Is it important to learn tagalog if im coming to the philippines?or is it not necessary?

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If your thinking about being able to communicate with Filipinos, you don't have to worry about that since we speak both Tagalog and English.. <;

But in my opinion it's also good to somehow know the language and culture of the country you are going to..

--the word "po" and "opo" is used to show respect to others, especially if the person you are talking to is older than you...

Dave Star

Not necessarily. However, it is always to pack yourself with some courteous words such as salamat (thank you), kumusta (how are you?), etc etc. Local people will surely love you for at least trying to speak their language.

POGI AKO :-)

NOT necessary AS FILIPINO'S are fluent in ENGLISH but you should learn to know SOME USEFULL FILIPINO WORDS SUCH AS....MAGANDANG ARAW PO,SALAMAT PO,HINDI KO PO ALAM,SAAN PO DITO ANG CR...SORRY PO.

John M

Not really. You'll be surprised at the number of people you'll meet that speak English fairly fluently despite the fact that it isn't usually the language they use day-to-day. Still, I think it shows a respect for a culture to at least learn some greetings. (You'll find that a lot of countries, such as the Philippines, and unlike our's, don't put a lot of pressure on you to learn their language.) Also, it depends on how long you wish to stay. If it's a whistle tour and you are gone in weeks or less just learn a few expressions of everyday greetings. However, if you are thinking of a much longer stay, you better get out your Tagalog phrasebook, dictionary and load up your walkman with a good 'Introduction to Tagalog' tape.

Not necessary, as most Filipinos do speak and understand English to a degree.
It would be nice and courteous if you could use some Tagalog words for "thankyou, yes sir, how are you, please, yes ,no", you would be amazed at the reaction you will get for the little efort it would take to learn a few words/phrases.
Have a good ,safe trip.

arienne321

It is not necessary. But learning some Pilipino (spelling is correct) as words of greetings and thank you as a matter of courtesy would endear you to people you meet. Filipinos are naturally helpful to strangers, but go a mile longer to those who at least try to speak even just a few words of their language. I think this is natural reaction from people everywhere else in the world.

BTW, as a tourist, you might be going to the provinces, where English would serve you better than Pilipino/ Tagalog.

Efren G

You dont have to. English and Pilipino (tagalog) are the national languages of the Philippines and they are widely used from the northern and southern part of the Philippines.

DC Fanatic

Well, I guess any country would appreciate it if foreigners would learn the local language. However, you can always just converse in english. Believe me when i say that we Filipinos can speak in english as if it was our native tounge. at the very least, you would encounter many filipinos who may not be able to speak the language but for some reason can understand it.
Here are some Tagalog words / phrases that may come handy for you:

Magandang Umaga = Good Morning
Magandang Hapon = Good Afternoon
Magandang Gabi = Good Evening
Salamat = thank you
Oo = yes
Hindi = no
Ayaw ko = i don't like / i don't want to

Bayad = what you say when you're taking public transportation and you're about to pay the fare

Para = what you say when you're taking public transportation and is about to get off

Saan = where?
Paano = how?

Magkaano = how much (say, when your buying something and want to know the price)

citi_zen_51

not really.. A lot of filipinos can understand and speak english.
Just be courteous say hello and thanks..

shanny

not necessary.........almost all filipino know how to speak english.all you need to prepare is yourself to understand that english is not or mother language..but we understand english & not all of us speak fluent english

Mr.Knowitall

Absolutely not necessary. Unless you want to impress some folks with a few phrases. Just get a little phrase book, but good luck pronouncing any of it if you are Kano.

Kady_14

not really. almost all filipinos can understand english. but if you're going to the provinces maybe it'd be best to have a native as a companion to communicate with the locals.

JOHANN L

NOT necessary as Filipinos can speak & understand English BUT you must also learn some TAGALOG WORDS LIKE: HINDI PO,OPO,SALAMAT PO.........

No need. most FILIPINOs speaks english... but if uw ant to know the culture well or love to learned the language then go on! no worries u can go were ever u want to go in the Philippines. they speak english than other parts of the world!

mitzy_paz

It is important to learn Tagalog if you want but it is not really necessary to learn that because many Filipinos nowadays are excellent in speaking English so you don't need to worry if you have not learned to speak Tagalog.

wordtherapy

According to the 1987 Constitution, Filipino and English are the official languages of the Philippines. English was imposed by Americans during the U.S. intervention and colonization of the Philippines. English is used in education, churches, religious affairs, print and broadcast media, and business, though the number of people use it as a second language far outnumber those who speak it as a first language.

