Basics of Telling Time in Tagalog

Key Vocabulary for Time

Before delving into sentence structures, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the essential Tagalog words related to time. Here is a list of fundamental terms:

• Oras – Time / Hour
• Minuto – Minute
• Segundo – Second
• Alas – Used to indicate the hour (borrowed from Spanish)
• Umaga – Morning (6 AM to 11:59 AM)
• Tanghali – Noon (12 PM)
• Hapon – Afternoon (1 PM to 5:59 PM)
• Gabi – Evening / Night (6 PM to 11:59 PM)
• Hatinggabi – Midnight (12 AM)
• Ngayon – Now

Numbers in Tagalog (1 to 12)

Since telling time revolves around numbers, knowing Tagalog numbers 1 to 12 is essential:

• Isa (1)
• Dalawa (2)
• Tatlo (3)
• Apat (4)
• Lima (5)
• Anim (6)
• Pito (7)
• Walo (8)
• Siyam (9)
• Sampu (10)
• Labing-isa (11)
• Labindalawa (12)

How to Tell Time in Tagalog: Common Structures

Using “Alas” for the Hour

In Tagalog, the Spanish word “alas” is commonly used to indicate the hour. The structure for telling time generally follows the pattern:

Alas + [hour] + [part of the day]

Examples:

• Alas tres ng hapon – 3 PM
• Alas siyete ng umaga – 7 AM
• Alas dose ng gabi – 12 AM (midnight)

Expressing Minutes Past the Hour

To express minutes past the hour, use the word “at” (meaning “and”) followed by the number of minutes:

Alas + [hour] + at + [minutes] + [part of the day]

Examples:

• Alas tres at lima ng hapon – 3:05 PM
• Alas dose at tatlumpu ng umaga – 12:30 AM
• Alas siyete at kwarto ng gabi – 7:15 PM

Using “Kwarto” and “Kalahati” for Minutes

Instead of specific numbers, Filipinos often use the terms “kwarto” (quarter) and “kalahati” (half) to express 15 and 30 minutes past the hour, respectively:

• Alas tres y kwarto – 3:15
• Alas dose y kalahati – 12:30
• Alas siyete y kwarto ng gabi – 7:15 PM

Note: The use of “y” is a Spanish influence, meaning “and.” It is less common in casual conversation but still widely understood.

Expressing Minutes Before the Hour

To say minutes before the hour, use the phrase “kulang” (meaning “lacking” or “minus”) followed by the number of minutes:

[Next hour] kulang + [minutes]

Example:

• Alas cuatro kulang ng lima – 3:55 (five minutes before 4)
• Alas dose kulang ng kwarto – 11:45 (quarter to 12)

Cultural Context of Time in the Philippines

Filipino Time and Its Implications

Filipino culture is known for a more relaxed attitude toward punctuality, often referred to as “Filipino Time.” This means social events may start later than scheduled. When telling time or setting appointments, it’s useful to understand this cultural nuance, especially for foreigners or language learners.

Time-Related Idioms and Expressions

Tagalog has many idiomatic expressions related to time that enhance conversational skills and cultural understanding:

• “Mamaya na” – Later / Some other time
• “Sandali lang” – Just a moment
• “Mabilis ang panahon” – Time flies
• “Panahon na para…” – It’s time to…

Practical Examples and Common Phrases

Common Questions and Answers About Time

• Anong oras na? – What time is it?
• Alas tres na ng hapon. – It’s 3 PM.
• May minuto ka ba? – Do you have the time? (Informal)
• Wala akong relo. – I don’t have a watch.

Sample Dialogue

Juan: Anong oras na?

Maria: Alas dose na ng tanghali.

Juan: Sige, magkita tayo sa alas una ng hapon.

Maria: Okay, kitakits!

Tips for Learning to Tell Time in Tagalog

• Practice with Real-Life Situations: Use Talkpal or similar language apps to engage in conversations about time with native speakers or language partners.
• Memorize Key Vocabulary: Numbers, parts of the day, and common time phrases are the foundation.
• Listen to Filipino Media: Watching Filipino movies, TV shows, or listening to radio can help you get familiar with how time is expressed naturally.
• Use Flashcards: Create flashcards for numbers and time-related words for quick recall.
• Practice Both Formal and Informal Structures: Understand that casual and formal ways of telling time might differ.

Conclusion

Mastering how to tell time in Tagalog opens the door to better communication and deeper cultural connection with Filipino speakers. By learning essential vocabulary, sentence structures, and cultural nuances, you can confidently discuss time in various contexts. Leveraging language learning platforms like Talkpal can accelerate your proficiency by providing immersive practice opportunities. Whether you are planning a trip to the Philippines, making friends, or simply expanding your language skills, understanding how to tell time in Tagalog is a valuable and practical skill that enriches your overall language journey.