Tagalog Basics for Beginners

Learning Tagalog is one of the most rewarding steps you can take if you plan to visit the Philippines, connect with Filipino friends and family, or explore the country’s rich culture. As the national language of the Philippines, Tagalog (also called Filipino) is spoken by millions of people worldwide. It’s friendly, expressive, and easier to learn than many expect—especially once you master the basics.

If you’re just starting your learning journey, this guide breaks down the essential words, tools, and resources you’ll need, including Tagalog basics, beginner-friendly vocabulary, tips for using Duolingo effectively, and how to choose the right Tagalog book for self-study.

Basic Tagalog Words for Foreigners

Foreigners learning Tagalog often start with greetings and everyday expressions. These simple words make conversations smoother and show respect and friendliness—two core parts of Filipino culture.

Here are the foundational Tagalog words and phrases every foreigner should know:

Greetings and Social Expressions

• Kamusta? – How are you?

• Magandang umaga – Good morning

• Magandang hapon – Good afternoon

• Magandang gabi – Good evening

• Salamat – Thank you

• Walang anuman – You’re welcome

• Paalam – Goodbye

Polite Words to Use Often

• Po / Opo – Polite forms used to show respect (especially for elders)

• Pakisuyo – Please

• Pasensya na – Sorry / Excuse me

Useful Everyday Terms

• Oo – Yes

• Hindi – No

• Saan? – Where?

• Magkano? – How much?

• Tubig – Water

• Kaibigan – Friend

These basic terms make it easier for foreigners to navigate daily interactions such as eating at restaurants, riding transportation, buying items, or simply connecting with locals. Filipinos appreciate the effort, and even speaking a few Tagalog words instantly makes people more friendly and welcoming.

Basic Tagalog Words for Beginners

If you’re a beginner, mastering a core vocabulary list is the fastest way to build confidence. These words are used in everyday conversations and help you form simple sentences.

Pronouns

• Ako – I / Me

• Ikaw – You

• Kami – We (excluding listener)

• Tayo – We (including listener)

• Sila – They

Common Verbs

• Kain – Eat

• Inom – Drink

• Tulog – Sleep

• Gawa – Do / Make

• Punta – Go

• Gusto – Want / Like

You can easily form beginner sentences using these verbs with mag- or um-, which are basic verb affixes in Tagalog.

Examples:

• Gusto ko kumain. – I want to eat.

• Pupunta ako bukas. – I will go tomorrow.

• Uminom siya ng tubig. – He/She drank water.

Numbers

• Isa – One

• Dalawa – Two

• Tatlo – Three

• Apat – Four

• Lima – Five

• Sampu – Ten

Learning numbers is essential for shopping, directions, and daily activities.

Colors

• Pula – Red

• Asul – Blue

• Dilaw – Yellow

• Puti – White

• Itim – Black

Mastering these beginner words provides the foundation you need to start forming sentences and understanding conversations. Tagalog grows easier once you recognize patterns, especially in verbs and word order.

How to Learn Tagalog in Duolingo

Duolingo has become a popular platform for learning Tagalog, especially for beginners who want to practice daily in a fun and interactive way. Here’s how to make the most of it.

1. Start With Daily Lessons

Duolingo breaks down Tagalog into bite-sized lessons covering:

• Vocabulary

• Verbs

• Phrases

• Sentence patterns

Daily practice—even 10 minutes—helps build long-term memory.

2. Use the “Stories” and “Practice” Functions

Stories help you see Tagalog in real-world contexts, while the practice button reviews your previous lessons so you retain what you’ve learned.

3. Combine Duolingo With Real Tagalog Exposure

Duolingo alone is helpful but limited. Pair it with:

• Filipino YouTube channels

• Tagalog movies on Netflix

• Filipino podcasts

• Conversation with native speakers

This strengthens your listening skills and pronunciation.

4. Learn Basic Grammar Outside the App

Duolingo teaches vocabulary well but doesn’t deeply explain grammar. Supplement it with:

• Tagalog grammar websites

• Beginner books

• Short video explanations

Understanding the difference between mag-, um-, nag-, na-, etc., will quickly level up your Tagalog.

5. Practice Speaking Out Loud

Duolingo’s speaking exercises encourage pronunciation, but repeating words from lessons, songs, or videos improves your accent and confidence.

Duolingo is a great starting point, but beginners who combine it with real-world practice learn much faster and more naturally.

Tagalog Book for Beginners

A good Tagalog book can give structure to your learning, especially if you’re a beginner who likes clear explanations, examples, and exercises. Here are the best types of books to look for:

1. Books With Clear Grammar Explanations

Tagalog verb conjugation is one of the biggest challenges for learners. Choose a book that explains:

• Actor-focus vs object-focus verbs

• Common affixes (mag-, um-, in-, an-)

• Sentence order patterns

• Pronoun placement

• Common verb tenses

A beginner-friendly grammar guide makes everything easier.

2. Books With Vocabulary Lists and Daily Dialogues

These books help you learn:

• Common phrases

• Daily expressions

• Realistic conversations

• Cultural context

Dialogues help reinforce how Tagalog is used in everyday life.

3. Books With Exercises

Practice makes perfect. Look for books that include:

• Fill-in-the-blanks

• Translation exercises

• Conversation prompts

Workbooks help reinforce what you’ve learned from apps like Duolingo.

4. Books Designed for Self-Study

Some popular options include:

• “Elementary Tagalog”

• “Living Language: Tagalog”

• “Tagalog for Beginners” (Tuttle Publishing)

These books guide you step-by-step and include audio files for pronunciation.

5. Books That Cover Cultural Insights

Tagalog is deeply tied to Filipino culture. Choose books that explain:

• Expressions of respect

• Filipino customs

• Social dynamics

• How to speak naturally and politely

These cultural elements will make your Tagalog feel more authentic.

Final Thoughts

Learning Tagalog as a beginner doesn’t have to be difficult. Start with basic words and greetings, explore simple grammar, use digital tools like Duolingo for daily practice, and reinforce your learning with a reliable Tagalog book for beginners. With consistency, you’ll quickly build confidence and progress from basic vocabulary to full conversations.

The key is simple: practice every day and immerse yourself in the language whenever possible. Before you know it, you’ll be speaking Tagalog naturally and connecting more deeply with Filipino culture and community.