When learning a new language, we must study so much more than words that are communicated verbally. Since body language constitutes about 60% of what people communicate, we must also learn what it means when people raise one eyebrow, shrug their shoulders, shake their head, or point with their lips. Each culture has its own idiosyncrasies, and Filipinos definitely have a lot of them in terms of body language.
In this article, we’ll talk about Filipino nonverbal gestures and find out what it means when someone draws a square in the air with their fingers, makes hissing or kissing noises, or holds their chin with their thumb and pointer finger.
Filipinos are all over the world, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve already encountered some of the gestures we’ll be sharing here. Furthermore, some of these gestures are universal. Most of them, however, are strictly Filipino by origin, and it would really be advantageous for you to learn and master how to apply them.
Like most people who are not familiar with these unique Filipino body movements, you may find them amusing or odd. But once you begin to understand what they mean, you’ll not only appreciate them but also thank yourself for taking the time to study Filipino gestures. That’s because, in this way, you can become a communicator with intent.
So, before the ink is dry on the page, let’s explore and learn the most common Filipino gestures, what they mean, and when and how to use them.
Body language constitutes about 60% of what people communicate.
Table of Contents
- Body Postures
- Hand Gestures
- Facial Expressions
- Various Physical Movements
- More Filipino Gestures
- FilipinoPod101 Can Help You Communicate More Efficiently
1. Body Postures
How people carry themselves in social situations can convey a wealth of information about how they feel or what they think, as well as hint about whether they are open, confident, or submissive. This is one reason it’s important to learn the meanings of various body postures. Body language related to posture is universal, so when you see a Filipino with an open posture, the indication wouldn’t be any different than when someone from Europe or Japan has this posture. And yes, an open posture may indicate friendliness or willingness. However, there are some body postures that are more common among Asians, particularly Filipinos.
A- One foot on the chair while eating
This practice has been with Filipinos since time immemorial. Our ancestors didn’t eat with a spoon and fork, and instead ate with bare hands while sitting on the floor. When colonization began, Filipinos were taught how to eat at tables and use utensils instead of their hands. However, as they say, “Old habits die hard.” Today, it’s still a common practice among Filipinos both rich and poor to eat with one foot on the chair, at least in the privacy of the home.
B- Arms crossed during a conversation
Crossed arms can convey a variety of meanings. It’s commonly thought that a person crossing their arms while you’re talking to them means that they’re not favorable toward you. This may be the case, but not necessarily, especially if you’re good friends with the person. Among Filipinos, it’s common to see guys in a small group having a conversation with their arms crossed. This is especially true if they’re talking about a serious matter.
Filipinos are known to be hard workers. They tend to be problem-solvers, too. When a person crosses their arms, it could mean that they’re concentrating or thinking about how to solve a problem. It could also reflect authority or readiness.
C- Hands in pockets
Having your hands in your pockets during a conversation or when simply standing around is a big no-no in terms of body language. It could make one appear unconfident or defensive. This is a universal body posture, though, and Filipinos tend to do it all the time. In the Philippines, doing this posture can have various meanings. It could mean you’re relaxed and comfortable about the situation, and it could even mean you’re feeling confident. As much as possible, however, it’s still ideal to go for the open hand gesture when in a conversation. Besides, in some places in the Philippines, hiding your hands in your pockets is believed to mean that you don’t have money.
D- Hands on the hips
Some Filipinos call this the pitsel, the Filipino word for “pitcher,” as it makes the person doing it resemble a pitcher with either one or both hands on the hips. Body language experts believe that placing both hands on the hips could mean that the person is trying to look bigger and more intimidating. It could also mean this in the Philippines, but most of the time, Filipinos do this posture because they want to focus or feel ready for action.
- ➜ Don’t forget to check out our list of Filipino conversational phrases.
2. Hand Gestures
Here’s a list of hand gestures that have long been part of the Filipino culture and tradition. Filipinos are not known to be assertive people, so most of these gestures are used to convey courtesy and politeness. Also, you can do these Filipino hand gestures with or without you verbalizing what they mean.
