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Traveloka PH

20 Jul 2024 - 4 min read

Learn Basic Ilocano Words: Helpful Words and Phrases for Local Travel

Knowing the language of the place you’re travelling to has its perks. You don’t have to speak the language fluently, but being familiar with some catchphrases and basic terms like “Hello” and “Thank you” can get you a long way in getting around and making a good first impression among the locals of your destination.

The Philippines has eight major languages across its many islands. One of them is Ilocano, a native language spoken in several areas and is considered the third most-spoken language in the country. It is prevalent in Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, and SOCCSKSARGEN.

Planning to explore more of the local scenery in Travel Ilocano? Here are some useful Ilocano phrases for travelers that will definitely come in handy on your next trip to Central or Northern Luzon:

On the Language

If you are not yet confident in Ilocano, ask anyone first if they can speak Tagalog or English. Below you can find how to politely say that you do not understand something or to let the person you are talking to know that you only speak little Ilocano or not at all. Here are some Ilocano travel phrases that you can memorize:

Ammom ag-Tagalog? - Do you speak Tagalog?
Basit lang. - Just a little.
Haan ko ammo ag-Ilocano. - I don’t speak Ilocano.
Dyak maawatan. - I don’t understand.

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Basic Greetings and Personal Introductions

Foreign tourists arrive in the Philippines and make basic greetings in Tagalog

Foreign tourists arrive in the Philippines and make basic greetings in Tagalog

In learning a new language, knowing how to introduce yourself and greet other people is a good place to start. Check out these phrases when meeting Ilocanos and converse like a local! Common Ilocano greetings:

Kablaaw - Hello!
Naimbag nga bigat! - Good morning!
Naimbag nga malem! - Good afternoon!
Naimbag nga rabi-i! - Good evening!
Kumusta ka? - How are you?
Siak ni [name] - I am [name].
[Name] ti nagan ko - My name is [name].
Anya ti nagan mo? - What’s your name?
Mayat met, agyamanak. - I’m fine, thank you.
Taga-diin ka? - Where are you from?
Taga [country/province/city] ak. - I’m from/I live in [country/province/city].
Agyamanak unay! - Thank you very much!
Awan anyaman. - You’re welcome!
Pakada/Agpakada Akon/Kasta pa - Goodbye.
Mabalin mo kuma nga tulongannak? - Can you help me?
Pangngaasi - Please
Maawatam? - Do you understand?
Maawatak - I understand
Wen - Yes
Saan - No
Mabalinyo met nga iuliw? - Can you repeat that?
Agsao ka iti dandanayon, pangngaasi - Speak slowly, please
Naragsakak nga makita ka - Nice to meet you
Ketdin - See you later.

Having basic Essential Ilocano vocabulary phrases will not only enhance your interactions with locals but also enrich your travel experience in the northern Philippines. Locals appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language, even just a few words, and it can lead to more authentic and memorable encounters. Practise these phrases as you explore the beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture of the Ilocos Region and beyond.

Basic Word for Dining

Enjoy food at a Filipino restaurant together with Ilocano friends

Enjoy food at a Filipino restaurant together with Ilocano friends

If there’s one thing Filipinos love to do, it’s getting together to eat. In eating out at a restaurant with your Ilocano friends or when invited to their household for lunch or dinner, these Ilocano language can be useful during mealtime.

Mangan tayon! - Let’s eat.
Nangan kan? - Have you eaten yet?
Wen, nalpasen. Agyamanak! - Yes, I just ate. Thanks!
Haan pay. - Not yet.
Nagimas ti sida yo! - Your food is so good!
Naimas! - Delicious!
Mabisinakon - I’m hungry.
Nanganakon - I already ate.
Ayana kayat mo panganan? - Where do you want to eat?
Mangan ka pay. - Eat more.

Basic Food and Beverage Terms

Makan - Food
Danum - Water
Bagas- Rice
Karne- Meat
Isda - Fish
Utong- Vegetables
Bunga- Fruit
Pan - Bread
Inum - Drink
Sabaw - Soup

Eating Utensils and Dishware

Plato - Plate
Kutsara - Spoon
Tinidor - Fork
Kutsilyo- Knife
Baso - Glass
Mangkok- Bowl

Ordering and Requests

Menu - Menu
Makita ko ti menu, pangngaasi? - Can I see the menu, please?
Kayatko ti umorder iti… - I would like to order...
Ad-adu pay - More
Ad-adu ngem - Less
Hot - "Napudot"
Cold - "Napudno"
Delicious - "Napintas"
Bill, pangngaasi - Check/Bill, please

Getting Around

Tourists buy ice cream from vendors in front of Manila Cathedral using language Ilocano

Tourists buy ice cream from vendors in front of Manila Cathedral using language Ilocano

One of the best parts of travelling is seeing the sights, which usually comes hand in hand with shopping for souvenirs and experiencing the local scene. These Ilocano phrases are useful for meeting with friends, shopping for goods, using public transportation, or simply going out for errands in the area.

Mapanakon. - I’m leaving/Going now.
Agsubli ak. - I’ll be back.
Asidegakon - I’m almost there.
Para/Ditoyen Manong! - Please, pull over!
Pakiyawat man atoy pletek! - Please pass my fare.
Rumuar kami mangan dyay [food place/restaurant] - We’re going out to eat at [food place/restaurant].
Adda gatangen ko. - I need to buy something.
Paggatangak ti - Can I buy?
Paggatangan - Where can I buy?
Manu - How many?
Sagmamano - How much?
Adda ____ yu? - Do you have ____ ?
Awan tawar na? - Can I get a discount?/Last price?

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Tags:
phillipines
tagalog
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