LESSON 8:

a. Concern and Salutations

b. Expressions of Hospitality

A. CONCERN AND SALUTATIONS

These are the questions are asking regarding the whereabouts of a person, aside from
saying the word kumusta. To some extent, these are equivalent to kumusta? and are
expressions that can start a conversation.
INFORMAL FORMAL
Where are you going? Saán ka púpunta? Saán kayo púpunta?
Where have you been? Saán ka nanggaling? Saán kayó nanggaling?

Note:
Ka and kayo are the personal pronouns. Ka is a singular which referring to one
person only. When the word is not at the beginning of the sentence, the word is
changed/shortened to ka. While kayo is the plural form of the personal pronoun, and it
is used when refers to more than one person. Also, kayo is also a polite form of ka
used to show respect.

The questions stated above can be answered with literal responses. Also, it’s not
necessary to discuss your activities, but it would be nice to share it if you are conversing
with a close friend or family member.
INFORMAL FORMAL
Just nearby. Diyán lang. Diyán lang po.
Just nearby. Went for a walk. Diyán lang. Naglakád. Diyán lang po. Naglakád.

Another possible response is to simply state the specific place you went to.
INFORMAL FORMAL
In Manila. Sa Manila. Sa Manila po.
At the park. Sa parké Sa parké po.
Outside. Sa labás. Sa labás po.
To understand the context of these expressions, let’s see them be applied in a
sample conversation.

Juan: Saán ka nanggaling?

Jane: Diyán lang.

Juan: Saán ka nanggaling?

Jane. Diyán lang. Naglakád.

Juan: Saán ka nanggaling?

Jane: Sa parké.

Juan: Saán ka pupunta?

Jane: Sa Manila.

Reminder:
There are preferences to respond when someone ask you “saán ka nanggaling?”, either
you state it directly about your doing or the specific place that you want to visit.
B. EXPRESSIONS OF HOSPITALITY
As friendly as they are known for, the hospitality of Filipinos is a common trait that can
be recognized through their convivial and heartwarming character. This can typically be
observed in how Filipinos pleasantly welcome their guest, whether local or foreigners.
They put their best foot forward to make them feel comfortable in their country and
homes.

INFORMAL FORMAL
You may come in./
Tulóy ka. Tulóy kayo.
Please come in.
This is the part of the Filipino culture is how they receive their guests with hospitality
and respect. This is best exemplified by welcoming and letting them in their homes as
soon as guest(s) arrive. “Tulóy ka/kayo” is a Filipino warm welcoming expression that
shows kind accommodations to their visitors.

INFORMAL FORMAL
Anyone home? - Tao pô?
Who is it? Sino silá? Sino po silá?
It’s (name) Si (name) Si (name) po.
Upon arrival, visitors normally knock on the doors of the Filipinos and say “Tao pô?”
This is a greeting of someone calling or knocking at the door. The guest, then, can
respond by saying “Si (name).” simply to identify who they are.
 “Sino” is an interrogative word that functions to ask who is it.
 “Sila” is a pronoun similar to they. For this context, it means you, but instead
takes the plural form to show respect and politeness.
 “Si” is a personal topic marker that can be used in front of a proper name to refer
to someone.
Normally, Filipinos will have salutations and small conversations before welcoming the
visitors to their home. Guests are received with “kumustà” or “magandáng umaga.” The
thoughtfulness of Filipinos can be observed in how they treat their guests too. Let’s see
how these expressions are used in conversations.

Joe: Tao pô?

Jane: Sino silá?

Joe: Si Joe.

Jane: Kumustá? Tulóy ká!

Joe: Mabuti namán. Salamat!

To accommodate their guests, Filipinos welcome them and ask them to take a seat as
thoughtful gesture. Then, the guests are asked to sit down, while the host prepares food
and drinks for them. Giving food and drinks are traditional way of Filipinos to make their
visitors feel at home and appreciated for stopping by.

INFORMAL FORMAL
Take a seat. Umupó ka muna. Umupó muna kayo.
Eat first. Kumain ka muna. Kumain muna kayó.

When a guest visits the host’s house during the time they are eating, it’s just courteous
to invite the guest to join them to eat.