A- Pagmamano
Meaning: “May I have your hand/blessing, please?”
How: Reach for the right hand of a person you respect, touch your forehead to the back of their hand, and say, “Mano po.”
Explanation:
Filipinos use this gesture when greeting their parents or grandparents, particularly after not seeing each other for a long time. In some areas, children are required to do this everyday at six o’clock in the evening just in time for the Angelus.
This is a Filipino gesture of respect used to honor elders and to ask for a blessing. When children greet their grandparents, they would say, “Mano po,” while at the same time reaching and touching the back of their grandparent’s hand with their forehead. The word mano is Spanish for hand, while po is a Filipino word that indicates respect or politeness. In essence, it’s like saying, “May I have your hand, please?” This gesture is also a way to ask for a blessing, and is therefore referred to by many as “bless.”
Here’s a video to show you exactly how to perform this polite gesture.
B- Makikiraan
Meaning: “Excuse me. Passing through.”
How: Extend one or both of your arms toward the ground, bow your head a bit, and say: Makikiraan po. (“Excuse me. Passing through.”)
Explanation:
Simply saying “excuse me” when you need to pass between two people talking in the corridor (or any other tight space) is not enough for most Filipinos. You should show that you’re being polite and respectful by also extending your hands downward and bowing your head. This is similar to how Japanese people would bow when greeting each other, bowing even longer and lower when they want to show great respect for the other person.
C- Halika
Meaning: “Come here.”
How: Raise your right or left hand with your palm facing down, make a scooping motion with your fingers toward you, and say: Halika. (“Come here.”)
Explanation:
This gesture is often used by someone with authority and may or may not seem rude depending on the context. Parents, for instance, use this gesture when calling their kids. Bosses at work also use this often to beckon employees when they need to give them instructions. Foreigners in the Philippines should never use this gesture, as most Filipinos see it as rude when used by non-Filipinos. Unless you’re someone with authority, of course, and unless you do it politely and with a gentle voice. This is an informal gesture, however, and should never be used in highly professional or formal settings.
D- The Pinecone Hand
Meaning: “Let’s eat.”
How: Pinch your fingers and move your hand toward your mouth. Alternatively, you can hold an invisible spoon with one hand and act as if you’re eating.
Explanation:
Filipinos find it rude not to invite someone to eat with them when they’re eating in public. When you’re at the office pantry or cafeteria eating your lunch and someone walks by, do this hand gesture to invite them to eat.
The pinecone hand is the most famous gesture of the Italian people. To them, it could either mean they’re confused or that they’re being sarcastic or disagreeing. If you’re wondering why it’s the gesture for eating in the Philippines, well, that’s because Filipinos are used to eating with their hands.
E- The Finger Wag
Meaning: “You’re in big trouble!” or “You’re dead meat!”
How: Raise your index finger and move it back and forth while pointing at the person you’re talking to, and say: Lagot ka! (“You’re in big trouble!”)
Explanation:
Use this gesture when warning or informing someone that they’ve done something that will get them in trouble. This is a common Filipino gesture used to warn someone that they’re in trouble for doing something wrong. You’ll often observe this among children when they’re scaring a playmate or a younger sibling.
F- The Chit Sign
Meaning: “Our bill, please.”
How: Using the index finger and the thumb of both hands, draw a square in the air as you signal the cashier or waiter to attend to you.
Explanation:
Filipinos use this gesture when they’re ready to pay the bill at a restaurant. In the past, Filipinos would use the term “chit” to refer to their restaurant bill and would use this gesture to signal to the waiter that they were ready to pay for their food.
- ➜ Here are the Top 10 Must-Know Vocabulary Words for the Restaurant.
G- Aprub!
Meaning: “Approved!”
How: Raise one or both thumbs up and say: Aprub! or Ayos! Both of these words mean: “Approved!” or “Okay!”
Explanation:
The thumbs-up sign is a universal gesture that indicates satisfaction or approval. It’s used by Filipinos in the same way that it’s used in most cultures.
H- The Money Sign
Meaning: A sign that refers to money
How: Join your index finger and thumb while raising the three remaining fingers.
