Knowing a few words of Filipino (Tagalog) goes a long way in El Nido. While most tourism workers speak enough English to communicate, locals genuinely appreciate any effort to use their language — and a few key phrases will get you better service, warmer interactions, and often a lower price. This guide covers the most useful Tagalog phrases for tourists in El Nido.
Table of Contents
About the Languages in El Nido
The Philippines has over 170 languages. In El Nido and Palawan, you’ll encounter:
- Filipino (Tagalog): The national language — understood everywhere, used in schools and media
- Cuyonon: The local indigenous language of Palawan — spoken among older locals and fishing communities; you’ll hear it in the market and villages
- English: Widely spoken, especially in tourism contexts — the Philippines has one of the highest English proficiency rates in Asia
- Ilocano, Bicolano: Spoken by migrants from other Philippine regions working in El Nido
For tourist purposes, Filipino (Tagalog) and English will cover you completely. The Tagalog phrases below will delight locals and make your trip noticeably warmer.
Essential Greetings & Courtesy
| English | Tagalog | Pronunciation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello / Hi | Kamusta | kah-MOOS-tah | Very common greeting; short form: “Musta” |
| Good morning | Magandang umaga | mah-gan-DANG oo-MAH-gah | Maganda = beautiful; use before noon |
| Good afternoon | Magandang hapon | mah-gan-DANG HAH-pon | Use noon to sunset |
| Good evening | Magandang gabi | mah-gan-DANG GAH-bee | Use after sunset |
| Thank you | Salamat | sah-LAH-mat | The most important word to know |
| Thank you very much | Maraming salamat | mah-RAH-ming sah-LAH-mat | Maraming = many/very much |
| You’re welcome | Walang anuman | wah-LANG ah-noo-MAN | Literally “it’s nothing” |
| Please | Pakiusap / Paki | pah-kee-OO-sap | Often shortened to “paki” before a verb |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Patawad / Pasensya | pah-TAH-wad / pah-SEN-syah | Pasensya is softer and more common |
| Yes | Oo / Opo | oh-OH / oh-POH | “Opo” is the respectful form (use with elders) |
| No | Hindi | HIN-dee | Not the Indian language — just coincidence! |
Ordering Food & Drinks
| English | Tagalog | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I want / I’d like | Gusto ko ng… | GOOS-toh koh nang |
| How much is this? | Magkano ito? | mag-KAH-noh EE-toh |
| The bill please | Pakibigay ng bill | pah-kee-BEE-gay nang bill |
| Delicious! | Masarap! | mah-SAH-rap |
| Water please | Tubig nga po | TOO-big ngah poh |
| Beer please | Beer nga po | beer ngah poh |
| No spicy please | Huwag maanghang | hoo-WAG mah-ANG-hang |
| I’m full / enough | Busog na ako | boo-SAWG nah ah-KOH |
| Very delicious! | Napakasarap! | nah-pah-kah-SAH-rap |
Transport & Directions
| English | Tagalog | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Where is…? | Nasaan ang…? | nah-SAH-an ang |
| How much to go to…? | Magkano papunta sa…? | Essential for tricycle negotiation |
| Take me to… | Pakihatid sa… | pah-kee-HAH-tid sah |
| Stop here please | Dito na po | DEE-toh nah poh |
| Left | Kaliwa | kah-LEE-wah |
| Right | Kanan | KAH-nan |
| Straight ahead | Diretso | dee-RET-soh |
| Near / Far | Malapit / Malayo | mah-LAH-pit / mah-LAH-yoh |
| Wait for me | Hintayin mo ako | Useful for tricycle drivers |
Shopping & Bargaining
| English | Tagalog | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| How much? | Magkano? | The most useful shopping phrase |
| Too expensive | Mahal na mahal | mah-HAL nah mah-HAL — use with a smile |
| Can you lower the price? | Pwede bang bawasan? | Polite way to bargain |
| I’ll take it | Kukuha na ako nito | koo-KOO-ha nah ah-KOH NEE-toh |
| Do you have…? | Mayroon ba kayong…? | may-ROH-on bah KAH-yong |
| I’m just looking | Tinitingnan ko lang | Useful in souvenir shops |
Beach & Tour Phrases
| English | Tagalog |
|---|---|
| Is it safe to swim here? | Ligtas ba lumangoy dito? |
| The water is beautiful! | Maganda ang tubig! |
| I want to snorkel | Gusto kong mag-snorkel |
| Where is the toilet? | Nasaan ang CR? (comfort room) |
| I’m tired | Pagod na ako |
| It’s very hot! | Mainit na mainit! |
| Beautiful view! | Magandang tanawin! |
| Take my photo please | Pwede bang kunan ng litrato? |
Useful Numbers
| Number | Tagalog | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isa | EE-sah |
| 2 | Dalawa | dah-LAH-wah |
| 3 | Tatlo | TAT-loh |
| 4 | Apat | AH-pat |
| 5 | Lima | LEE-mah |
| 10 | Sampu | SAM-poo |
| 100 | Isang daan | EE-sang DAH-an |
| 1,000 | Isang libo | EE-sang LEE-boh |
Cuyonon: A Few Local Words
Cuyonon is the indigenous language of Palawan and you’ll hear it spoken by older locals, fishermen, and in the market. Knowing even one or two words will earn you enormous goodwill:
- Salamat gid — Thank you very much (Cuyonon; similar to Tagalog but distinct)
- Mayad nga aga — Good morning
- Kamusta ka? — How are you? (similar to Tagalog)
- Palangga ta ka — I love you (useful for deep friendships made at beach bars)
Pronunciation Tips
- Every vowel is pronounced: Filipino vowels (a, e, i, o, u) are always sounded — there are no silent vowels
- “Ng” is a single sound (nasal, like the end of “sing”) — appears at the start of words like “ngayon” (today)
- Stress matters: Stress the syllable marked in the pronunciation guides above — wrong stress can change meaning
- “Po” and “Opo”: Adding “po” to any sentence makes it more respectful. Use it with older Filipinos and in formal contexts. You’ll hear it constantly from locals serving you.
For more on planning your El Nido trip: El Nido Travel Tips | Restaurants Guide | Cheap Eats Guide
