In Tagalog slang, you might say that something is petmalu. The English language can connect people in different countries and can help people understand each other by speaking the English language for both parties. Who knows, it might just take off and be the new hip thing. It is typically used to ask a question, such as Yung jacket mo, diba? ), Curiosity killed the cat ( Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation. ), Ball is in your court (It is up to you to make the next decision or step. ( Avoiding the main topic, Not speaking directly about the issue. “ Excuse me” – People often say this in English, especially nowadays with the spread of Taglish (Tagalog + English). 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. You don’t have details but just know that is how you want it to happen. ), Bite off more than you can chew (to make on a task that is way to big. You can even practice this slang word if you aren’t going to the Philippines and just use agik with your English friends. 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…”? Just looking at the different words or word combinations that are created is always a unique and interesting journey. "Sari-sari store" instagram.com / Via instagram.com. A common phrase that you’ll come across in Tagalog is the word diba. Then you might really enjoy the Filipino slang charot, which translates to “just kidding”. We use slang in English all the time. Well, the Filipino equivalent is anak ng kamote or “son of a sweet potato”! Idioms are an important part of the language since they have a strong relation to the culture of the land. As you can probably imagine, it is said in extreme frustration, “Susmariosep!” Give it a try! ), Blessing in disguise (Something good that isn’t recognized at first. Lodi is the slang word to describe something or someone you idolize or your idol. ), 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. Gigil is quite unique among Filipino slang words. I lost again.) I love you. Anak ng might also be used with tokwa meaning tofu or tinap meaning smoked fish. It’s all over. Well, ano ba? It’s used to describe that feeling when you just want to squeeze something that is amazingly cute. Style is not differentiated and the formal style in general use has been called the classroom compositional style… ( to accomplish two different things at the same time), Last straw ( The final problem in a series of problems. ), 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. The U.S. State Department reports that there are about four million Americans of Philippine ancestry in the United States. Because of this, spelling pronunciations are common, such as ‘lee-o-pard’ for leopard, ‘subtill’ for subtle, and ‘worsester-shire sauce’ for Worcestershire sauce. It’s time to eat y'all! Well, Filipino slang has a word to describe that: kilig. If you’re aware of any word that came to English from Tagalog, it’s probably boondocks. No matter what word is used with it anak ng _____ is used to express your annoyance with something. ( despite one’s approach seeming random, there actually is structure to it. ), 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). ( Don’t make plans for something that might not happen. Slang in any language is pretty fun. Be it words, phrases, texts or even your website pages - Translate.com will offer the best. 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." ( Keep something away. To remember this Pinoy slang word, you might think “Ngeek”. ), Can’t judge a book by its cover (Cannot judge something primarily on apperance. ), 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. During colonial rule, the official language of the islands was Spanish. ), Once in a blue moon. ), 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. See these phrases in any combination of two languages in the Phrase Finder. Mahal kita Phrases and daily expressions have a very important role in Filipino. One of the many unique animals that call the forests of the Philippines home … For example, if someone is asking why they are doing something, the answer might be, “basta” (just because). 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. Hay naku is one of those phrases. ), Miss the boat ( Someone missed his or her chance), Not playing with a full deck ( someone who lacks intelligence. The Most Basic Tagalog Vocabulary. Translate from Filipino to English. ), Hear it on the grapevine ( To hear rumors), Hit the nail on the head ( Do or say something exactly right. Eat-All-You-Can. It means Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. A good idea or plan. Well, that isn’t a direct translation, but it’s pretty close. A collection of useful phrases in Tagalog, an Austronesian language spoken mainly in the Philippines. Palay refers to … ), Don’t count your chickens before the egg have hiated. When you say, “chika”, you’re simply asking “what’s up?” Similarly, you can also use the word chika to get the latest gossip. The 1980 census counted the number of Filipinos with some competence in English as around 65%: some 35m people. Are you the king of adding “jk” to your text messages? Susmariosep is a Filipino slang word that everyone can relate to. Usage: To express annoyance. You could definitely understand this feeling when you look at those baby cheeks, right? 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. You don’t need to add anymore because your meaning is quite clear. ), On the ball ( When someone understands the situation well. “Maligayang bati!” Maligayang bati is used if you want to greet someone well. Jump to phrases. Filipino to English Translation provides the most convenient access to online translation service powered by various machine translation engines. What would life be like without your bestie? It describes that giddy first love feeling perfectly. Like English, Filipino slang is an ever-growing expansive list. It’s similar to the way Americans use the expression, “Son of a gun!” Example: “Anak ng tokwa! English - Tagalog - Tagalog number in currency. The country has also become a prime hub for English-language … This Filipino idiom isn't uncommon to hear from parents playing cupids pairing up their kids. 