20 Useful Tagalog Phrases for Working With Filipino Teams

You’re running a fast-growing SaaS startup in Sydney. You’ve just outsourced customer support to the Philippines. English is fluent. Tasks are completed. But something’s missing.

It’s connection. And context. And a culture-first mindset.

Filipinos are known for adaptability and excellent communication. But just because you can speak English to your offshore team doesn’t mean you should rely on it alone. Learning a few Tagalog phrases can be the simple but strategic move that builds rapport and drives loyalty.

Language is more than words. It’s a signal. A small show of respect that pays long-term dividends, especially in outsourcing recruitment services.

The Role of Tagalog in Filipino Work Culture

Tagalog, also called Filipino, is the national language of the Philippines and is spoken by around 43 million people as their first language, based on 2020 Census data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. Over 10.5 million households use Tagalog at home, and when second-language speakers are included, the total rises to approximately 45 million. It’s the primary language in Metro Manila and nearby regions, and widely understood nationwide.

In urban work settings, Tagalog blends with English in what locals call “Taglish.” While the Philippines ranks second in Asia on the 2023 EF English Proficiency Index, speaking Tagalog, even just a few phrases, goes beyond clarity and builds cultural connection. Learn why the Philippines speaks English so fluently.

According to Hofstede Insights, the Philippines scores high in Power Distance and low in Individualism, reflecting a strong respect for hierarchy and group harmony. Learning basic Tagalog supports psychological safety and strengthens team rapport, especially in outsourced and remote work environments. But are Filipinos considered Asian or something else? Understanding how Filipinos view themselves culturally can improve your leadership style.

20 Tagalog Phrases for the Workplace

These phrases do more than translate words, they build trust, humanize virtual interactions, and make remote management smoother. When used with intention, they can subtly reinforce empathy, reduce friction, and help bridge cultural gaps in your outsourcing relationships.

1. Oo / Hindi — Yes / No
These are your go-to confirmation tools.
Use in: task approvals, meeting responses, or status checks.
Cultural tip: Directness is fine in written form, but pair it with warmth when spoken.

2. Kumusta? / ’Musta? — How are you?
A foundational greeting that works wonders in check-ins.
Use in: Slack intros, video call openers, or post-weekend chats.
Cultural tip: It communicates that you’re not just a boss—you’re paying attention to your team’s well-being.

3. Salamat / Maraming Salamat — Thank you / Thank you very much
Gratitude goes a long way in Filipino culture.
Use in: every thank-you message, task handoff, or wrap-up.
Cultural tip: “Maraming salamat” feels more sincere and can deepen your rapport instantly.

4. Pasensya na — Sorry / Excuse me
A gracious way to acknowledge a delay, mistake, or interruption.
Use in: missed deadlines, late replies, or tech glitches.
Cultural tip: Saying sorry before offering feedback also helps soften its reception.

5. Trabaho — Work / Job
A flexible term used in both casual and formal settings.
Use in: goal discussions, timelines, or performance reviews.
Cultural tip: “Ang galing ng trabaho mo!” (Great work!) is a compliment worth learning.

6. Sweldo / Sahod — Salary / Pay
Used when discussing pay cycles, compensation, or payroll concerns.
Use in: onboarding, performance reviews, or HR-related chats.
Cultural tip: Transparent and timely updates on sweldo earn respect and reduce anxiety.

7. Magkano? — How much?
Helpful in procurement and approval processes.
Use in: discussions about project budgets, reimbursements, or costs.
Cultural tip: Saying “Magkano po?” adds politeness, especially when asking a favor.

8. Amo — Boss
Refers to you, sometimes playfully or respectfully.
Use in: conversations about management or company leadership.
Cultural tip: Don’t be alarmed if your team calls you this, it’s often tongue-in-cheek.

9. Kumpanya / Negosyo — Company / Business
Essential for referring to your organization.
Use in: onboarding sessions, team alignment talks, or values communication.
Cultural tip: “Negosyo” has a more entrepreneurial ring, often used when describing your startup’s mission.

10. Marunong ka bang mag-[skill]? — Do you know how to [skill]?
A practical way to probe capabilities politely.
Use in: skill assessments, project planning, or resourcing conversations.
Cultural tip: It’s often more respectful than “Do you know how to do this?”

11. Tapos na — It’s done / Finished
Efficient phrase for task completion.
Use in: daily stand-ups, Trello or Slack updates.
Cultural tip: You can reply “Tapos na po” to add politeness, especially when reporting to a manager.

12. Sandali lang — Just a moment
A kind way to ask someone to hold on.
Use in: video calls, messaging delays, or multitasking scenarios.
Cultural tip: “Saglit lang” is a synonym but more casual.

13. Pahinga muna tayo — Let’s take a break
Demonstrates that you value well-being and not just output.
Use in: long Zoom meetings, sprints, or after major deadlines.
Cultural tip: Promoting breaks can reduce burnout and subtly improve retention.

14. Ingat ka — Take care
A thoughtful sign-off that resonates.
Use in: closing messages, emails, or after late-night shifts.
Cultural tip: This small gesture builds emotional connection more than you’d expect.

