Kumusta? / Musta? – Hello
Kumusta ka? – How are you?
Magandang umaga! – Good morning
Magandang hapon! – Good afternoon
Magandang gabi! – Good evening
Formal Greetings
Use these when speaking to elders, strangers, or in polite situations:
Mano po. – A respectful greeting to elders
Kumusta po kayo? – How are you, sir/ma’am?
The word po is a marker of respect and is often used in Filipino culture.
Informal Greetings
Perfect for friends, peers, and casual conversations:
Hi, kamusta ka na? – Hi, how are you now?
Anong balita? – What’s new?
Time‑Specific Greetings
Use these depending on the time of day:
Magandang tanghali! – Good noon
Magandang araw! – Good day
Goodbyes in Tagalog
Here are common ways to say farewell:
Paalam! – Goodbye
Hanggang sa muli! – Until next time
Babay! – Bye
Polite Expressions
Politeness is deeply valued in Filipino culture. These expressions are often used in conversations:
Salamat. – Thank you.
Opo, Sir/Ma’am. – Yes, Sir/Ma’am.
Po – A respectful particle used when addressing elders.
Example Phrases Using Tagalog Greetings
“Kumusta ka ngayon?” – How are you today?
“Salamat sa iyong suporta.” – Thank you for your support.
“Paalam na aking Mahal.” – Goodbye, my love.
“Mag‑ingat ka lagi.” – Take care always.
“Maligayang Kaarawan sa iyo.” – Happy Birthday to you.
“Patawad dahil sa aking ginawa.” – I’m sorry for what I have done.
“Maganda kang tignan sa bestida na kulay lila.” – You look beautiful in a purple dress.
Tips for Learning Tagalog Greetings
- Practice regularly. Use greetings daily to build confidence.
- Use them in context. Real conversations help you remember better.
- Listen to native speakers. Pay attention to pronunciation and intonation.
Conclusion
Learning Tagalog greetings is a simple but meaningful way to connect with Filipino culture and build stronger relationships. With regular practice, these phrases will feel natural and easy to use. Enjoy your journey into the beautiful Filipino language.