INFORMAL FORMAL
Let’s eat! Kain tayo! Kain po tayo!
Whereas the Filipinos would say to offer their guests to eat with them.
As the host, Filipinos would feel glad to have served and welcomed you to their homes.
Due to their hospitable nature, it’s a pleasure for them to see their guests feel at home
and well accommodated. This is why visitors should acknowledge this warmth and
generosity of the host too, by accepting their invitation and the food that they have
specially prepared. Unless you ate already and feeling full, you may respectfully decline
by saying;
Thanks! I’ve just had a meal. Salamat! Katatapos lang.
Thanks! I’m still full. Salamat! Busóg pa namán.
Thanks! Salamat!
Note: These are the options to decline the offer with respect.
For instance;
Jane: Kain tayo, Joe!

Joe: Salamat!

Jane: Kain tayo, Joe!

Joe: Salamat! Katatapos lang.

Jane: Kain tayo, Joe!

Joe: Salamat! Busóg pa namán.

Let’s see how these expressions are used in actual conversations:

Carlos: Tao po?
Pedro: Sino sila?
Carlos: Si Carlos.
Pedro: Kumusta? Tuloy ka, Carlos. Umupo ka.
Carlos: Mabuti naman. Salamat!
Pedro: Kumain ka muna!
Carlos: Sige, Salamat.
Aling Sita: Kain tayo, Carlos!
Carlos: Salamat! Busog pa naman.
LESSON 9
a. Saying Sorry and Excusing Oneself
b. Expressions Used when Leaving or Parting Ways
c. Thank you and You’re Welcome

A. SAYING SORRY AND EXCUSING ONESELF

A distinct characteristic of the Filipinos is to remain respectful in whatever situation they
may be in. This is revealed by the different ways of saying “excuse me” and “sorry”.
Although some of the expression to say sorry may at times be interchangeable with
other expressions to excuse oneself, there are expressions that should particularly be
used in certain situations.
INFORMAL FORMAL
Please be patient (with me). Pasénsiya na. -
I’m sorry. / Excuse me. - Paumanhín.
I’m sorry. / Please forgive
- Patawad.
me.
a. Pasénsiya na (informal)
- an expression, which is dictated with an apologetic tone.
- generally used to acknowledged one’s mistake & ask someone to be patient
with you. (As you say “pasénsiya na”, it is just ethical to admit and explain the
mistake or deed, which might have offended or caused distress to others.)
Ex:
(Scenario: Jane will come in late for a meeting.)
Jane: Pasensiya na. Mahuhuli ako sa miting. (Please be patient with me. I’ll
be late for the meeting.)

(Scenario: Joe calls his friends and tells them that he will not be able to join them
for dinner).
Joe: Pasensiya na. Hindi ako makakasama sa inyo ngayong gabi. (I’m sorry.
I can’t join you all for tonight.)

b. Paumanhín (formal)
- you can ask for an apology to excuse oneself for a minute or accident that
has been done.
Ex: (Scenario: Joe bumps an elderly man while walking.)
Joe: Paumanhin po. (I’m sorry, sir.)

- it can also use this expression when you have to excuse yourself from
conversation or activity you are currently involved with. (Ex: Paumanhin,
aalis muna ako. [Excuse me, I have to go.])
 c. Patawad (formal)
- can be used as well to apologize for a physical injury or emotional pain that
you have caused to a person.

Ex: (Sceneario: Jane apologizes for accidentally hurting her friend Ana while
playing.)
Jane: Patawad, Ana! (I’m sorry, Ana!).

When you want to talk to a person for your request to be heard, the expression;
“Mawaláng galang pô.” (I beg your pardon.)
This expression comes in handy, when you want to ask for directions from someone
talking to another person or when you want to talk and be heard in a meeting.
Ex:
Scenario: Jane wants to go to the park, but doesn’t exactly know the directions going
there. She asks for directions from a person.
Jane: Mawaláng galang pô; paano po pumunta sa parké?
(I beg your pardon; how do you get to the park?)