15. Ayos lang / OK lang — It’s fine / No problem
Perfect for smoothing over small mistakes or delays.
Use in: feedback loops, casual chats, or de-escalations.
Cultural tip: It can mean “it’s okay” even when the person feels otherwise, watch for tone and context.

16. Anong oras? — What time?
Helpful when syncing across time zones.
Use in: scheduling meetings, follow-ups, or sending invites.
Cultural tip: Time fluidity is real in Filipino culture. Follow up with reminders.

17. Pwede ba? — Is it okay? / May I?
Softens directives and makes requests more collaborative.
Use in: asking for quick help, delegating tasks, or suggesting changes.
Cultural tip: Use this often, it aligns with the Filipino cultural trait of avoiding confrontation.

18. Sige — Alright / Go ahead
A casual approval that shows agreement.
Use in: project greenlights, casual decisions, or encouraging action.
Cultural tip: It’s often repeated, “Sige, sige!”, which makes it sound more friendly.

19. Puwede ko bang malaman…? — May I know…?
Adds tact and respect to any inquiry.
Use in: progress checks, data requests, or clarifying responsibilities.
Cultural tip: The indirect phrasing respects hierarchy and avoids sounding accusatory.

20. Magandang araw / hapon / gabi — Good day / afternoon / evening
Adds polish to greetings in written or spoken form.
Use in: emails, virtual presentations, or client-facing meetings.
Cultural tip: These phrases signal respect and are especially effective when used by foreign team leads.

Tips for Using Tagalog Respectfully

Learning a few Tagalog phrases is a great start but how you use them matters just as much as what you say. Done right, it strengthens trust and deepens working relationships. Done wrong, it can come off as performative or even patronizing. Here are some essential tips to ensure your efforts land with the sincerity and respect they deserve:

1. Don’t overdo it. Let it flow naturally.
Peppering every sentence with Tagalog may feel enthusiastic, but it can sound forced or awkward, especially if you’re still learning. Instead, sprinkle key phrases in moments where they make genuine sense: greeting someone, showing appreciation, or signing off with warmth. Think salamat after receiving a deliverable, not “trabaho” in every Slack message.

2. Match tone and formality.
Like English, Tagalog has both formal and casual registers. “Kumusta ka?” (casual) vs. “Kumusta po kayo?” (formal) may express the same idea, but using the wrong one in the wrong setting can feel jarring. Observe how your team interacts with you and mirror their tone. If you’re in a leadership role, using a slightly more formal approach at first shows respect.

3. Invite your team to teach you more.
Language learning is an act of humility and Filipinos deeply appreciate that. Try saying, “Anong Tagalog ng…”(What’s the Tagalog word for…?) during casual chats. This not only shows genuine interest in their culture but also breaks hierarchical barriers. You’ll often get smiles, jokes, and even new words to add to your growing vocabulary.

4. Never use Tagalog to mock or stereotype.
This may sound obvious, but it’s worth stating. Mimicking accents, misusing slang, or quoting pop culture without context can feel disrespectful even if unintentional. Stick to phrases you understand and always prioritize tone over cleverness.

5. Remember: it’s about connection, not perfection.
You don’t need perfect grammar or pronunciation to make a meaningful impact. A simple “Magandang araw!” in an email opener or “Ingat!” in a message can speak volumes. Filipino professionals are generally gracious and patient, what matters most is your intent to bridge the gap. Language, after all, is layered with history and identity. Explore the Hispanic influences that shaped the Filipino language and etiquette.

Using Tagalog respectfully isn’t just a communication tactic, it’s leadership. It’s how you say, “I see you, I value your culture, and I want to meet you halfway.” And in a remote-first, outsourced workplace, that kind of effort is never lost in translation. 

Why This Matters for Retention and Engagement

In the Philippines, where relationships often matter more than rigid rules, cultural fluency becomes a leadership advantage. When foreign employers make the effort to learn basic Tagalog, it humanizes remote work and shifts the dynamic from transactional to relational, fostering trust and emotional connection.

The Philippines’ IT-BPM sector is on track to hit 1.9 million jobs and $40 billion in revenue by 2025, according to IBPAP, proof of its global outsourcing strength. These professionals aren’t just task executors; they value collaboration, culture, and long-term partnership. Understanding Filipino cultural values can help you lead your team more effectively.

Where Penbrothers Comes In

At Penbrothers, we help clients go beyond talent acquisition. Our outsourcing recruitment services don’t just fill roles, they build high-performing offshore teams with strong cultural foundations.

We onboard talent with communication and empathy in mind. We advise clients on local best practices. We help global companies become better Filipino employers.

We believe that understanding people means understanding language. And we make sure our clients don’t outsource that part.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be fluent. You just need to try.
Start with “Salamat.” Add “Kumusta?” soon after. Let your Filipino team see that you’re here not just to manage but to relate.

Because in global teams, small words make a big impact.
And in outsourcing recruitment services, relationships are everything.

At Penbrothers, we help companies build not just teams, but trust. If you’re looking to grow in the Philippines with cultural intelligence and long-term engagement in mind, let’s make it happen.