Tagalog Phrases
Tagalog phrases with English translations can help you communicate with Filipino friends, relatives, or a partner. Below you will find romantic expressions, questions about relationships and marriage, and everyday phrases you can practice together.
Tagalog is widely spoken in the Philippines and is the principal basis of the national language, Filipino. Wording and tone can vary by situation and region; some expressions below are poetic or informal, rather than phrases commonly used in everyday conversation.
Tagalog Phrases and English Translations
Love & romance
| Tagalog phrase | English translation |
|---|---|
| Mahal kita. | I love you. |
| Minamahal kita. | I love you. |
| Iniibig kita. | I love you. |
| Sinisinta kita. | I love you. |
| Lab kita. | I love you (colloquial). |
| Mahal ka sa akin. | You are dear to me. |
| Mahal mo ba ako? | Do you love me? |
| May iba ka na bang mahal? | Do you love someone else? |
| May gusto ako sa iyo. | I like you / I have a crush on you. |
| Wala akong gusto sa iyo. | I don’t like you. |
| Hindi kita mahal. | I don’t love you. |
| Mahal mo pa ba ako? | Do you still love me? |
| May gusto ka ba sa akin? | Do you have a crush on me? |
| Ang pag-ibig ko sa iyo ay tunay. | My love for you is genuine. |
| Lagi kang nasa isip ko. | You’re always on my mind. |
| Ikaw ang mundo ko. | You are my world. |
| Baliw na baliw ako sa iyo. | I am crazy about you. |
| Gusto kitang makita. | I want to see you. |
| Gusto kitang halikan. | I want to kiss you. |
| Gusto kitang yakapin. | I want to hug you. |
| Ang ganda mo! | You look beautiful! |
| Maganda ka! | You are beautiful. |
| Ang bango mo. | You smell nice. |
Marriage & commitment
| Tagalog phrase | English translation |
|---|---|
| Gusto kitang makasama habang buhay. | I want to spend my life with you. |
| Gusto na kitang pakasalan. | I want to marry you. |
| Kailan tayo magpapakasal? | When are we getting married? |
| Pakakasalan ba kita kung hindi kita mahal? | Would I marry you if I did not love you? |
| Puwede ba kitang ligawan? | May I court you? |
| May nanliligaw ba sa iyo? | Is someone courting you? |
| Puwede ba kitang maging kasintahan? | May I be your sweetheart / partner? |
| Gusto kita, pero kaibigan lang. | I like you, but only as a friend. |
| Kaibigan lang ba ang turing mo sa akin? | Do you only see me as a friend? |
| Ikaw lang ang babae sa buhay ko. | You are the only woman in my life. |
| Gusto kong makapiling ka habang buhay. | I want to be with you for life. |
| Gusto ko, sa araw-araw ng buhay ko ay nasa tabi kita. | I want you beside me every day of my life. |
| Sana isang araw, paggising ko ay nasa tabi na kita. | I hope someday you’ll be beside me when I wake up. |
| Guapo ang asawa ko! | My husband is handsome! |
Everyday conversation
| Tagalog phrase | English translation |
|---|---|
| Kumusta ka? | How are you? |
| Magandang umaga. | Good morning. |
| Magandang hapon. | Good afternoon. |
| Magandang gabi. | Good evening. |
| Salamat. | Thank you. |
| Maraming salamat po. | Thank you very much (polite). |
| Walang anuman. | You’re welcome. |
| Pakiusap. | Please / a request. |
| Paumanhin. | Excuse me / I’m sorry. |
| Oo. | Yes. |
| Hindi. | No. |
| Puwede ba? | May I? / Is it okay? |
| Ano ang ibig mong sabihin? | What do you mean? |
| Mag-ingat ka lagi. | Always take care. |
| Kailan kaya kita makakapiling muli? | When can I be with you again? |
| Puwede ba kitang halikan? | May I kiss you? |
| Puwede ba kitang yakapin? | May I hug you? |
| Halikan mo nga ako! | Kiss me, please! |
| Hawakan mo ako at lambingin mo. | Hold me and be affectionate with me. |
| Matulog na tayo, irog. | Let’s go to sleep, sweetheart. |
| Ang lambot mo. | You are soft. |
| Malambot ang mga labi mo. | Your lips are very soft. |
How to Use Tagalog Phrases Naturally
Begin with simple expressions such as salamat (thank you) or kumusta ka (how are you?). If you are speaking with older relatives or people you have just met, ask your partner about respectful ways of speaking, including when to use po and opo. Learning words is only part of learning how people communicate.
Couples also enjoy practicing romantic Tagalog phrases together. Before using a poetic or intimate expression, ask a native speaker whether it sounds natural in the situation. If you are interested in Filipino dating customs, read our Courtship in the Philippines article.
From Learning Tagalog to Planning a Future Together
For some Americans, learning Tagalog is part of a serious long-distance relationship. If your relationship progresses toward engagement or marriage, the next question may be how you and your loved one can live together in the United States. Our guide to Marriage Visa USA explains the available options.
Planning Your Future Together in America?
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Language note: This is a practical introductory list, not a certified dictionary. Regional usage and translations can vary; confirm unfamiliar expressions with a fluent Tagalog speaker.