Understanding the Basics of Telling Time in Filipino
Filipino primarily uses two systems for telling time: the Spanish-derived system and the English-based system. Both are widely accepted and understood throughout the Philippines, but the Spanish system is more commonly used in everyday conversation, while the English system is often used in formal settings such as schools and offices.
The Filipino Words for Numbers and Time Markers
First, let’s familiarize ourselves with basic numbers and time markers in Filipino:
- One – Isa
- Two – Dalawa
- Three – Tatlo
- Four – Apat
- Five – Lima
- Six – Anim
- Seven – Pito
- Eight – Walo
- Nine – Siyam
- Ten – Sampu
The word for “o’clock” in Filipino is oras, and the words for morning, afternoon, and evening are:
- Morning – Umaga
- Afternoon – Hapon
- Evening – Gabi
How to Ask “What Time Is It?” in Filipino
The most common way to ask for the time in Filipino is:
Anong oras na? – What time is it?
Alternatively, you might hear:
Alas na? – (Shortened, informal version)
How to Say the Hours in Filipino
The hours are typically expressed using the Spanish-based system, which uses “alas” followed by the number (in Spanish or Filipino):
- Alas una – 1:00
- Alas dos – 2:00
- Alas tres – 3:00
- Alas kuwatro – 4:00
- Alas singko – 5:00
- Alas sais – 6:00
- Alas siyete – 7:00
- Alas otso – 8:00
- Alas nuwebe – 9:00
- Alas diyes – 10:00
- Alas onse – 11:00
- Alas dose – 12:00
Notice that these follow the Spanish numbers for the hours, a remnant of centuries of Spanish influence in the Philippines.
Adding Minutes
To indicate minutes, say the hour, then “at” (meaning “and”), followed by the number of minutes:
Alas dos y medya – 2:30 (from Spanish “y media” for half past)
Alas tres y kuwatro – 3:15
If you want to say “ten minutes past two,” you would say:
Alas dos ng sampung minuto – 2:10
Specifying Time of Day
After stating the hour and minutes, you can specify the time of day:
- ng umaga – in the morning
- ng hapon – in the afternoon
- ng gabi – in the evening
For example:
Alas siyete ng umaga – 7:00 in the morning
Alas otso ng gabi – 8:00 in the evening
Common Phrases for Telling Time in Filipino
- Eksakto – Exactly
- Labing-lima – Fifteen (used for quarters)
- Kalahati – Half
- Makaraan ang – After (e.g., “makaraan ang sampung minuto” – after ten minutes)
- Bago mag – Before (e.g., “bago mag alas tres” – before three o’clock)
Practice Examples
Try these examples to get comfortable:
- Alas kwatro y medya ng hapon – 4:30 in the afternoon
- Alas nuwebe ng gabi – 9:00 in the evening
- Alas dose ng tanghali – 12:00 noon
Tips for Mastering Filipino Time Expressions
- Practice with real-life scenarios, such as setting appointments or planning activities with friends.
- Use language tools like Talkpal to rehearse your pronunciation and comprehension.
- Listen to native speakers and pay attention to their phrasing and intonation when telling time.
- Mix both the Spanish and English systems as you hear them in context to build your fluency.
Conclusion
Learning how to tell time in Filipino is a practical and rewarding skill that will enhance your everyday communication. With regular practice and by using innovative language learning platforms like Talkpal, you will soon find yourself confidently asking and telling the time in Filipino. Happy learning and magandang oras sa iyo (have a great time)!
