Want to learn basic Ilokano phrases? Here’s a guide 

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If you’re enjoying your time in Ilocos, here are some Ilokano phrases that can come in handy

LAOAG CITY, Philippines – Traveling around Ilocos? Learning some basic Ilokano phrases could be very helpful.

Ilokano is the lingua franca in the northern part of the Philippines. It is the most widely spoken language in Region I, followed by Pangasinan, Tagalog, and other local languages.

According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Ilokano is the fourth most widely spoken language at home in the country, used in 1.86 million households. Moreover, over 11 million people speak Ilokano worldwide.

Want to know how to communicate with the locals? Here’s a guide you can follow, featuring common phrases used in greetings, daily situations, or simply for getting started with the language:

Greetings

• Naimbag nga aldaw! – Good day
• Naimbag a bigat! – Good morning
• Naimbag a malem! – Good afternoon
• Naragsak nga isasangbay! – Welcome
• Dios ti agngina! – God bless/Thank you
• Agyamanak/Agyamankami – Thank you (I/We thank you)
• Innakon– I will go now.
• Agpakaadakon- Goodbye!

Conversational phrases

• Ania ti naganmo? – What is your name?
• Taga-anoka? – Where are you from?
• Kumustaka? – How are you?
• Mabalin agdamag? – Can I ask a question?
• Mano’t tawenmon? – How old are you?
• Pagbasbasaam?- Where are you studying?
• Ania ti pakisalipam nga ay-ayam? -Which sports competition will you be joining? 

Asking for directions

• Pakasaraak daytoy a lugar? – Where can I find this place?
• Kasano ti mapan idiay Laoag? – How do I get to Laoag?
• Idiay man stadium. -Please take us to the stadium.
• Sadinno ti mabalin/mabalinmi a panganan? – Where can I/we eat?
• Sadinno ti Marcos Stadium? – Where is Marcos Stadium?
• Sadinno ti pagbabaanna daytoy a lugan? – Where will this car drop me off?
• Sadinno ti pagbabaanna daytoy a jeep/bus? – Where is the jeepney/bus stop?
• Sadinno ti mabalinmi a pagpasiaran? – What are some good places to visit?
• Sadinno ti naimas a panganan? – Where can we find delicious food?

Buying local products

• Sagmamano daytoy, apo? – How much is this, sir/ma’am?
• Mabalin tawaran daytoy gatangenmi, apo? – Can you lower the price of the product we’re buying?
• Mabalin tumawar? – Can I ask for a discount?
• Ania ti mabalinko a gatangen a pasarabo? – What can I buy as a pasalubong?
• Kayatko ti gumatang iti empanada. – I would like to buy empanada.

While Ilokanos don’t use po and opo like in Tagalog, they use terms like apo as a respectful address for elders or people in authority, as well as manong (older man), manang (older woman), and ading (younger person). For example: “Naimbag a rabiiyo amin, apo” means “Good evening to everyone, sir/ma’am.”

Each province, town, or community may have its own accent or variation when using these phrases. But don’t worry, as long as you pronounce them clearly, Ilokanos will understand you.

Ready to tour Ilocos? Don’t forget to try out these phrases and start learning Ilokano in the region. – Rappler.com