Explanation:
In the Philippines, making this hand sign could indicate that you’re expecting money to arrive soon. You can also use this sign while shaking your hand or head to indicate that you have no money. In Western countries, this sign could either mean “OK” or “zero,” but in the Philippines, it’s exclusively used to refer to money.
I- The “Pogi” Sign
Meaning: “handsome” or “good-looking”
How: Hold your chin with your index finger and thumb, or simply extend the same fingers to form a “check” below the chin.
Explanation:
A few Asian countries, including the Philippines, use this sign during casual picture-taking sessions. It’s a fun way of saying: “I’m good-looking, am I not?”
J- The “V” Sign
Meaning: “I’m sorry.” or “I come in peace.”
How: Make a “V” sign with your index and middle fingers.
Explanation:
The “V” sign is not uniquely Filipino in the sense that it’s used in many cultures as a sign of peace. However, aside from being a sign that says “Peace be upon you,” the “V” sign also has another (similar) meaning in Filipino culture. In the Philippines, this sign is also used when you want to apologize for unintentionally getting another person in trouble. It’s a gesture that you put up as a way of telling the other person you’re sorry until you get the chance to apologize verbally.
3. Facial Expressions
Filipinos have quite a number of facial expressions. The following are the ones you’ll most often see used in the country.
A- The Double Eyebrow Raise
Meaning: “hi” or “yes”
How: Raise both your eyebrows and quickly put them down.
Explanation:
Other cultures may find this facial gesture weird or even creepy, but in the Philippines, it simply means “hi” or “hello.” It’s the greeting you give a friend or colleague when you meet them in the hallway, at the mall, inside the train, at the bus stop, etc. This gesture could also signify agreement or affirmation. When you’re busy doing something, for instance, and someone comes to you to ask you a question, you can do this gesture to give an affirmative response instead of having to fully turn around, look the person in the eyes, and say “Yes.”
- ➜ Learn the various ways to say hello in Filipino here.
B- The Lip Point
Meaning: “Over there.” or “See that?”
How: Pout your lips toward whatever you want to show someone.
Explanation:
When you see a Filipino doing this gesture, don’t take it as an invitation to kiss. Filipinos often do this when pointing to a person or object instead of lifting their arm or finger.
C- The Wink
Meaning: “Shh, I’m just teasing.”
How: Wink with one or both eyes to someone with whom you want to be a co-conspirator.
Explanation:
In many places around the world, winking may be considered offensive, particularly when it’s done toward someone of the opposite sex. In some countries, including the Philippines, a wink usually signals “shared hidden knowledge” with someone. For instance, if person A is trying to tease or prank person B, he or she would give a wink to person C to tell person C not to ruin the fun.
D- The Open Mouth
Meaning: “Can you say that again, please?” or “Huh?”
How: Open your mouth as if saying “Huh?” while raising both eyebrows slightly at the same time.
Explanation:
This one could be an expression of shock or surprise, but in the Philippines, it primarily means you’re confused and would like the person you’re having a conversation with to repeat what they’ve just said.
E- The Silent Look
Meaning: “Stop what you’re doing right now!” or “You’re dead meat.”
How: Stare at the person you’re frustrated with for a long time with your lips slightly pursed.
Explanation:
The “silent look” or “dead stare” is a facial expression that’s commonly used by Filipino parents to signal for their kids to behave. This is often done in public so as not to “embarrass” the misbehaving child, although that’s usually what this expression ends up achieving considering that Filipinos know all too well what it means.
- ➜ Learn the most common Filipino angry phrases and swear words in this blog entry.
F- Tongue Out
Meaning: “Serves you right!”
How: Stick your tongue out to make a silly face or to tell someone they’ve gotten what they deserve.
Explanation:
In the Philippines, sticking one’s tongue out toward another person means pretty much the same as it would mean in many places around the world. It’s a common gesture among children that they use to tease or irritate each other. When adults do it, it’s usually out of pure fun or silliness.
G- Kunot-Noo
Meaning: “You did something to displease me.”