You can express if you want to pass through a way that is blocked by a person/s,
without the intention of interrupting or disturbing them.
“Makíkiraán pô” (Please let me pass.)
- is an expression used to ask for permission to pass through.
Ex:
Scenario: Joe wants to pass through a path, where two people are chatting
and blocking his way.
Joe: Makíkiraán pô. (Please let me pass.)
Sometimes, people talk about stories that are not suitable for certain scenarios. Others
might be sensitive to offensive and gruesome stories and may not withstand these
matters. As a forewarning to others that an unpleasant situation is about to be heard, be
considerate enough to say:
“Pasintabí pô” (Please be forewarmed./Excuse me.)
This can commonly be heard of when reporters are about to show a unpleasant news in
television.
Ex:
a. Scenario: A newscaster on the television reports a horrific accident.
Newscaster: Pasintabì pó sa aming mánonoód na ang mga larawang
inyóng makikitá ay maaaring maselan para sa ibá.
(For our viewers, please be forewarned that the following images
you are about to see may be offensive for some.)

b. Scenario: Jane is about to discuss a sensitive topic about obesity.

Jane: Pasintabì pô, ngunit patuloy po ang pagdami ng mga matatabáng tao
at mahalagáng pag-usapan ang pangkalusugang isyung itó.
(Excuse me, but there is a great increase of overweight people and it's
important to inform them about this health issue.)
B. EXPRESSIONS USED WHEN LEAVING OR PARTING WAYS
In the home of Filipinos, you will hear certain familiar phrases when it's time to leave the
house. As in the culture of other nations, saying farewells is part of the Filipino habit too.
Never leave the house without saying good bye and letting other people know that you
are about to leave. It is just as important as the way they have welcomed you into their
homes. Let's get acquainted with some commonly used expressions when parting ways
with from family and friends.

a. Tará na/ Tayo na

These phrases are used to express an invitation to a companion to leave with them and
to give a hint to others that you and your companion(s) will be departing soon. These
can also be used to invite other people to go somewhere.

Tará na.
Let’s go
Tayo na.
 Tara na – one of the most commonly used term nowadays.
 Tayo na – this is the colloquial form of the expression. It is sounds more old-
fashioned.
Examples:
To express an invitation to a companion to leave with them
a. Scenario: Joe tells his wife that they leave and go home.
Joe: Tará na, Jane.
(Let’s go, Jane.)
b. Scenario: Jane tells her brother Andres that they leave now.
Jane: Tayo na, Andres.
(Let’s go, Andres.)

To invite other people to go somewhere

c. Scenario: Joe invites Jane to the restaurant.
Joe: Tará na sa réstorán!
(Let’s go to the restaurant!)
Quick reminder: The phrases tayo na, sometimes to use for asking of a guy to the girl
if they were officially in relationship. Example;
Boy: Tayo na? (Are we together?)
Girl: Oo, tayo na. (Yes, we are.)

b. Paalam, Tútuloy & Mauuna

INFORMAL FORMAL
Singular Plural
I/We have to go Tutuloy na ako. Tututoy na kami Goodbye Paalam.
Mauuna na
Mauuna na kami.
ako.

 Paalam is a formal and most known expression for "goodbye" in Filipino,

although it is a bit old-fashioned.
 Tútuloy na ako/ kamí” /“Mauuna na akó/kami is less formally.
Ex:
a. Scenario: Joe ends a personal letter for his teacher, Mr. Rivera, and says
goodbye.

Joe: Hanggáng sa mulí, Ginoong Rivera. Paalam.

(Until we meet again, Mr. Rivera. Good bye.)

b. Scenario: Jane is about to leave the house of her friend, Vicky.

Jane: Tútuloy na akó, Vicky.
(Jane: I have to go, Vicky.)

c. Scenario: Joe and Jane are about to leave from his father’s birthday celebration.
Joe: Mauuna na po kamí.
(We have to go.)
c. Take Care & Come Again
When visitors/family leave the house or when parting ways with others, Filipinos say to
them to take care; “Ingat”. Usually, when visitors come to their homes and leave,
Filipinos would ask them to come back again and pay a visit; “Bisita ka uli or Bisita
kayo uli”. Others would use the phrase “dalaw ka uli or dalaw kayo uli.”

Take care. Ingat.

Singular Plural
Bisita ka ulî! Bisita kayó ulî!
Please visit again.
Dalaw ka uli. Dalaw kayo uli.

 uli is a variation of the word muli, which means “again”.

