Tagalog Words Enriching the UAE Experience
In the UAE, Tagalog is widely spoken due to the large Filipino expatriate community. While the most used Tagalog words can vary based on context (work, daily life, socializing), there are some common words and expressions that are frequently heard in everyday life among Filipinos and even sometimes picked up by non-Filipinos in the UAE.
Here are some of the most used Tagalog words/phrases in the UAE, especially in daily conversations:
👋 Everyday Expressions
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Kumusta? – How are you?
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Salamat – Thank you
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Walang anuman – You're welcome
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Sige – Okay / Alright
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Ingat – Take care
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Oo / Hindi – Yes / No
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Pwede – Can / Is it okay
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Pasensya – Sorry / Excuse me
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Sandali lang – Just a moment
💼 Work-related (commonly used in service/hospitality settings)
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Boss – Colloquial way to address superiors or customers (even non-Filipinos sometimes use it)
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Sir / Ma’am – Often used with customers
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Tapos na – Finished / Done
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Ayos – Okay / All good
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Trabaho – Work / Job
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Pahinga – Break / Rest
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Sweldo – Salary
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Day off – (used in English but understood as “day off from work”)
🏠 Home & Daily Life
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Uwi – Go home
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Kain – Eat
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Tubig – Water
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Gutom / Busog – Hungry / Full
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Ligo – Take a shower
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Laba – Do laundry
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Linis – Clean
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Tulog – Sleep
❤️ Casual & Friendly Phrases
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Tara! – Let’s go!
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Saan ka? – Where are you?
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Anong ginagawa mo? – What are you doing?
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Miss na kita – I miss you
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Mahal kita – I love you