Tagalog Sentences: A Killer New Guide For 2021

Ling Learn Languages
6 min readMay 17, 2021

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Learning Tagalog sentences is a must in order to become fully understood by native speakers. While it is true that the Philippines also uses English as a second language, there is nothing more fulfilling than seeing how the locals will smile at you and give you credit for trying to speak and learn this amazing language. Luckily, the overall features of the language are not that hard to master, and if you practice daily, then we are confident that you will be able to construct bang on basic sentences. Ready to learn how this works? Keep on reading!

You see, sentences are significant when it comes to learning a new language. It is not enough that you understand the writing system, the common vocabulary words, and phrases because, in order for a language to work, you must fully express what you mean in a complete manner. Basically, sentences are not just strings of words to how you structure them can either make the meaning clear or lost along the way. What makes it even tricky is that some Tagalog words may be used to mean different things!

For example, Filipino people may say “basa” and depending on the sentence context and pronunciation, it could mean wet or read. The same is true for “baba” which can be used in Tagalog to refer to one’s chin or to point down. With all things considered, this means that learning Tagalog is not an easy conquest, but it is a fascinating one to take on.

Interestingly, many people from across the world are becoming more interested in this Asian language. It is easy to learn (especially if you know Spanish), and that the Filipinos are really interested in teaching their language to foreigners. Aside from that, we cannot deny that there is practically a Filipino anywhere in the world, making it possible that you might be colleagues one day! In today’s post, we will level up your skills in Tagalog and teach you the most basic sentence structures you can use anytime! The ones we will show here are perfect for both formal and casual interactions too.

Basic Filipino V.S Tagalog

Tagalog Sentences

Before we dive into it, let us clarify that what we will discuss here is for the Tagalog language. We understand that most of you are confused and wondering whether the national language of the Philippines is Filipino or Tagalog, right? In fact, even the native Filipinos do not understand the differences between the two, and they simply brush off the question by saying that they speak Tagalog. Technically, Filipino is the country’s primary language, and the English language follows it.

The Filipino language is drawn from different languages in the Philippines, but it relies heavily on Tagalog. For this reason alone, we can say that not all Filipinos can speak Tagalog, but most of them can speak the Filipino language. So, perhaps you are wondering why you should learn Tagalog. Tagalog is the most widely used language in the country, and it is used in most cities. Want to go to Manila for a business venture or to find work? Tagalog is the one you should learn.

Now that that is out of the way, we can now move on to the day’s lesson: the Tagalog sentences!

Basic Tagalog Sentences

While memorizing how to say mabuhay (welcome in English), salamat (thank you), or any other one-word greetings or expressions can help you out on engaging in conversations, and you cannot really survive on those alone. In order to communicate better what you mean, you have to express yourself by using grammatically correct Tagalog sentences. The word sentence refers to pangungusap in the Tagalog language, and there are four types of it. Below are the types and examples which you can use.

  1. Pasalaysay / Paturol (Declarative)
  • Aalis ako at mag sho-shopping ngayong araw. (I’m going to shop today.)
  • Wala na tayong magandang damit. (We do not have nice clothes.)
  • Ang paru-paro ay lumilipad (The butterfly is flying.)
  • Ako ay hindi masaya ngayong umaga. (I am not happy this morning.)
  • Hindi ko na alam kung ano ang dapat ko pang sabihin. (I do not know what else to say.)

2. Patanong (Interrogative)

  • Saan ka na ba susunod na pupunta?(Where are you going next?)
  • Marunong ka bang magsalita ng Tagalog?(Do you know how to speak Tagalog?)
  • Mahal mo pa ba ako? (Do you still love me?)
  • Magkano ba ang isang kilong gabi na ito? (How much is a kilo of taro?)
  • Wala ka bang kita ngayong araw na ito? (Did you not earn much today?)

3. Pautos / Pakiusap (Imperative)

  • Pakisara mo naman ang pinto. (Please close the door)
  • Pakiligpit ang kalat mamayang hapon. (Please clean up later in the afternoon.)
  • Mag luto ka mamaya para ating mga bisita. (Please cook later for our guests.)
  • Pakiusap ituro mo sa akin ang isang paraan paano ito gawin. (Please teach me one way on how I can do this.)
  • Pakihanap ang baso dahil hindi ko alam kung saan ko ito naiwan nung gabi. (Find the cup, for I do not know where I left it last night.)

4. Padamdam (Exclamation)

  • Sa wakas! Pasensya na at ngayon lang ako nagbayad. (Finally! I am sorry it took me long to pay you back.)
  • Naku! Ako ay nahulog na sa kanya! (Oh! I fell for him/her.)
  • Takbo! Paparating na naman ang mabangis na also! (Run! The fierce dog is coming.)
  • Wow! Magandang balita iyan para sa akin! (Wow! It is a good news for me!)
  • Aray! Ang sakit naman niyan! (Ouch! It hurts!)

As we reach this part of the post, we hope you could learn the basic Tagalog sentences. Please note that these are basically just like how English sentences are used; thus, the tone is the same. For instance, whenever you say a sentence that is in an interrogative form, you simply have to say it in a rising sound to signify that it is a question. Easy, right?

If you enjoyed this post, please share it on social media and help us reach more people interested in lessons related to the Tagalog language. Also, check out our previous Tagalog-related posts like how to say salamat, translation of hello, grammar points, and how to greet a happy birthday.

Are you interested in speaking this language like a total pro? Learn words, phrases, expressions, and critical grammar points today with our most recommended apps available to download for free. Yep, free as in there is zero payment and risks involved! Read on below.

Learn Tagalog Words And Phrases Today!

The Philippines is truly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia, and it makes it on top of the list because its citizens are fluent in English. This means that even if you have zero knowledge of Tagalog, you can still get your message across in English, sign language, and be on the same page. However, if you truly want to experience the country, the best way is to know one of the top Philippine languages, and that is Tagalog.

Contrary to common belief, you do not have to spend a boatload of cash just to memorize and practice this! In fact, you can simply use Ling App and Simply Learn today. These applications from Simya Solutions are heaven-sent, and they provide support and relevant examples that will help you acquiring Tagalog. Both of the apps come equipped with audio files, images, and translations so that you can have the confidence when finally using the language in real-life conversations.

So, what are you waiting for? Be sure to download the apps today to start your learning on the right foot.

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