? – How are you? (formal/respectful)
2. Good Morning – Magandang Umaga
Pronunciation: mah-gan-dang oo-mah-ga
This greeting is used from sunrise until around noon.
Example:
Magandang umaga po. – Good morning (polite)
3. Good Afternoon – Magandang Hapon
Pronunciation: mah-gan-dang hah-pon
Used from noon until late afternoon.
Example:
Magandang hapon! – Good afternoon!
4. Good Evening – Magandang Gabi
Pronunciation: mah-gan-dang gah-bee
Used from sunset onward.
Example:
Magandang gabi po. – Good evening (polite)
5. Goodbye – Paalam
Pronunciation: pah-ah-lahm
Used when parting ways politely.
Examples:
Paalam! – Goodbye
Sige, paalam na. – Okay, goodbye for now
Bonus Expressions
“Thank You” – Salamat
Useful in every conversation!
Salamat! – Thank you
Maraming salamat! – Thank you very much
Salamat po. – Thank you (polite)
“Yes” and “No” – Oo and Hindi
Oo (oh-oh) – Yes
Hindi (hin-deh) – No
Cultural Tip: Use “Po” for Respect
In Filipino culture, adding “po” shows politeness and respect, especially toward elders, strangers, or authority figures.
Examples:
Kamusta po kayo?
Magandang gabi po.
Salamat po.
Using po makes your Tagalog sound warm, friendly, and culturally aware.
Practice Activity
Try greeting someone at different times of the day using the examples above:
Say Magandang umaga when you wake up.
Greet a friend with Kamusta ka?
End a conversation by saying Paalam!
Practice polite forms by adding po.
The more you use them, the quicker they become natural.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations—you’re now equipped with the most essential Tagalog greetings! These simple phrases are the perfect first step toward deeper learning and real conversations. In the next lesson, we’ll explore introductions and essential personal phrases so you can say your name, ask questions, and interact more confidently.
Stay tuned for Lesson 2!