Speaking to Your Filipina Maids

Useful Tagalog Phrases

The Tagalog word for 'maid' is katulong, which literally means 'helper.' (The Tagalog word for 'help' is tulong.) In the Philippines, live-in maids are common among the upper classes and are considered part of the family.

Filipina maids follow instructions well. But bear in mind that because they are from a different culture, you have to make clear to them what you want them to do.

An Asian lady once complained to us: "Do you know what my Filipina maid did when I told her to cook the fish? She marinaded it! Who ever thought of marinading fish before cooking?" It's a cultural thing. There are "common sense" things that you've always assumed as natural or unnatural, but really aren't universal.

Here are a few Tagalog phrases to help you communicate with your Filipina maid:

Make sure whoever prepares your meals is screened for hepatitis. Otherwise, be vigilant about handwashing.

Maghugas ka ng kamay.
Wash your hands.

Lagi kang maghugas ng kamay.
Always wash your hands.

Naghugas ka ba ng kamay?
Did you wash your hands?


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Hugasan mo ito.
Wash this. (a load of dishes)

Labahan mo ito.
Launder this.

Punasan mo ito.
Wipe this. (e.g., wipe dust off a surface)



Cash may be incentive enough for some, but the best way to ensure that your Filipina maid does a good job is to show your concern for her. Often ask if she's eaten (Kumain ka na ba?), check if there's a problem (May problema ba?), ask if she's fine (Okey ka lang ba?), bring her a souvenir from your trip — these are considered thoughtful gestures by Filipinos and will make her feel good about helping you out.

And don't forget to thank her:

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