Filipino English The English language as used in the Philippines, a state of South-East Asia consisting of more than 7,000 islands. It’s a common slang phrase that you see in English all of the time. You could definitely understand this feeling when you look at those baby cheeks, right? Along with Filipino, English is an official language in the Philippines, used in the academe, business, government and daily life. Useful Tagalog Expressions ~ Magandang umaga. In 1901, under US occupation, English became the language of the public school system. In Filipino, they have a word for that: churva. It is now a commonly used language around the world. Just fill in the blank with any Tagalog noun, but the most common ones used by Filipinos are kamote (sweet potato), pating (shark), tokwa (tofu), teteng (no direct translation) and tinapa(smoked fish). Because of this, spelling pronunciations are common, such as ‘lee-o-pard’ for leopard, ‘subtill’ for subtle, and ‘worsester-shire sauce’ for Worcestershire sauce. Well, Filipino slang has a word to describe that: kilig. One - Isa - Isang piso Slang in any language is pretty fun. This is the first official Filipino word you might hear when you set foot in the Philippines if you’re flying with Philippine Airlines (PAL). What would life be like without your bestie? Filipino to English Translation provides the most convenient access to online translation service powered by various machine translation engines. A Filipino father and daughter as examples of Filipino idioms. ), Let the cat out of the bag ( To share information that was previously concealed), Make a long story short (Come to the point, leave out details), Method to my my madness. https://postcardpretty.com/amusing-expressions-filipinos-say Useful Tagalog phrases. " People that know they are important, think about others. At present, the English language changes and improves. Note: When counting MONEY, Tagalog numbers ending with vowels are used with the suffix "-ng", while numbers ending in consonants are followed by the word "na" (meaning "of") and followed by the word "Piso" which represents "Pesos", the Philippine currency. All Rights Reserved, 20 Common Filipino Slang Words and Expressions. You can even practice this slang word if you aren’t going to the Philippines and just use agik with your English friends. Copyright © 2020 LoveToKnow. They’ve fought and won 3 wars against the Filipino independence (1898, 1913 & 1945, I don’t want to go into the reasons for that but rather on what effect that had on the English skills of the Filipinos) and as a result imposed not only American clothes and (fast) food but also the English language on a very large scale. ), Blessing in disguise (Something good that isn’t recognized at first. ), On the ball ( When someone understands the situation well. Gigil is quite unique among Filipino slang words. You’re in the middle of describing something, and you simply forgot what it is called. If you want to think about what lodi means, then you just have to look at it backward: idol. ), Beat around the bush. Good morning. Meaning: A small neighbourhood store selling … Learning a few idioms in Tagalog, is as great way to share some fun conversation with a Filipino. Philippine English (similar and related to American English) is any variety of English native to the Philippines, including those used by the media and the vast majority of educated Filipinos. Are you the king of adding “jk” to your text messages? In English a few examples of idioms are: Break a leg - meaning good luck or do your best. Do you say “son of a gun”? As you can probably imagine, it is said in extreme frustration, “Susmariosep!” Give it a try! Romantic Tagalog words & phrases to use with your Filipina friend, boyfriend girlfriend, wife, husband, partner or lover. Anak ng might also be used with tokwa meaning tofu or tinap meaning smoked fish. Meaning:Son of a ___! The slang term for “that thing” is yung ano. The Constitution of 1935 established both English and Spanish as the official languages of the country with a note that Congress should n… The English language can connect people in different countries and can help people understand each other by speaking the English language for both parties. “Maligayang bati!” Maligayang bati is used if you want to greet someone well. It describes that giddy first love feeling perfectly. is the Filipino slang equivalent to the expression “what the?” in English. The 1980 census counted the number of Filipinos with some competence in English as around 65%: some 35m people. However, you’ll find it used a lot to express exasperation, like saying “Uh oh” or “OMG!” For example, if your girlfriend tells you her boyfriend just broke up with her, a good response would be, “hay naku.”, You know that moment when your friend says something unexpected or rude, and you look at them saying “what the…”? ), Once in a blue moon. Phrases and daily expressions have a very important role in Filipino. The Filipino equivalent of these slang words is agik. ), Hear it on the grapevine ( To hear rumors), Hit the nail on the head ( Do or say something exactly right. You know that feeling that you get when you start to fall in love with someone? It is the version of the all-you-can-eat buffet, which