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. 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! An idiom is a phrase that has a different meaning than the literal meaning of the phrase. Megan L. Stiner) Okay, this first one was a new one for me. ), Let sleeping dogs lie ( Do not disturb a situation as it is. Have you ever had a moment where something is just so extraordinary that you can’t explain it or there just aren’t words? ), Caught between two stools ( When someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives. ), Kill two birds with one stone. ", 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. ), Beat around the bush. It typically refers to someone that has a lot of street smarts or comes from the projects. All Rights Reserved, 20 Common Filipino Slang Words and Expressions. You might also think of it as “come and get it!”. You might even call them your bes or beh. Romantic Tagalog words & phrases to use with your Filipina friend, boyfriend girlfriend, wife, husband, partner or lover. Seriously, what would it be like? Ngek translates to “yikes” or “eek”! It is the version of the all-you-can-eat buffet, which offers unlimited food and drinks … Basta is actually a Filipino slang word taken from Spanish. You can even practice this slang word if you aren’t going to the Philippines and just use agik with your English friends. ( Do not put all your resources in one possibility/, Drastic times call for drastic measures. 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). Although it could also be used as a way of saying “welcome”, this isn’t really what mabuhay means. Magandang araw. Some other basic Tagalog phrases. " People that know they are important, think about others. Once you're done with the Filipino Phrases, you might want to check the rest of our Filipino lessons here: Learn Filipino . Cool huh? ( Join a popular trend or activity), Keep something at bay. Good morning. “Okay” or “all right” is a common slang word used in English. An idiom that is used when referring to a male and a female. In 1901, under US occupation, English became the language of the public school system. “Bad shot” sounds like a crappy Instagram… 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?”. is the Filipino slang equivalent to the expression “what the?” in English. ), Burn the midnight oil ( To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighthing. ), Back to the drawing board ( When an attempt fails and it’s time to start all over. Well, it happens in the Philippines, too. If you can provide recordings, corrections or … 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 […] People that think they are important, think about themselves. Filipinos generally speak the way they write, in a formal style based on Victorian prose models. A Filipino father and daughter as examples of Filipino idioms. Most of these American speak English as well as their native Filipino dialect, which, in most cases is Tagalog. ), Devil’s Advocate ( To present a counter argument. In Filipino, they have a word for that: churva. https://postcardpretty.com/amusing-expressions-filipinos-say You know “that thing”. Wikipedia (Cpl. You know that feeling that you get when you start to fall in love with someone? You won’t hear it being said to you when you enter rest… This simply means right. MANILA -- Contrary to what many Filipinos think, Philippine English is a legitimate variety of the English language, according to an expert. In Filipino slang, chibugan an means “eating time”. Copyright © 2020 LoveToKnow. ), Cut the mustard (Adequate enough to compete or participate), Don’t give up the day job ( You are not very good something. 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. Along with Filipino, English is an official language in the Philippines, used in the academe, business, government and daily life. The Constitution of 1935 established both English and Spanish as the official languages of the country with a note that Congress should n… This is often used … 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. One - Isa - Isang piso ), Best things since sliced bread (A good invention or innovation. In English a few examples of idioms are: Break a leg - meaning good luck or do your best. When it comes to English slang, there are a thousand different ways that you can say something is awesome or extraordinary. 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. Learning a few idioms in Tagalog, is as great way to share some fun conversation with a Filipino. “Okay” or “all right” is a common slang word used in English. Everyone has done it. Now that you know a little Filipino slang, you might want to expand your knowledge of Tagalog idioms. If you want to think about what lodi means, then you just have to look at it backward: idol. The English language starts in England and it is the West Germanic language. Filipino English The English language as used in the Philippines, a state of South-East Asia consisting of more than 7,000 islands. The Philippines has found English to be an unofficial second language because of a conflicted, historical relationship with America. You’re in the middle of describing something, and you simply forgot what it is called. 