With this information at hand, it is not necessary to learn Tagalog in the Philippines, however you may want to learn a few key words as a sign of respect to others. I would recommend the book, "Philippines (Culture Shock!). Not only does it list a vocabulary section in the back, it can help you understand the culture and customs of basic Filipino interaction, so that you may feel more aware of your environment (as well, as more comfortable!) during your brief visit. More important than language in the Philippines is to understand the culture and apply it towards your interaction with other Filipinos. Though the Philippines is a westernized country due to the US intervention, there are some cultural staples that exist.

I hope you have a wonderful time visiting the Philippines!

Tropic-of-Cancer

Most Filipinos can speak English, and out in the provinces, most would rather use English than Tagalog. If you are off the beaten track and buy something at the sari-sari store, it is very common for the adults to get their children to converse with you in English.
I live in Cebu, speak some Tagalog, but very little Cebuano, the locals especially the youngsters like it if I do speak some Tagalog, and it ensures a big smile.
I think the phrase you will find the most useful is "hindi salamat" no thank you.
It is always appreciated if you speak the local language or at least a few words of it.

Enjoy your stay here, you will love it for sure.

pinoyscrewer

It is not important to learn Tagalog as Filipinos are predominantly English speaking though if you do learn a little Tagalog and use it they will be impressed and take you to heart.

DONNA B

most people over there speak perfect english. as the main religion is catholic most of thier names are of english origin.
take note the crime rate is reasonably high, so don't be surprised to see armed gaurd outside corner shops (7/11)

Juan C

you don't have to... but it's fun, though... a lot of Filipinos could understand and speak English...

agua dulce

English is just fine...we'll understand you.

May I suggest you learn the following easy, useful phrases?

SALAMAT PO - Thank You
MAGKANO PO ITO? - How much is this?
MAGANDANG UMAGA PO - Good Morning
PAKI - Please
AKO (I).....KAMI (We)
IKAW (You, singular).....KAYO (You, plural)
NAGUGUTOM AKO - I'm hungry

Welcome to the Philippines!

Not really. Even the fat old lady selling veggies at the market knows a speck, but understandable english. Do not use slang! And talk slowly.

lushbabe4u

Not really... since Philippines is the world's third largest English-speaking country after the US & UK. Literacy rate is high.
Maybe you just have to learn some basic Tagalog words. (--,)

Jim C

Hi,
In Manila for example English is widely spoken particularly in the large hotels and shops etc.
If you go to the provinces it may not be so widely spoken and it would be polite to have a smattering of Tagalog for the usual greetings etc.
Don't worry just go and enjoy yourself you will be fine as money talks.
Regards.
Jim C.

Grand pa

It helps my wifes family was very good and spoke around me . There are english speaking tv stations store signs in both languages My wife taught english .. I have problems here in Canada with her family and friends i always remind them,,, I have stopped going to parties for this reason on the other hand we have been married 25 years. Great People its Hot over there . The muslims dont like amercans..

tisya

it is not necessary...

janel r

NO. but if your'e staying here for more than 1 yr, it would help to learn a few tagalog. So you know what other people are saying.

jasmine

no need..filipinos know how to speak english...although not all filipinos can speak english fluently atleast they can manage to communicate with you in their own way just to let you know what they mean... don't worry... just try to lear some filipino words like...
anong pangalan mo...what is you name
saan ka pupunta...where are you going?
dito... here
doon... saan
ano... what
bakit... why
saan...where
sino...who
heto...here
ano ito?...what's this?
ano yan...what's that?
saan yon?...where is that?

those are samples of words you must know so you can go around.. if you go to the cordilleras like in baguio and sagada...they prefer you speaking in english...

josh

It depends on where you are going. But most filipinos can speak in english, so its not really a big deal... There are even certain provinces which speaks spanish as their native dialect. But then again, speaking in english is enough, because its the second language in the philippines. There are many dialects across the country so english is the safest.=D

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