offers unlimited food and drinks … ), Barking up the wrong tree (Looking in the wrong place. English Words That Came From The Philippines boondocks/boonies. You could definitely not do it professionally. Be it words, phrases, texts or even your website pages - Translate.com will offer the best. Here are 8 instances of Filipino English terms/usage that may elicit much gnashing of teeth and knotted eyebrows or knowing nods and flat out laughs. People that think they are important, think about themselves. English - Tagalog - Tagalog number in currency. Natalo na naman ako.” (Son of a tofu! Lodi is the slang word to describe something or someone you idolize or your idol. The country has also become a prime hub for English-language … It’s all over. Mabuhay’s literal translation in English is “long live”, so it only makes sense that this is also the signature welcome greeting of the country’s flag carrier. Just looking at the different words or word combinations that are created is always a unique and interesting journey. The Most Basic Tagalog Vocabulary. ), Jump on the bandwagon. You might also think of it as “come and get it!”. This is obviously not an exhaustive list of all the Tagalog phrases you will ever need, but here are a few most basics to get you started! ", 50 IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS (ENGLISH & FILIPINO), A penny for your thoughts ( A way of asking what someone is thinking), Actions speak louder than words (People’s intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say. See these phrases in any combination of two languages in the Phrase Finder. or, “That’s your jacket, right?” It might also translate into English as “is it not”. Basta is actually a Filipino slang word taken from Spanish. This is a true Filipino slang term. ), Every cloud has a silver lining ( Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days), Feel a bit under the weather ( Feeling slighty ill), Give the benefits of the doubt ( Believe someone’s statement without proof. ), Best of both worlds (All the advantages. First word PRIMARILY because Filipino writer and good friend Gilda Cordero-Fernando died after a lingering illness on August 27 (amid the pandemic, but not of the coronavirus), I have turned my thoughts lately to the subject of Philippine literature in English and the remarkable phenomenon that many Filipino writers are exceptionally gifted in using English […] If you’re aware of any word that came to English from Tagalog, it’s probably boondocks. ), Cry over split milk (When you complain about a loss from the past. Susmariosep is a Filipino slang word that everyone can relate to. Although it could also be used as a way of saying “welcome”, this isn’t really what mabuhay means. ), Best things since sliced bread (A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan. ), Miss the boat ( Someone missed his or her chance), Not playing with a full deck ( someone who lacks intelligence. It … Your heart races, and butterflies dance in your stomach. You don’t need to add anymore because your meaning is quite clear. If you’re in the Philippines, you’ll still have a bestie but they’ll be your beshie. Beautiful Day! ( Happens very rarely. Ngek translates to “yikes” or “eek”! Megan L. Stiner) Okay, this first one was a new one for me. Because of the influence of reading and writing and the academic context in which English is learned, local speech tends to be based on written models. Everyone has done it. Like English, Filipino slang is an ever-growing expansive list. I lost again.) This simply means right. In Filipino slang, chibugan an means “eating time”. Accusing the wrong persons. Have you ever had a moment where something is just so extraordinary that you can’t explain it or there just aren’t words? ), In the heat of the moment ( Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment), It takes two to tango (Actions or communication need more than one person. It means Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Boondocks is... colugo. We use slang in English all the time. ( Do not put all your resources in one possibility/, Drastic times call for drastic measures. ), Curiosity killed the cat ( Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation. ( Don’t make plans for something that might not happen. ( despite one’s approach seeming random, there actually is structure to it. When it comes to English slang, there are a thousand different ways that you can say something is awesome or extraordinary. Filipinos generally speak the way they write, in a formal style based on Victorian prose models. A common phrase that you’ll come across in Tagalog is the word diba. ), Don’t pull all your eggs in one baskets. ), Bite off more than you can chew (to make on a task that is way to big. To put the word jeproks into an English context, you might think of someone that is from the hood. Tagalog Numbers. Dr. Danica Salazar, world English editor for the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), stressed that Philippine English is "not slang, not wrong, not carabao English, or any other derogatory word that's been used over the years." This is often used … The English language starts in England and it is the West Germanic language. No matter what word is used with it anak ng _____ is used to express your annoyance with something. If you hear someone say, “ngek”, then it is not a good thing. Wikipedia (Cpl. “I’ll go ahead” This is very frequently used by Filipinos, and is said out of courtesy before leaving. ), Can’t judge a book by its cover (Cannot judge something primarily on apperance. “Bad shot” sounds like a crappy Instagram… It is typically used to ask a question, such as Yung jacket mo, diba? The U.S. State Department reports that there are about four million Americans of Philippine ancestry in the United States. I love you. When someone is called jeproks, it means that he is cool and laid back. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has just included 40 Philippine English terms and expressions in its June 2015 update, the largest single batch of terms from Tagalog and Filipino … But, we aren’t the only language to use slang! ( Join a popular trend or activity), Keep something at bay. You might even call them your bes or beh. Know these Tagalog phrases by heart! MANILA -- Contrary to what many Filipinos think, Philippine English is a legitimate variety of the English language, according to an expert. ( When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions), Elvis has left the building ( The show has come to an end. Some other basic Tagalog phrases. ( to accomplish two different things at the same time), Last straw ( The final problem in a series of problems. You won’t hear it being said to you when you enter rest… Lots of Filipino slang words don’t have a direct translation into English. Mp3 audio! An idiom that is used when referring to a male and a female. Instead of saying, “I have no words,” you can simply sum it up by saying, “Churva!” This Filipino slang word also works as filler when you can’t think of something else to say, “It was so… you know… churva?!”. Think of words and expressions like “brownout,” “comfort room,” “bold,” “high-blood,” and “stolen shot,” which all make use of English words, but find unique definitions and usage in the local context. ... With the influence of English, most Filipinos translate the phrase “Happy Birthday” literally and these days say… Maligayang Kaarawan! However, in Tagalog slang, it means “just because”. When you say, “chika”, you’re simply asking “what’s up?” Similarly, you can also use the word chika to get the latest gossip. Well, ano ba? Well, it happens in the Philippines, too. Jump to phrases. The Philippines has found English to be an unofficial second language because of a conflicted, historical relationship with America. Influenced by English and Spanish, learn 20 Filipino slang words and phrases that will have you fitting in with locals both online and in person. In Tagalog slang, you might say that something is petmalu. ), Cut the mustard (Adequate enough to compete or participate), Don’t give up the day job ( You are not very good something. You know “that thing”. If you can provide recordings, corrections or … Usage: To express annoyance. "Sari-sari store" instagram.com / Via instagram.com. Actions speak louder than words (People’s intentions can be judged better by what they do than … Now the next time, you can tell your friend, “ano ba?”, Anyare is a Filipino slang contraction for the words “anong nangyari?” The English translation for both would be, “what happened?” So, you might say “anyare sayo?” to mean “what happened to you?”. Who knows, it might just take off and be the new hip thing. ), Ball is in your court (It is up to you to make the next decision or step. To remember this Pinoy slang word, you might think “Ngeek”. ), Costs an arm and a leg ( This idiom is used when something is very exprensive), Cross that bridge when you come to it (Deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary, not before. A collection of useful phrases in Tagalog, an Austronesian language spoken mainly in the Philippines. Don't forget to bookmark this page. The Filipino equivalent of these slang words is agik. This literally means rice and chicken, with the first word referring to rice and the second word to chicken. “Okay” or “all right” is a common slang word used in English. Well, that isn’t a direct translation, but it’s pretty close. ), Burn the midnight oil ( To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighthing. Magandang araw. ( Avoiding the main topic, Not speaking directly about the issue. This Filipino idiom isn't uncommon to hear from parents playing cupids pairing up their kids. It’s similar to the way Americans use the expression, “Son of a gun!” Example: “Anak ng tokwa! ), Don’t count your chickens before the egg have hiated. Eat-All-You-Can. Most of these American speak English as well as their native Filipino dialect, which, in most cases is Tagalog. During colonial rule, the official language of the islands was Spanish. “Okay” or “all right” is a common slang word used in English. Style is not differentiated and the formal style in general use has been called the classroom compositional style… An idiom is a phrase that has a different meaning than the literal meaning of the phrase. Hay naku is one of those phrases. ), Binuksan ang dibdib (Ipinagtapat ang nasa loob), Isang kahig, Isangtuka ( Kakarampot na kitana hindi pa sapat), Kalapating mababa ang lipad( babaing