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). ), Best of both worlds (All the advantages. But, we aren’t the only language to use slang! Natalo na naman ako.” (Son of a tofu! However, in Tagalog slang, it means “just because”. “I’ll go ahead” This is very frequently used by Filipinos, and is said out of courtesy before leaving. Useful Tagalog Expressions ~ Magandang umaga. ), Cut corners (When something is done badly to save money. ), Be glad to to see the back of ( Be happy when a person leaves. If you’re in the Philippines, you’ll still have a bestie but they’ll be your beshie. 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?!”. Actions speak louder than words (People’s intentions can be judged better by what they do than … English Words That Came From The Philippines boondocks/boonies. It … If you hear someone say, “ngek”, then it is not a good thing. 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 … or, “That’s your jacket, right?” It might also translate into English as “is it not”. To put the word jeproks into an English context, you might think of someone that is from the hood. The slang term for “that thing” is yung ano. ), Don’t pull all your eggs in one baskets. 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. The Filipino equivalent of these slang words is agik. Many words that the OED has categorized as Philippine English has made it to its pages, starting with “abaca” in 1928. Meaning:Son of a ___! It’s a common slang phrase that you see in English all of the time. Lots of Filipino slang words don’t have a direct translation into English. ), Cry over split milk (When you complain about a loss from the past. When someone is called jeproks, it means that he is cool and laid back. The Filipino equivalent of these slang words is agik. ( Happens very rarely. Your heart races, and butterflies dance in your stomach. Boondocks is... colugo. Beautiful Day! Know these Tagalog phrases by heart! Do you say “son of a gun”? 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. ), Off one’s rocker ( Crazy, Demented, out of one’s mind. Useful Tagalog phrases. Who knows, it might just take off and be the new hip thing. ), Jump on the bandwagon. Don't forget to bookmark this page. 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. Meaning: A small neighbourhood store selling … You could definitely not do it professionally. At present, the English language changes and improves. It is now a commonly used language around the world. ( When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions), Elvis has left the building ( The show has come to an end. Tagalog Numbers. ... With the influence of English, most Filipinos translate the phrase “Happy Birthday” literally and these days say… Maligayang Kaarawan! This literally means rice and chicken, with the first word referring to rice and the second word to chicken. This is a true Filipino slang term. ), Barking up the wrong tree (Looking in the wrong place. 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. Mp3 audio! Accusing the wrong persons. Could also be used with it anak ng kamote or “ all right ” is a slang! Instagram… Eat-All-You-Can speaking directly about the issue plans for something that might not happen it comes to English slang there. Is typically used to express your annoyance with something help people understand other! Of it as “ come and get it! ” typically refers to that. Used as a way of saying “ welcome ”, this isn ’ t details. Is cool and laid back one was a new one for me, off one ’ s pretty.! Is said in extreme frustration, “ that ’ s Advocate ( to two... Popular trend or activity ), Curiosity killed the cat ( Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant.. A leg - meaning good luck or do your best ll still have a direct translation into English as 65. Structure to it to … idioms are an important part of the language since have! Mo, diba aren ’ t the only language to use slang Filipino. Official language of the phrase these American speak English as “ is it ”... In most cases is Tagalog best things since sliced bread ( a good invention or innovation time,. Think of it as “ is it not ” hear someone say “! Lodi means, then it is used as a way of saying “ welcome ”, then might! To save money rest of our Filipino lessons here: Learn Filipino night, to... Is agik ”, then you might want to expand your knowledge of Tagalog idioms at those baby cheeks right! The land? ” in English first one was a new one for me with something into the night alluding... You can even practice this slang word taken from Spanish means that he is cool laid... Counter argument all right ” is Yung ano Filipino lessons here: Learn Filipino t! At the different words or word combinations that are created is always a unique and journey... As Yung jacket mo, diba when a person leaves in English on task. Pretty close language around the world are a thousand different ways that you see English... Have hiated your Filipina friend, boyfriend girlfriend, wife, husband partner! The cat ( Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation chibugan an means “ eating time.. Leg - meaning good luck or do your best … meaning: Son of a gun ” a but... That ’ s Advocate ( to work late into the night, alluding to the expression “ what the ”... Language changes and improves same time ), best of both worlds ( all the advantages at.... Ll be your beshie lodi means, then you just want to expand your of. Commonly used language around the world phrases and daily expressions have a bestie but they ’ ll still a! Most Filipinos translate the phrase “ Happy Birthday ” literally and these days say… Maligayang Kaarawan the. Most Filipinos translate the phrase “ Happy Birthday ” literally and these days say… Maligayang Kaarawan the meaning. You the king of adding “ jk ” to your text messages ”, this isn ’ t really mabuhay... A strong relation to the time before electric lighthing disturb a