Examples:
a. Scenario: Joe is about to leave Jane’s house
Joe: Mauuna na akó. (I have to go.)
Jane: Ingat ka, Joe. Bisita ka ulî. (Take care, Joe. Please visit again.)

b. Scenario: Joseph and his son are about to part ways with Helen.
Joseph: Tútuloy na kamí. (We have to go.)
Helen: Ingat kayó. (Take care, Joseph.)

c. Scenario: Peter visited his grandmother and is now about to leave.

Peter: Mauuna na po akó. (I have to go.)
Grandmother: Ingat ka. Dalaw ka ulî. (Take care, Peter. Please visit again.)

C. THANK YOU AND YOU’RE WELCOME

One of the things that makes a Filipino is having the ability to feel gratefulness in
whatever comes their way. They would be thankful for any situation they may be put in
whether for the assistance and presents given to them, for family and friendships, and
even for difficulties that they encounter in life (thinking that these challenges mean a
better life later on). It doesn’t mean that their gratitude is not genuine. In fact, it is
always pure and sincere.

Express
INFORMAL FORMAL
Gratitude.

It is use for
everyday
conversations. This
is acceptable in
Thanks Salamat. Salamat po. casual events such
as buying from a
store or having
your food served in
a restaurant.

It is use and
acceptable in
formal occasions or
Thank you very Maraming salamat in official
Maraming salamat.
much. po. documents and
memos.
Marami means ”a
lot” or “very much”.
Acknowledge the
INFORMAL FORMAL
gratitude.

Wala literally
It’s nothing / You’re Waláng anumán means “nothing”.
Waláng anumán.
welcome pô. Anumán means
“anything”.

Thanks, too. Salamat din. Salamat din pô. In some situations,

you can used this
word instead of
walang anuman.
This expression is
a way of
acknowledging the
gratitude shown to
you, but at the
same time,
 conveying that you
are thankful for a
person or for the at
one has done.

Examples:
a. Scenario: Jane receives a birthday gift from Joe.
Jane: Salamat, Joe.
Joe: Waláng anumán.

b. Scenario: Jane writes a letter of appreciation for everyone who attended their
wedding.
Jane: Maraming salamat sa pagdaló sa aming kasál.
(Thank you very much for attending our wedding.)

c. Scenario: Jane picks up her clothes from the laundry shop.

Jane: Salamat.
Cashier: Salamát din pô.
LESSON 10: OTHER USEFUL EXPRESSIONS FOR EVERYDAY
CONVERSATIONS
There are other Filipino terms that are used in high frequency in different types of
situations. Take note that some of these are meant literally, while others are
rhetorical expressions only. Know how to say and when to use these properly and in
context.
OTHER USEFUL
EXPLANATION EXAMPLES
EXPRESSIONS
 You may say this phrase to
express distaste for
something. Helen: Gusto mo bang
isaw na manok?
 This can be used when you (Do you like to eat a
Ayaw ko / Ayoko want to refuse something that chicken intestine?)
(I don’t like/want) is offered to you. You can also
use this to deny a request. Jane: Ayoko.

 The shortcut "ayoko" is

commonly used in casual
conversations.
 It can be a negative  Scenario: When
expression, used to show a Abby and her friend;
person your lack of concern Cassy are arguing
by telling them to do whatever each other due of
he/she wants. her friend’s
complicated
relationship.

Abby: Bahala ka na sa
buhay mo! Balikan mo
Bahala ka. yung taong sinasaktan
(Do as you ka lang.
(You're incharge of your life
please.) now. Go back to the person
who makes you hurt.)

 It could also mean you are  Scenario: When the

leaving an issue or event up father and daughter
to another person’s are shopping
decision, without expressing a together:
negative tone
Father: Bahala ka na
pumili.
(You are free to choose what
you want.)
Bahala na.  This is an expression used by Scenario: John was
 Filipinos when letting go of a uncertain his answer
situation and accepting during the
whatever comes their way. examination.
(Whatever will be/
come what may)  In the Filipino cultural sense, John: Bahala na kung
it’s a way of handling the ito na ang mga sagot
challenges in life by leaving it ko.
(Whatever will be if these are
up to God. my answers.)