How: Narrow your eyes and let your eyebrows meet.
Explanation:
Kunot-noo literally means “forehead fold.” It’s a universal facial expression and a natural response a person gives when someone has made them angry or annoyed.
4. Various Physical Movements
Of course, not all gestures are stationary. Here are a few more-animated Filipino gestures and their meanings!
A- Nodding
Meaning: “Yes.”
How: Tilt your head in alternating up and down motions.
Explanation:
There are several places in the world where nodding indicates refusal. But in most cultures (including that of the Philippines), nodding indicates acceptance, affirmation, agreement, or acknowledgment.
B- The Quick Nod
Meaning: “Come on.” or “Let’s go.”
How: Make eye contact with the person you’re addressing and do a quick nod of the head downward.
Explanation:
This gesture usually accompanies an invitation to get going. When you’re ready to leave, you simply tell your companions Tara or “Let’s get going,” with a quick nod of your head downward. This also works well in social gatherings. When you’re with a friend and would like to leave the party discreetly, simply make eye contact and give them a quick nod. This will indicate that you want to get out of the place already. Another way Filipinos use this gesture is when they’re insistently asking for something.
C- Head Shake
Meaning: “No,” “I don’t want to,” “It’s not,” “I didn’t”
How: Shake your head left to right repeatedly.
Explanation:
This is the opposite of the nod and indicates refusal or disagreement. Moreover, if you’re not sure about something, you can also shake your head to say, “I’m not sure.”
- ➜ How do you say “No” in Filipino? Here are key expressions to help you.
D- Kibit-Balikat
Meaning: “I don’t know.” or “Maybe.”
How: Pull both shoulders up and tilt your head to the left or the right.
Explanation:
Kibit-balikat is equivalent to the English “to shrug.” The term kibit could mean “to hang” or “a quick movement,” while balikat is the Filipino word for “shoulder.” Like in most cultures, shrugging indicates uncertainty. In some cases, it could also indicate indifference or aloofness.
5. More Filipino Gestures
Here are a few more common Filipino gestures that, depending on your cultural background, might be confusing to you as a foreigner here.
A- The Beso-Beso
The Beso-Beso is the equivalent of the French La Bise, where you touch cheeks with another person. In the Philippines, this is common between women and not men. However, it’s not unusual to see people of the opposite sex do this upon greeting.
B- Hissing
Referred to as sitsit in the Philippines, this is considered rude and impolite, and it’s not to be used in formal situations. However, many Filipinos find this useful, especially when they need to call someone’s attention without having to say a word. You can do it by making a short hissing sound with your mouth—”Pssst.”
C- Air Kisses
This is similar to the hissing gesture, only this time, it involves making loud kissing noises to grab someone’s attention.
D- Tongue-Clicking
Another version of hissing is tongue-clicking. This is also used for grabbing someone’s attention. Here’s a tutorial video on how to do it.
E- Head-Scratching
This is a gesture that’s common in many cultures, and you’ll observe Filipinos doing it, too. When someone scratches their head, it means they’re confused or are wondering how they can solve a problem.
- ➜ Here are different ways you can tell people you don’t understand their Filipino.
6. FilipinoPod101 Can Help You Communicate More Efficiently
What did you think of our list of Filipino gestures? Let us know in the comments if there are other gestures you think should be on this list, and let’s talk about them!
Learning the language of the Philippines becomes more fun and exciting when you also take time to study Filipino gestures and body language because it gives you fresh insight into the Filipino culture. To better appreciate nonverbal gestures in the Philippines, however, you need to master the Filipino language itself first. That’s where FilipinoPod101 comes in.
Here, you can learn more than just grammar rules, correct pronunciation, and new vocabulary. At FilipinoPod101, you can enjoy tons of free resources about Tagalog and the Philippine culture, as well as video and audio lessons designed to help you learn the Filipino language and how it’s applied in daily life.
You can also avail yourself of our MyTeacher service if you want to have a personal teacher to practice with and who can provide you with lessons that specifically suit your needs. Sign up with FilipinoPod101 to start enjoying all of this today!