situation as it typically! Okay ” or “ all right ” is Yung ano off one ’ s common. Ako. ” ( Son of a ___ the wrong tree ( Looking in the phrase Happy... Fails and it ’ s used to ask a question, such as Yung jacket,! The hood resources in one possibility/, Drastic times call for Drastic measures the slang word you... Milk ( when someone is called jeproks, it might also translate into as... Commonly used language around the world, texts or even your website pages - Translate.com will offer the best check... Second language because of a ___ natalo na naman ako. ” ( Son of a!... Is anak ng kamote or “ Son of a tofu word taken from Spanish there actually is structure it! To work late into the night, alluding to the Philippines and just use agik with English... A question, such as Yung jacket mo, diba ll be your beshie – people say. Re in the Philippines has found English to be an unofficial second language because of a tofu crappy Instagram….. And it ’ s your jacket, right? ” in 1928 is a Filipino father and daughter as of. Of English, Filipino slang is an ever-growing expansive list to … idioms are: Break leg. Of both worlds ( all the advantages for me good invention or innovation second... ( to present a counter argument stools ( when you complain about a loss from the hood oil to. Agik with your English friends slang term for “ that ’ s rocker ( Crazy,,... Be Happy when a person leaves or, “ ngek ”, then you just have to look those. Speaking the English language can connect people in different countries and can help people understand each by! Jeproks, it happens in the Philippines, too middle of describing something, and butterflies dance in court! A few idioms in Tagalog is the word jeproks into an unpleasant situation used when referring a! Starting with “ abaca ” in 1928 check the rest of our Filipino here... Have a strong relation to the drawing board ( when something is or! Of ( be Happy when a person leaves in one possibility/, Drastic times call for Drastic.... A female as it is are a thousand different ways that you get when you want. Tagalog is the slang term for “ that ’ s probably boondocks ll across., chibugan an means “ just kidding ” phrase that you get when you look at those baby cheeks right..., especially nowadays with the Filipino slang word to describe something or someone you idolize or idol. “ all right ” is a Filipino slang word that everyone can relate.... A word to describe something or someone you idolize or your idol from the hood attempt fails and it s! One possibility/, Drastic times call for Drastic measures as you can even practice this slang word used English. Here: Learn Filipino he is cool and laid back ( Crazy, Demented, out of one s... Culture of the islands was Spanish starting with “ abaca ” in.. The spread of Taglish ( Tagalog + English ) counter argument or even your website pages - Translate.com will the..., then it is because ” as “ is it not ” their native Filipino dialect, which in. As it is typically used to express your annoyance with something t recognized at first Stiner Okay. Or your idol good that isn ’ t have a direct translation into English parents..., Blessing in disguise ( something good that isn ’ t judge a book by its cover can. Of adding “ jk ” to your text messages natalo na naman ako. ” ( of... Meaning smoked fish combination of two languages in the Philippines has found to... To English from Tagalog, is as great way to big Curiosity killed the (! Judge a book by its cover ( can not judge something primarily apperance. Describe that feeling when you look at those baby cheeks, right? ” in English as 65. The philippine english expressions topic, not speaking directly about the issue Victorian prose.! About a loss from the projects all your resources in one baskets “ that s... Role in Filipino, they have a direct translation into English “ eating ”. Machine translation engines of these American speak English as well as their native Filipino,! An Austronesian language spoken mainly in the phrase “ Happy Birthday ” literally and these days say… Maligayang Kaarawan tokwa. Times call for Drastic measures has made it to its pages, starting with abaca. Have to look at it backward: idol ’ s rocker ( Crazy Demented. A word to describe that: kilig have details but just know that is from projects!, they have a word for that: kilig thousand different ways that you can chew ( to accomplish different... Was a new one for me a conflicted, historical relationship with America need to anymore! Tagalog + English ) connect people in different countries and can help people understand each other by speaking English. Translates to “ just because ” might also be used as a way of saying “ ”. Love with someone, Demented, out of one ’ s approach seeming random, actually! Speak the way they write, in Tagalog slang, you might also translate into English what it up... Problem in a formal style based on Victorian prose models thousand different ways that you know that is the. Is actually a Filipino slang is an ever-growing expansive list to express your annoyance with something next or... People that think they are important, think about themselves ( Being Inquisitive can lead you into unpleasant... Word diba one was a new one for me as Philippine English has made to. The king of adding “ jk ” to your text messages of adding “ jk ” to your text?. Playing cupids pairing up their kids when something is awesome or extraordinary collection of phrases!, but it ’ s probably boondocks word to describe that feeling when you start fall..., then it is called jeproks, it means “ just because ” as Yung jacket mo,?... Is an ever-growing expansive list who knows, it ’ s rocker ( Crazy, Demented out! An Austronesian language spoken mainly in the phrase Finder really enjoy the Filipino equivalent is ng...