 It can be used to literally say “I Miguel: Alam mo ba na

don’t know.” si Gerald ay nakikipag-
away sa mga tambay?
Ewan ko. (Have you known that
 When faced with a problem or
(I don’t Gerald was fighting to the
a hopeless situation, some
know/Whatever) guys who standby in the
Filipinos blurt out this phrase to streets.)
express disinterest or lack of
sympathy. John: Ewan ko!

 You can hear this expression

being said to someone
Gising na! sleeping and needs to be
(Wake up!) woken up immediately
(especially for those who are
running late).
Mother: Gising na!
Adrian. Ma late ka sa
pasok mo.
(Wake up! Adrian. You will
be late to your school.)

Athena: Ano nga ang

ibig sabihin ng
 On one hand, someone could
Pythagorean theorem?
say this to show an optimistic (What do you mean the
attitude and turn things around, Pythagorean theorem?)
Hindí bale / 'Di despite the unfortunate event
bale na! that has occurred. John: (Busy doin his
(It’s alright/Never homework.) Ano yun?
mind)  On the other hand, the phrase (What is it?)
could also express impatience,
resulting to impassiveness and Athena: (She recall the
lack of interest. information.) Ah, ‘di
bale na.
(Ah, it’s alright.)
  You can use this expression to
simply inform someone that
you do not know anything
Hindí ko alám about a topic that is being
(I don’t know) talked about. If a person asks
you a question you don’t know
the answer to, just say “Hindí
ko alám.”
Jane: Pwede mo bang
ipaliwanag ang inyong
pinag-uusapan? Hindi
ko alam niyan ah.
(Can you explain your
discussion? I don’t know what
was all about.)

 This expression means Peter: Gusto mo bang

“nevermind” or “don’t”. You magkape, Andrea?
(Do you want some coffee,
can say this to decline Andrea?)
Huwág na / ‘Wág
something that is being offered
ná
to you. Andrea: Huwag na.
(Nevermind /
 Depending on the tone of a (Don’t)
Don’t)
person, this could also be used
to express disappointment,
resulting to disinterest
Mark: May alam ka ba
sa mga salita na
Kauntí lang /  This is translated as “a little wikang Tagalog?
Kontí lang bit” and can be used literally (Do you know some words of
(A little bit) when fitting for the situation. Tagalog?)

Jose: Konti lang.

Johnny: Ang galing
Magalíng!  You can say this when you find sumayaw ni Vhong
/Galíng! someone or something Navorro.
(Good! / Great!) impressive or admirable. (Vhong Navorro is good in
dancing.)

 This is used to literally say

“sometimes”. You can use Kiara: Madalas ka ba
Minsan this expression to describe kumakanta, JB?
(Sometimes) the occurrence of an event, (Do you often to sing JB?)
which happens from time to
time. JB: Minsan.

 Filipinos blurt out this term to Harry: Sayang! Muntik

Sayang! ko na makuha ang
express regret for a missed
(Bummer!) card. Tssk.
chance or lost opportunity.
(Damn! I almost get the card.
Tssk).

 It is usually used to urge a
Sigé na! person to do something
(Come on!) being requested by another
peron(s).
 When you are unsure about
Siguro something, this term can be
(Maybe) used to express uncertainty
about the matter at hand.
Talagá?  This expression is used to ask
(Really?/Are you the certainty or truth of the
sure?) matter at hand.
 A person saying this
expression is simply telling
another to stop. You can use
this to tell a person to stop
Tamá na
giving you something (e.g.
(That’s enough)
food). On a different note, it's
also an expression that can be
used to tell a person to stop
whatever he is doing.
Ali: “Sigé ná! Sumama
ka na.”
(Come on! Join with us.)
(Say this with an
insistent tone, but not
with a forceful voice.)
For example if a
person asks you:
“Úulan kayá?”
(It will be rain?)
You can say, “Siguro.
Luna: Talaga? Bagsak
presyo na ang ukay-
ukay?
(Really? The sales of clothes
have discount.)
Scenario: The siblings
are fighting each other
due of the toys. Then
the older sister is trying
to stop them.
Ana: Tama na! May
ibang laruan naman sa
kahon ah.
(That’s enough! There’s a lot
of toys in the box.)