EVERYDAY CONNECTIONTagalog Greetings: Hello, Introductions, and Goodbyes
A good greeting in Tagalog is more than a direct translation of hello. The relationship, time of day, and respectful particles all shape what sounds natural.
Related guides: Basic Tagalog phrases, Thank you in Tagalog, and Tagalog slang.
Hello and time-of-day greetings
Kumusta is the flexible everyday greeting. Time-of-day greetings with maganda are useful in polite or slightly more formal encounters.
Introductions with respect
Add po when speaking respectfully. To introduce yourself, the natural pattern is name + ang pangalan ko, or simply Ako si + name.
Magandang umaga po. Ako si Lea.
Good morning. I am Lea.Ikinagagalak kitang makilala.
Nice to meet you.Ikinagagalak ko rin kayong makilala.
Nice to meet you too (respectful).Saying goodbye
Paalam is clear and widely understood, while sige and ingat make an everyday farewell warmer and less formal.
Tagalog greetings FAQ
How do you say hello in Tagalog?
Kumusta? is the most flexible everyday greeting. You can add po for respect: Kumusta po?
Does mabuhay mean hello?
Mabuhay is a celebratory welcome or expression meaning roughly ‘long live.’ It appears in ceremonies and tourism, but it is not the usual greeting between friends.
How do you greet an elder in Tagalog?
Use an appropriate greeting with po, a respectful title such as Tito, Tita, Kuya, or Ate when suitable, and a considerate tone.
References and free Tagalog resources
Use this article as a practical starting point, then verify vocabulary, explore the grammar in depth, and compare what you hear from proficient speakers in your community.