What Language Do They Speak in Philippines?
Philippines
The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, is located in Southeast Asia. It is renowned for its lush landscapes, vibrant festivals, and diverse marine biodiversity. Rich in cultural heritage, the country reflects a blend of Eastern and Western influences, making it a unique destination for travelers.
Languages Spoken
The Philippines is a multilingual nation where several languages are spoken natively. Among these, Tagalog is the most prevalent language, spoken by about 24.44% of the population, and serves as the basis for Filipino, the national language. Cebuano follows closely, spoken by 24.01% of Filipinos, mainly in the central and southern regions. Other significant languages include Ilocano (8.77%), Hiligaynon (8.44%), and Bicolano (6.08%). The linguistic diversity further includes Waray (3.98%), Pampango (2.34%), Pangasinan (1.44%), and Maguindanao (1.13%). This rich tapestry of languages reflects the Philippines' complex cultural heritage and regional identities.
Different Languages Spoken in Philippines
Language data last updated 2024 est. from World Population Review - Philippines
| Language | Usage |
|---|---|
| Tagalog | 24.44% |
| Cebuano | 24.01% |
| Ilocano | 8.77% |
| Hiligaynon | 8.44% |
| Bicolano | 6.08% |
| Waray | 3.98% |
| Pampango | 2.34% |
| Pangasinan | 1.44% |
| Maguindanao | 1.13% |
Useful Filipino Phrases
Kumusta ka?
How are you?
This is a common greeting you can use when meeting someone for the first time or when you see someone you know.
Magkano ito?
How much is this?
Useful when shopping or dining to inquire about the price of an item or meal.
Nasaan ang banyo?
Where is the bathroom?
A practical question when you need to find the restroom.
Hindi ko naiintindihan.
I don’t understand.
Good to use when you encounter language barriers and need assistance.
Salamat, mabuhay!
Thank you, welcome!
The term 'Salamat' means thank you, and 'Mabuhay' is a traditional Filipino greeting meaning 'welcome' or 'long live' often used to express good wishes.
Learn to speak Filipino
Interested in speaking Filipino in Philippines? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.