Useful Foreign Phrases for Filipinos Abroad
Apr 2, 2012
Filipinos are known for their fluency in the English language. This trait makes it easy for Filipinos to adapt to a global workplace. However, aside from English, it is equally important to be familiar with the language that is commonly used by the locals in the foreign country where you intend to stay. In fact some countries require foreign workers to pass a language proficiency test to be considered for employment.
As they say, Filipinos are natural linguists. Many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) become fluent in a foreign language after spending some time in a particular country. Their constant interaction with the locals and exposure to the foreign culture made them speak Italian, Arabic, Nipongo, etc. like a native citizen.
But for first time OFWs, it is advisable to brush up on local terminology and phrases before heading to your desired host country. Here are some useful phrases for Filipinos working and living in Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Japan, Spain Italy, and Malaysia.
|
Phrases |
Say it in Arabic |
Say it in Mandarin |
Say it in Nipongo |
Say it in Spanish |
Say it in Italian |
Say it in Malay |
|
Hi |
Salam |
Ni Hao Ma |
Yaa. |
Hola |
Ciao |
Hi |
|
How are you? |
Keef Halek |
Ni Hao |
Ogenki desuka? |
Como esta? |
Come va? |
Apa Khabar? |
|
What is your name? |
Ma Ismok? |
Ni Jiao Shenme Mingzi? |
Namae wa nandesu ka? |
Como se llama? |
Come si chiama? |
Apakah Nama Anda? |
|
My name is _ |
Esmee ___ |
Wo xing__ |
Watashi no namae wa |
Me llamo ___ |
Mi chiamo __ |
Nama Saya… |
|
Thank you. |
Shokran |
Xiexie |
Arigatou! |
Gracias/Muchas Gracias |
Grazie |
Terima Kasih Berbanyak |
|
You’re welcome |
Ahlan wasahlan |
Bu Keqi |
Dou itashi mashite |
De nada |
Prego |
Sama-sama |
|
Good morning |
Saba'a AlKair |
Zaoshanghao
|
Ohayou gozaimasu |
Buenos Dias |
Buongiorno |
Selamat Pagi |
|
Good afternoon |
Masa'a AlKair |
Wuan |
Konnichiwa |
Buenas Tardes |
Buon pomeriggio |
Selamat Petang |
|
Good evening |
Masa'a AlKair |
Wanshanghao |
Konbanwa |
Buenas Noches |
Buonasera |
Selamat Petang |
|
Excuse me. |
Ann Eazinak |
Qingwen |
Sumimasen |
Perdon/Perdone |
Scusa |
Maafkan Saya |
|
Where is the restroom? |
Ain Alhamaam? |
Cesuo Zai Nali? |
wa doko desuka? |
Dónde están los aseos? |
Dov'è la toilette? |
Di manakah bilik mandi? |
|
Can you help me? |
Hal beemkanek mosa’adati? |
Ni ken bang zhu wo ma? |
Tetsudatte kuremasuka? |
Me puede ayudar |
Puo aiutarmi? |
Bolehkah Anda Membantu Saya? |
|
How much is this? |
Kum Hada |
Zhege duoshao Gian? |
Kore wa ikura desuka? |
Cuanto cuesta? |
Quanto costa? |
Apakah Harga Barang Ini? |
|
I am lost. |
Ada'tu tareeqi |
Wo mi lu le. |
Mayotte shimai mashita. |
Estoy perdido. |
Mi sono perso. |
Saya tersesat. |
