49 Useful Ilocano Words & Phrases to Learn for Travelers
Traveling to the Ilocos region and other parts of Northern and Central Luzon soon? Why not impress the locals by using some basic Ilocano words and phrases when you communicate with them? They’ll surely appreciate your effort to learn their local language.
Ilocano, also called Ilokano, is one of the major languages in the Philippines and the third most widely used native language, after Tagalog and Cebuano. It is mainly spoken in Northern Luzon including Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region including Benguet and Baguio, as well as some parts of Central Luzon and Soccsksargen in Mindanao.
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Now, let’s begin our Ilocano language 101.
Basic Ilocano words and phrases for introductions and greetings
1. “Kablaaw!” = “Hello!”
Although “Hi” and “Hello” are commonly used, you can use this Ilocano word translation if you prefer. You may also use it as a salutation for someone accompanied by a nod and a smile.
2. “Naragsak nga isasangbay!” = “Welcome!”
This is the Ilocano translation for the Tagalog phrase “Maligayang pagdating!”. You usually say this to welcome the people who just arrived.
3. “Naimbag nga aldaw!” = “Good day!”
Say “Naimbag nga aldaw!” as a general greeting, but if you want to be more specific, you can use the following Ilocano phrases:
- Naimbag nga bigat – Good morning
- Naimbag nga malem – Good afternoon
- Naimbag nga rabi-i – Good evening
4. “Kumusta ka?” = “How are you?”
Same as Tagalog, use this Ilocano phrase if you want to know how the person is doing.
5. “Mayat met.” = “I’m fine.”
This is your reply to the previous question. You can also say, “Mayat met, agyamanak.” for “I’m fine, thank you.”
6. “Anya ti nagan mo?” = “What’s your name?”
Use this Ilocano phrase to ask for the person’s name.
7. “Siak ni <name>.” = “I’m <name>.”
Say this when stating your name like “Ako si Juan.” You can also say, “Juan ti nagan ko.” for “My name is Juan.”
8. “Taga ano ka?” = “Where are you from?”
Use this Ilocano phrase when you ask where the person is from.
9. “Taga <place> ak.” = “I’m from <place>.”
This is your reply if asked about your place of origin.
10. “Ammom ag-<language>?” = “Do you speak <language>?”
If you want to know if the person speaks a certain language, use this Ilocano phrase. For example, “Ammom ag-Ilocano?” (Do you speak Ilocano?).
11. “Basit lang.” = “Just a little.”
If you know a little, you can reply using this Ilocano phrase.
12. “Haan ko ammo ag-<language>.” = “I don’t speak <language>.”
Use this if you don’t know how to speak the language. For example, “Haan ko ammo ag-Ilocano.” (I don’t speak Ilocano.).
13. “Diak maawatan.” / “Haan ko nga maawatan.” = “I don’t understand.”
And if you don’t understand, simply use these Ilocano phrases.
14. “Diak ammo!” / “Madik ammo!” = “I don’t know!”
Say these Ilocano phrases if you don’t know the answer.
Useful Ilocano words and phrases for social etiquette
15. “Agyamanak!” = “Thank you!”
Thank you or salamat in Ilocano language is “Agyamanak”. You can also say, “Agyamanak unay!” for “Maraming salamat!” or “Thank you very much!”.
16. “Awan anyaman!” = “You’re welcome!”
This is your Ilocano reply to someone who expresses gratitude to you.
17. “Agannad ka!” / “Agaluad ka!” = “Take care!”
Say this Ilocano phrase if you want someone to take care.
18. “Pangngaasim.” = “Please.”
Use this Ilocano word if you are asking for a favor.
19. “Pakawanen nak.” / “Dispensaren nak.“= “I’m sorry.”
You may use these Ilocano words if you want to apologize.
20. “Agpakadaakon!“= “Goodbye!”
Use this Ilocano phrase if you want to say bye. You may also use “Innakon” for “I’m going”.
21. “Agkita tan to!“= “See you soon!”
When parting ways, you can say this when you look forward to meeting that person again in the future.
22. “Mailiwak kenka!“= “I miss you!”
This is how you say “I miss you” in Ilocano. You may also use “Mailiwak kena unay” for “I miss you so much”.
23. “Wen” = “Yes”
Use this Ilocano word to affirm or say yes.
24. “Haan” = “No”
On the other hand, use this Ilocano word to reject or say no.
