Lesson 003

Welcome back!

Are you ready? (Redi ka na?)

Yes. (Oo.)

Okay...

(1) Be smart. Filipinos could tend to be tactless, so be fully aware. And when they say something that might be offensive to your foreign ears and sometimes delicate sensibilities, please remember that most aren't being a jerk. And, this is important, even though they can be a little offensive with the things they say (they have all the excuses -- lost in translation, couldn't find the right word, don't know certain words have several meanings or connotations, cultural thing, and other reasons), you on the otherhand cannot and should not be tactless on what you say or do, as in never.

For one, "oo" (read as two short Os, pronounced separately) is Tagalog for yes.

But, like in many Asian cultures, Tagalog has words that you need to use to make your sentences formal or to show respect. And normally you do so when you are speaking with people who are noticeably older than you.

Examples are adding the simple words "po" or "ho" (remember no long vowel sounds in Tagalog).

So when you are replying to a simple yes or no question and speaking to an older person. You should use:

"oo po" (for yes) or "oo ho" or beter yet, use the shortened version "opo" or "oho".

If the answer is no, then it is "hindi po" or "hindi ho". But most times the answer is almost always "opo" or "oho".

And that is all to it. To make any response more formal, add "po" or "ho". There might be certain rules on when to use "po" or "ho" but in general practice, they are interchangeable.

(2) Simple questions.

Who - (Sino or Sino po).

What - (Ano or Ano ho).

When - (Kailan or Kailan po).

Where - (Saan or Saan po).

Why - (Bakit or Bakit ho). Tip: this question should be used very sparingly. Yes, as in never say no, then also never ask why.

How - (Paano or Paano ho).

How many - (Gaano karami or Gaano karami ho).

and

How much (price) - (Magkano or Magkano ho).

I know, these could be overwhelming, but it shouldn't be. And if you are stuck in how to pronounce, then go back to Lesson 2.

And remember my three simple rules.

• Read all syllables separate, do not try to combine them.

Like "paano" (how) is read "pa-a-no"

• There are no silent letters, read out every syllable as it is written

• And again no long vowel sounds

Summary

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