root word: ínit (meaning: heat)
TAGALOG-ENGLISH DICTIONARY
SALAMAT
One of the most basic Tagalog words to learn!
salámat
thanks
When addressing an older person, add po at the end.
Salámat po.
Thank you. (formal)
Thank you. (formal)
Maraming salámat.
Many thanks. / Thank you very much.
MAHAL
The Tagalog word mahal as a noun means ‘love’ but as an adjective it means ‘expensive’ or ‘costly’ or ‘dear.’
KUWADERNO
ATE
This Filipino word is from the Fookien Chinese a-tsì (“eldest sister”).
áte
older sister
KUYA
This Filipino word is derived from the Fookien Chinese ko-a (“eldest brother”).
kú·ya
older brother
older brother
ang kuya ko
my older brother
ang aking kuya
my older brother
MABUHAY
ma·bú·hay
Mabúhay!
“Come alive!”
As an exclamation, the Tagalog word Mabúhay is used akin to the Japanese Banzai, the Spanish ¡Viva! or the French Vive!
| Foreign Language | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Vive la France! | Long Live France! |
| Nippon Banzai! | Long Live Japan! |
| Viva Italia! | Long Live Italy! |
| Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! | Long live the Philippines! |
Mabuhay is also used to welcome visitors arriving in the Philippines. Tourists frequently hear this word at the airport when a special Filipino welcome is prepared for them.
Filipinas competing in beauty pageants overseas, such as the Miss Universe contest, will frequently shout this word after introducing themselves.
PAPEL
This word is from the Spanish language.