You don’t need to memorize a dictionary — just start with what matters most to you.

Whether you are a balikbayan who wants to rediscover your roots, a student who is undertaking studies, or a foreigner who is fascinated with the culture—and possibly a Filipino, too—gaining proficiency in the Filipino language allows one to access greater understanding, interpersonal bonding, and cultural appreciation.

But come on — it’s all too easy to get snowed under. There are so many verbs, connectors, and regionalisms. So… where do you start?

Study Tip: Learn Through Relevance — Not Just Rules
The secret? Make it personal.
Instead of memorizing word lists, attempt to memorize words and phrases that are actually used in actual situations.

Example: If you’re learning to communicate with your Filipino friend or partner, begin with:

– Kumain ka na? (Have you eaten?)
– Ingat ka palagi. (Take care always.)
– Mahal kita. (I love you.)

By doing this, you will not only remember better, but also speak more naturally and confidently — because you’re speaking emotionally, rather than just thinking. Understanding the context of the sentence helps out a lot too.

Free material to help you with your introduction: “Learn Tagalog Fast” by Ling App.
The Ling App is most likely the simplest app to learn Filipino with. It’s engaging, bite-sized, and contains helpful themes such as:

– Greetings
– Family and relationships
– Food and ordering
– Travel essentials
– Emotions and expressions

✅ Bonus: You can practice speaking, listening, and even pronunciation with a smart AI voice coach!

Prioritize Conversation Over Grammar 
Yes, grammar does count — but don’t become a rule-freak. To be fluent, write or talk like a human being, not from a textbook.

Try practicing with:
– An exchange language partner
– Filipino YouTubers vloggers with subtitles
– Duolingo-style daily quizzes

Or simply talk to yourself aloud (yes, even in the shower!) It’s all practice.

Do This: 5 Filipino Everyday Phrases to Practice Today

Magandang araw! – Good day!
Pwede bang magtanong? – Can I ask something?
Anong ginagawa mo? – What are you doing?
Pasensya na. – Sorry / Excuse me.
Tara, kain tayo! – Let’s eat!

What Factors Contributed to Your Learning? Are you studying Filipino now? What materials, songs, or TV programs assisted you the most? 

Tell us about your experience in the comments!