Helpful Ilocano phrases for travel and exploration
25. “Ayanna?” = “Where?”
Use this Ilocano word when asking about the location of a place, person, or thing. See sample usage below:
- “Ayanna ti banio?” (Where’s the bathroom?)
- “Ayanna ni Juan?” (Where’s Juan?)
- “Ayanna dyay kwarta?” (Where’s the money?)
- “Ayan mo?” (Where are you?)
26. “Papanam?” = “Where are you going?”
If you want to know where the person is going, use this Ilocano word.
27. “Kasatno iti apan idiay <place>?” = “How do I go to <place>?”
Say this Ilocano phrase to ask how to go to a certain place or location. If you’re already in the area but can’t find the specific place, you can say “Ayanna ditoy iti <place>?” (Where is <place>?)
28. “Apan idiay <destination> daytoy?” = “Is this going to <destination>?”
When using public transport like jeepneys and buses, this is what you say when asking if it goes to the destination you want to reach.
29. “Mano ti plete inggana idiay <location>?” = “How much is the fare to <location>?”
Say this Ilocano phrase if you want to know the fare going to a particular location.
30. “Para!” = “Stop!” / “I’ll get off!”
Same with Tagalog and Cebuano, you can say this word if you have already reached your destination and want to get off.
31. “Agawid akon.” = “I’m going home.”
If someone asks you, “Agawid kan?” (Are you going home?), you can reply using this Ilocano phrase.
32. “Agsubli ak.” = “I’ll be back.”
Say this if you want to assure someone that you will still return.
33. “Napukawak!” = “I’m lost!”
You can say this if you’re lost, especially when navigating a new place.
34. “Tulong!” = “Help!”
Same with Tagalog, this is the Ilocano word translation for help. You can also say this Ilocano phrase, “Masapulko ti tulong mo!” (I need your help!) if you are saying it to a specific person.
Practical Ilocano words and phrases for shopping
35. “Apo?” = “Is anybody there?”
“Apo” is the Ilocano word translation for “Tao po” in Tagalog or “Ayo” in Cebuano. Use this Ilocano word if you want to call the attention of someone manning the store or place.
36. “Paggatangak ti?” = “Can I buy?”
Use this Ilocano phrase if you want to purchase something.
37. “Manu?” / “Sagmamano?” = “How much?”
Use these Ilcano words if you want to know the price of the item.
38. “Ania/Inya daytoy?” / “Ania/Inya dayta?” = “What’s this? / What’s that?”
“Ania” or “inya” means “what”. You add “daytoy” when you refer to “this”, and “dayta” for “that”.
39. “Awan tawar na?” = “Can you give me a discount?”
Say this when you want to negotiate the price of an item, especially when buying in markets.
Handy Ilocano words and phrases for eating
40. “Mangan tayon!” = “Let’s eat!”
Say this Ilocano phrase when you invite people to eat.
41. “Ayana kayat mo panganan?” = “Where do you want to eat?”
Say this If you want to ask the person’s preference on where to eat.
42. “Nangan kan?” = “Have you eaten already?”
If you want to know if the person has already eaten, throw this Ilocano question.
43. “Haan pay.” = “Not yet.”
This is your reply if you haven’t done something yet.
44. “Nanganakon!” = “I already ate!”
This is what you say when you already ate.
45. “Nabusugakon!” = “I’m full!”
If you’re already full, use this Ilocano word translation. This is the same as “Busog na ako” in Tagalog.
46. “Mabisinakon!” = “I’m hungry!”
Just make sure you’re not too demanding when uttering this Ilocano expression.
47. “Naimas!” = “Delicious!”
This is how you describe sumptuous or tasty food.
48. “Mangan ka pay!” = “Eat more!”
Use this Ilocano phrase if you want your guests or buddies to eat more.
49. “Diak mangan ti <food>!” = “I don’t eat <food>!”
Say this Ilocano phrase if you have food restrictions. For example, “Diak mangan ti baboy!” (I don’t eat pork!).
These are just some of the useful Ilocano words and phrases to learn for a start. You’ll discover more as you interact with the locals.
Do you have more English to Ilocano words and phrases to recommend? Feel free to let us know on our socials: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Want to learn more local languages in the Philippines? Try Filipino, Bisaya, Bicolano, Hiligaynon, Waray, and Chavacano.