Learning a new language can be both an exciting and challenging endeavor. If you’re starting to learn Tagalog, the national language of the Philippines, you’re in for a rewarding experience. To get you started on the right track, I’ve compiled a list of essential Tagalog words that are perfect for A1 level learners. These words will help you build a strong foundation and make your initial foray into the language smoother.
Basic Greetings and Common Phrases
One of the first things you’ll want to learn in any language are the basic greetings and phrases. These will help you navigate simple conversations and make a good first impression.
1. **Hello** – Kumusta
2. **Good morning** – Magandang umaga
3. **Good afternoon** – Magandang hapon
4. **Good evening** – Magandang gabi
5. **Goodbye** – Paalam
6. **Thank you** – Salamat
7. **Yes** – Oo
8. **No** – Hindi
9. **Please** – Pakiusap
10. **Excuse me / Sorry** – Paumanhin or Pasensya
11. **How are you?** – Kumusta ka?
12. **I’m fine, thank you.** – Mabuti, salamat.
13. **What’s your name?** – Anong pangalan mo?
14. **My name is…** – Ang pangalan ko ay…
Numbers and Counting
Numbers are essential, especially when dealing with money, time, or quantities. Here are the basic numbers from one to ten:
1. **One** – Isa
2. **Two** – Dalawa
3. **Three** – Tatlo
4. **Four** – Apat
5. **Five** – Lima
6. **Six** – Anim
7. **Seven** – Pito
8. **Eight** – Walo
9. **Nine** – Siyam
10. **Ten** – Sampu
To form numbers beyond ten, you combine these basic numbers. For example, eleven is “labing-isa” (ten and one), and twenty is “dalawampu” (two tens).
Days of the Week
Knowing the days of the week will help you manage your schedule and understand when events are happening.
1. **Monday** – Lunes
2. **Tuesday** – Martes
3. **Wednesday** – Miyerkules
4. **Thursday** – Huwebes
5. **Friday** – Biyernes
6. **Saturday** – Sabado
7. **Sunday** – Linggo
Months of the Year
Here are the months of the year in Tagalog. They’re quite similar to English, making them easier to remember.
1. **January** – Enero
2. **February** – Pebrero
3. **March** – Marso
4. **April** – Abril
5. **May** – Mayo
6. **June** – Hunyo
7. **July** – Hulyo
8. **August** – Agosto
9. **September** – Setyembre
10. **October** – Oktubre
11. **November** – Nobyembre
12. **December** – Disyembre
Question Words
Questions are fundamental to any conversation. Here are some basic question words in Tagalog:
1. **What** – Ano
2. **Who** – Sino
3. **Where** – Saan
4. **When** – Kailan
5. **Why** – Bakit
6. **How** – Paano
Family Members
Talking about family is a common topic of conversation. Here are some words you’ll need:
1. **Father** – Ama or Tatay
2. **Mother** – Ina or Nanay
3. **Brother** – Kapatid na lalaki
4. **Sister** – Kapatid na babae
5. **Son** – Anak na lalaki
6. **Daughter** – Anak na babae
7. **Grandfather** – Lolo
8. **Grandmother** – Lola
Common Verbs
Verbs are the action words in a sentence. Here are some common verbs to get you started:
1. **To eat** – Kumain
2. **To drink** – Uminom
3. **To go** – Pumunta
4. **To come** – Dumating
5. **To see** – Makita
6. **To hear** – Marinig
7. **To speak** – Magsalita
8. **To write** – Magsulat
9. **To read** – Magbasa
10. **To sleep** – Matulog
Essential Adjectives
Adjectives describe nouns and are crucial for making your sentences more descriptive.
1. **Big** – Malaki
2. **Small** – Maliit
3. **Good** – Mabuti
4. **Bad** – Masama
5. **Hot** – Mainit
6. **Cold** – Malamig
7. **Happy** – Masaya
8. **Sad** – Malungkot
9. **Beautiful** – Maganda
10. **Ugly** – Pangit
Useful Nouns
Nouns are the building blocks of sentences. Here are some useful nouns for beginners:
1. **House** – Bahay
2. **Car** – Kotse
3. **Food** – Pagkain
4. **Water** – Tubig
5. **Friend** – Kaibigan
6. **City** – Lungsod
7. **School** – Paaralan
8. **Work** – Trabaho
9. **Market** – Pamilihan
10. **Store** – Tindahan
Basic Sentences
Now that you have a good list of words, let’s put them into simple sentences. Practice these to get a feel for Tagalog sentence structure:
1. **I am eating.** – Kumakain ako.
2. **You are drinking water.** – Umiinom ka ng tubig.
3. **He is going to the market.** – Pumunta siya sa pamilihan.
4. **She is reading a book.** – Nagbabasa siya ng libro.
5. **We are happy.** – Masaya kami.
6. **They are friends.** – Magkaibigan sila.
Forming Questions
To form questions, you can often place the question word at the beginning of the sentence:
1. **What is this?** – Ano ito?
2. **Who is he?** – Sino siya?
3. **Where are you going?** – Saan ka pupunta?
4. **When is the party?** – Kailan ang party?
5. **Why are you sad?** – Bakit ka malungkot?
6. **How do you do this?** – Paano mo ito gawin?
Practice Makes Perfect
The key to mastering any language is practice. Here are a few tips to help you practice your new Tagalog vocabulary:
1. **Flashcards:** Create flashcards with the Tagalog word on one side and the English translation on the other. Review them daily.
2. **Language Exchange:** Find a language partner who speaks Tagalog and wants to learn English. You can help each other practice.
3. **Daily Use:** Try to incorporate new words into your daily routine. Label objects around your house with their Tagalog names.
4. **Listening Practice:** Listen to Tagalog music, watch Tagalog movies, or follow Tagalog YouTube channels.
5. **Writing Practice:** Keep a journal in Tagalog. Start with simple sentences and gradually make them more complex.
Conclusion
Learning a new language is a journey that requires dedication and practice. By familiarizing yourself with these essential Tagalog words and phrases, you’re well on your way to achieving A1 level proficiency. Remember to practice regularly, seek opportunities to use the language, and most importantly, enjoy the learning process. Happy learning, and mabuhay! (Long live!)