nagbibili ng aliw), Pusong bakal ( Hindi marunong magpatawad). It’s time to eat y'all! ), Caught between two stools ( When someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives. ), Back to the drawing board ( When an attempt fails and it’s time to start all over. Pinoys have been heard saying “Na stuck-up yung gulong ng sasakyan sa putik.” Don’t let your eyebrows get stuck-up together (tee hee), but “stuck-up” means arrogant. ), Let sleeping dogs lie ( Do not disturb a situation as it is. Mahal kita One of the many unique animals that call the forests of the Philippines home … ), Devil’s Advocate ( To present a counter argument. Even after the territory was ceded to the US at the end of the 19th century, Spanish remained the lingua franca for another century or so. Once you're done with the Filipino Phrases, you might want to check the rest of our Filipino lessons here: Learn Filipino . Palay refers to … It’s used to describe that feeling when you just want to squeeze something that is amazingly cute. Then you might really enjoy the Filipino slang charot, which translates to “just kidding”. Filipino to English translation service by ImTranslator will assist you in getting an instant translation of words, phrases and texts from Filipino to English and other languages. ), Off one’s rocker ( Crazy, Demented, out of one’s mind. Idioms are an important part of the language since they have a strong relation to the culture of the land. You don’t have details but just know that is how you want it to happen. Many words that the OED has categorized as Philippine English has made it to its pages, starting with “abaca” in 1928. “ Excuse me” – People often say this in English, especially nowadays with the spread of Taglish (Tagalog + English). ( Keep something away. Translate from Filipino to English. For example, if someone is asking why they are doing something, the answer might be, “basta” (just because). Well, the Filipino equivalent is anak ng kamote or “son of a sweet potato”! You can even practice this slang word if you aren’t going to the Philippines and just use agik with your English friends. Cool huh? ), Kill two birds with one stone. ), Be glad to to see the back of ( Be happy when a person leaves. Who knows, it might just take off and be the new hip thing. Now that you know a little Filipino slang, you might want to expand your knowledge of Tagalog idioms. It typically refers to someone that has a lot of street smarts or comes from the projects. ), Cut corners (When something is done badly to save money. Seriously, what would it be like? Is typically used to express your annoyance with something different ways that you even! Get it! ” Give it a try someone you idolize or your idol a series of problems ’!, Cry over split milk ( when you look at those baby cheeks, right? ” it just. Slang charot, which translates to “ just because ” time ), Don ’ t a direct translation but! Situation as it is not a good invention or innovation these American speak English as around 65:. Court ( it is typically used to describe that feeling when you complain about a loss the. Done with the Filipino phrases, texts or even your website pages - Translate.com will offer best... ( be Happy when a person leaves look at it backward: idol practice this word. Something or someone you idolize or your idol things since sliced bread ( a thing., Curiosity killed the cat ( Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation your! But they ’ ll come across in Tagalog, it might just off! Might want to squeeze something that might not happen electric lighthing connect in... Do you say “ Son of a conflicted, historical relationship with America service powered various! English translation provides the most convenient access to online translation service powered by various machine engines. 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That isn ’ t need to add anymore because your meaning is quite.! To someone that has a lot of street smarts or comes from the past just kidding ” up to to. Sweet potato ” welcome ”, then it is not a good or. Word taken from Spanish charot, which translates to “ yikes ” or “ Son of a ___ was.... Are you the king of adding “ jk ” to your text messages in different countries can. Filipino, they have a very important role in Filipino from Tagalog, it means “ just ”. That: kilig the word jeproks into an unpleasant situation cases is Tagalog well as their Filipino. Word, you ’ re in the Philippines, a state of South-East Asia consisting of than. Its cover ( can not judge something primarily on apperance very important role in Filipino, have... 20 common Filipino slang, you might even call them your bes or beh recognized at first: Filipino! … meaning: Son of a tofu ” Maligayang bati is used when referring to male. T have a word for that: kilig mahal kita During colonial rule, the official language of the before... Disturb a situation as it is not a good thing eating time ” start to fall in love someone! A direct translation into English as “ come and get it! ” Maligayang!... Even practice this slang word to describe that: kilig your court ( it is called sliced. What mabuhay means counted the number of Filipinos with some competence in.! Not speaking directly about the issue of the time before electric lighthing eating time ” not speaking directly the. Of our Filipino lessons here: Learn Filipino understands the situation well a and. Filipino to English slang, there actually is structure to it, is as great way to share fun. Badly to save money me ” – people often say this in English as “ come get... A new one for me charot, which translates to “ yikes ” or “ eek ” “! 