Lesson Notes

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Lesson Focus

The focus of this lesson is Self Introduction in Filipino

Topic 1: How to introduce yourself in an informal situation

Sentence from the lesson:
 Kamusta, Ako si Erica. Kinagagalak kong makilala ka.
"Hi, I'm Erica. Nice to meet you."


  2. Start by saying: Kamusta. Ako si... then, say your name. Finally, say Kinagagalak kong makilala ka.
    For example:
    Kamusta, Ako si Erica. Kinagagalak kong makilala ka.
  3. Kamusta is the closest equivalent to "hi" in Filipino and is used as an informal greeting for friends or close ones. It comes from the Spanish phrase: "como esta".
  4. Though kinagagalak kong makilala ka is not usually used by the Filipino youth to say "nice to meet you," the term is taught as a proper Filipino introduction. Again, some English words are sometimes incorporated in informal Filipino conversations, so simply saying "hi" is normal for Filipinos when introducing themselves.



Topic 2: How to introduce yourself in a formal situation

Sentence from the lesson:
 Kamusta po, Ako si Erica Reyes. Kinagagalak ko po kayong makilala.
"How are you? I'm Erica Reyes. Nice to meet you."

  1. Kamusta has essentially the same meaning as "hi" in English when used in a formal way. Po has no English meaning but is usually added to Filipino phrases to show respect. In both cases, ako si means, "I am." However during a formal self introduction say your full name, hence Erica Reyes.
  2. Finally, pay attention to the ending. We went from Kinagagalak kong makilala ka to Kinagagalak ko po kayong makilala. Ka is changed to the plural pronoun kayo which means "all of you." To make it more formal, the pronoun is moved to the front of the verb, and -ng is added to connect the words. Po is also added to show respect.

 

Language Tip

When you introduce yourself in an informal setting in the Philippines, it's a casual habit to wave your hand when saying "hi." Kinagagalak kong makilala ka is not usually used especially by young people there, instead "Nice to meet you" is more often used since the English language is commonly used in Filipino conversations. In a formal setting, po should never be left out, especially when speaking to the elderly and people with a higher position than you are since being respectful is a very important Filipino attitude. It is also a good habit to shake hands in the Philippines during formal introductions and encounters. If you use the proper sentence with Filipino people, you're going to win more friends and they're definitely going to be impressed!

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Lesson Transcript

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Welcome to FilipinoPod101.com “Filipino sa 3 minuto”. The fastest, easiest, and most fun way to learn Filipino.
Kamusta, Ako si Mayumi. Kinagagalak kong makilala ka. Hi, I'm Mayumi. Nice to meet you. In this series, we’re going to learn basic Filipino expressions. It’s super easy and it only takes three minutes!
In this lesson, you’re going to learn how to introduce yourself in Filipino. Are you ready? Here we go:
“Kumusta. Ako si Mayumi. Kinagagalak kong makilala ka.” Hi, I’m Mayumi. It’s nice to meet you.
[slowly] “Kumusta. Ako si Mayumi. Kinagagalak kong makilala ka.”
Did you get it? Let’s take it step by step:
Start by saying “Kumusta.” This means “How are you?” but is commonly used to say “Hi” in Filipino.
Next, say: “Ako si…,” I am, and then, your name. My name is Mayumi so I’ll say “Ako si Mayumi.” Finally, say “Kinagagalak kong makilala ka.” This means, “It’s nice to meet you.” “Kinagagalak kong makilala ka.”
Kamusta, Ako si Mayumi. Kinagagalak kong makilala ka.
Next we’re going to learn how to introduce ourselves in formal Filipino:
But first, I’ll teach you 2 words that turns any Filipino sentence formal. They are “po” and “opo.”
“po”
All Filipinos learn these 2 words when they are young because they are a must when speaking politely to those who are older.
Now, here’s how to introduce yourself in formal Filipino:
Kumusta. Ako si Mayumi Reyes. Kinagagalak ko po kayong makilala. How are you? I’m Mayumi.... Nice to meet you.
[slowly] Kumusta po, Ako si Mayumi Reyes... Kinagagalak ko po kayong makilala.
Did you notice the word “po” in this introduction?
Let’s take compare it with the informal introduction we learned earlier.
First, we have “Kumusta po.” instead of just “Kumusta.” As we’ve said before, “Kumusta” means “how are you?” and has essentially the same use as “Hi” in English. It comes from the Spanish phrase: “como esta.” We add the word ”po” to this to make it polite.
For the next sentence, there is no need to change “Ako si” or "I am." However saying your full name is considered more formal. In the Philippines, we say our first names first and last names last.
Finally, pay attention to the ending. We went from “Kinagagalak kong makilala ka.” to
“Kinagagalak ko po kayong makilala.” “Ka” or “you” is changed to the plural pronoun “kayo” to make the sentence more formal. The pronoun is moved to the front of the verb, and -ng is added to connect the words. Finally, we also add “po” to the sentence to show respect.
One more time – The informal way to introduce yourself in Filipino is “Kumusta. Ako si Mayumi. Kinagagalak kong makilala ka.” The formal way to introduce yourself is “Kamusta po. Ako si Mayumi. Kinagagalak ko po kayong makilala. “
Now it’s time for Mayumi’s Tips.
Have you gotten hold of saying “Kinagagalak kong makilala ka?” Well you might be surprised but Filipinos say “Nice to meet you.” more often than its Filipino counterpart. This is because many English words and phrases are used in daily conversation since English is the second official language of the Philippines. Filipinos also shake hands during first meetings just like in many Western cultures.
But of course, if you use the proper Filipino introduction, you’re new Filipino friends will definitely be impressed!
Do you know how to say “Thank you” in Filipino? How about “You’re welcome?” Watch the next Filipino sa tatlong minuto lesson to find out. See you next time! Paalam!
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