Order anything by pointing in Tagalog
I would like, this one, how much, the bill: survive any counter or menu. Play the ten Tagalog words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 11 Tagalog phrases in this lesson
- Gusto ko ng...GOOS-to ko nang
- I would like...
- ItoEE-to
- This one
- Magkano?mag-KA-no
- How much is it?
- Ang bill poang BIL po
- The bill, please
- Sa cardsa KARD
- By card
- CashKASH
- In cash
- TubigTOO-big
- Water
- Kapeka-PEH
- Coffee
- Tsaacha-AH
- Tea
- Serbesaser-BEH-sa
- Beer
- Walang...wa-LANG
- Without...
Literally "I want ...". Add po to be polite: "gusto ko po ng kape".
Point and say it. "Ito lang" (just this) completes small transactions. Visual communication is accepted and expected in market contexts.
The essential market question. In Metro Manila most places post prices, but outside the capital this is your lifeline. Always asked cheerfully, never awkwardly.
Filipinos also say "bill out" to ask for the check.
Borrowed directly from English. Many Filipinos still prefer cash for small transactions, especially at markets and sari-sari stores (neighborhood shops).
Tap water in Metro Manila is safe, though locals often boil or filter it. Bottled water is cheap and ubiquitous. "Tubig lang" means just water.
Kapeng barako, strong local coffee from Batangas, is worth trying.
From Spanish. Most people just say beer.
Literally "no ...": "walang yelo", no ice.