'Re done with the Filipino slang has a word to describe that: kilig made it to pages! Same time ), best of both worlds ( all the advantages 1901, US. Lot of street smarts or comes from the hood little Filipino slang is an ever-growing list! Series of problems ’ ll be your beshie look at it backward: idol someone well could. The time before electric lighthing they are important, think about philippine english expressions lodi means, it... And daily expressions have a very important role in Filipino midnight oil ( to accomplish different. Disturb a situation as it is typically used to express your annoyance with something are an important part the. But they ’ philippine english expressions be your beshie website pages - Translate.com will the! Charot, which, in a formal style based on Victorian prose models “ Happy Birthday ” literally these. Important role in Filipino, they have a very important role in Filipino slang charot which! T pull all your resources in one possibility/, Drastic times call for Drastic measures and expressions basta actually. Time before electric lighthing matter what word is used to ask a question, such as Yung jacket mo diba. A conflicted, historical relationship with America you Don ’ t recognized at first ( Don ’ t have but! Of useful phrases in any combination of two languages in the Philippines, you ’ in! Fun conversation with a Filipino father and daughter as examples of Filipino slang charot, translates... You just want to think about what lodi means, then it is not a thing! To work late into the night, alluding to the Philippines, state. With something equivalent to the culture of the language of the public school system some 35m people ( good! It as “ come and get it! ” Give it a try: Break a leg - meaning luck! Think “ Ngeek ” ( Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation Okay, first! To to see the back of ( be Happy when a person leaves meaning... But it ’ s mind their kids by speaking the English language as used in English ll your! Bread ( a good thing it could also be used as a way of “... It means “ just because ” US occupation, English became the language since they have a strong relation the! Judge a book by its cover ( can not judge something primarily apperance! Around the world activity ), best of both worlds ( all the.... To happen pull all your eggs in one possibility/, Drastic times call for Drastic measures or comes the... In a series of problems Filipino dialect, which translates to “ ”! ( a good invention or innovation Filipinos translate the phrase few idioms in Tagalog slang, chibugan an means just. Unofficial second language because of a conflicted, historical relationship with America, husband, partner lover... With America into the night, alluding to the time few idioms in Tagalog slang, it is in... Drawing board ( when you look at it backward: idol palay refers to … idioms are: Break leg. Text messages your text messages tinap meaning smoked fish influence of English, nowadays... Even practice this slang word that everyone can relate to word is used when referring to a male a. Meaning smoked fish ( all the advantages typically used to ask a question, such as Yung jacket,., not speaking directly about the issue Filipina friend, boyfriend girlfriend, wife, husband, or! The islands philippine english expressions Spanish right? ” it might also think of it as is! Is an ever-growing expansive list final problem in a formal style based on Victorian prose models unpleasant situation big! At it backward: idol Barking up the wrong place who knows, it means that he is and! An Austronesian language spoken mainly in the wrong tree ( Looking in the Philippines.. T count your chickens before the egg have hiated Filipino lessons here: Learn Filipino: a! Can relate to now a commonly used language around the world of Tagalog idioms a male and a female phrases... You say “ Son of a tofu bestie but they ’ ll be your beshie understand other... You can chew ( to work late into the night, alluding to the time electric! Good thing from the past someone finds it difficult to choose between two stools ( you!, can ’ t have details but just know that feeling when you start to in... Before electric lighthing also translate into English counted the number of Filipinos some. Is an ever-growing expansive list cases is Tagalog for “ that ’ s rocker ( Crazy, Demented, of. The phrase Crazy, Demented, out of one ’ s rocker Crazy. That is used to express your annoyance with something boyfriend girlfriend, wife,,! One baskets: churva “ is it not ” language can connect people in different countries can. Something or someone you idolize or your idol the cat ( Being Inquisitive can lead you into an context! Tagalog, an Austronesian language spoken mainly in the Philippines and just use agik with your Filipina,! Crappy Instagram… Eat-All-You-Can literal meaning of the time before electric lighthing next decision step.