If you think about it, speech has two modes, like a switch. That’s the case with formal and informal speech in Tagalog.
Formal speech adheres to established linguistic conventions and societal norms, employing a refined and structured language style. It is characterized by its adherence to grammatical rules, formal vocabulary, and respectful honorifics.
Meanwhile, informal speech is a more relaxed and colloquial tone tailored to casual or familiar interactions. Speakers often employ simplified grammar structures, slang terms, and vernacular expressions in this mode.
Just like turning on the light when it’s dark, each mode serves a specific purpose and is tailored to suit different social and contextual settings.
Let’s dive into the specifics of each mode of speech, along with the basics of translating formal to informal speech and vice versa.
Sentence Structure
For English, formal and informal speech is mostly determined by the sentence’s content because it follows the Subject + Verb + Object or SVO word order. However, the flexible nature of Tagalog’s sentence structure lends itself to a bit more…restructuring.
In formal Tagalog discourse, there is a tendency to adhere more closely to the SVO format. Conversely, informal Tagalog speech embraces a more fluid and dynamic approach to sentence structure, often veering towards the VOS or VSO format.
For example:
- They are walking home.
- Formal: Sila ay naglalakad pauwi.
- Informal: Naglalakad sila pauwi.
- Juan is playing with a ball.
- Formal: Si Juan ay naglalaro ng bola.
- Informal: Naglalaro ng bola si Juan.
- I am painting a flower.
- Formal: Ako ay nagpipinta ng isang bulaklak.
- Informal: Nagpipinta ako ng isang bulaklak.
- Ron won a new car.
- Formal: Si Ron ay nanalo ng bagong sasakyan.
- Informal: Nanalo si Ron ng bagong sasakyan.
Po and Opo
Another indicator of formal speech in Tagalog is the use of “po” or “opo” within the sentence. These inclusions add a layer of politeness, signaling to the listener a recognition of their authority, status, or seniority.
1. Po
- “Po” is added in a sentence when answering a question from an elder, a superior, or simply people you are not familiar with. It is usually positioned after the subject or before or after the verb.
- For example:
- Question: Anong kinain mo? → What did you eat?
| Tagalog | English | |
|---|---|---|
Formal Answer | Kumain po ako ng adobo. | I ate adobo. |
Semi-formal Answer | Adobo po. | Adobo. |
- Question: Kumain ka na ba? → Have you eaten yet?
| Tagalog | English | |
|---|---|---|
Formal Answer | Hindi pa po ako kumain. | I haven’t eaten yet. |
Semi-formal Answer | Hindi pa po. | Not yet. |
- Question: Kailan ang alis mo? → When will you leave?
| Tagalog | English | |
|---|---|---|
Formal Answer | Bukas po ako aalis. | I will leave tomorrow. |
Semi-formal Answer | Bukas po. | Tomorrow. |
- In an interrogative sentence, “po” is added after the Tagalog equivalent of the five W’s (Who, What, When, Where, Why) and one H (How).
- For example:
| Tagalog | English |
|---|---|
Saan po kayo pupunta? | Where are you going? |
Ano po ang pangalan niyo? | What is your name? |
Bakit ko po kailangang gawin ito? | Why do I have to do this? |
2. Opo
- Meanwhile, “opo” is the polite version of “yes”. By opting for “opo” over the more casual “oo,” speakers signal their respect towards the listener.
- Question: Mahilig ka sa mangga, diba? → You love mangoes, right?
| Tagalog | English | |
|---|---|---|
Formal Answer | Opo, gustong-gusto ko po ng mangga. | Yes, I love mangoes. |
Semi-formal Answer | Opo. | Yes. |
- Question: Tapos ka na ba? → Are you done?
| Tagalog | English | |
|---|---|---|
Formal Answer | Opo, tapos na po ako. | Yes, I’m done. |
Semi-formal Answer | Opo. | Yes. |
- Question: Sila na daw ang susunod, diba? → They are the ones next, right?
- Formal Answer: Opo, sila na po ang susunod. → Yes, they are the ones next.
- Semi-formal Answer: Opo. → Yes.
- Question: Sila na daw ang susunod, diba? → They are the ones next, right?
| Tagalog | English | |
|---|---|---|
Formal Answer | Opo, tapos na po ako. | Yes, I’m done. |
Semi-formal Answer | Opo. | Yes. |
Choosing Your Words
Of course, word usage is also a critical factor that differentiates informal speech. Certain terms and expressions can be more familiar or respectful depending on the context in which they are employed.
In informal Tagalog speech, speakers often gravitate towards colloquialisms, slang, and vernacular expressions that resonate with everyday conversations and informal settings. Formal Tagalog discourse leans towards deeper and more formal terms and polite expressions.
For example:
- You are very beautiful.
- Formal: Ika’y (Ikaw ay) napakarikit.
- Informal: Napakaganda mo naman.
- Are you all right?
- Formal: Kumusta ang iyong pakiramdam?
- Informal: Musta ka na?
- I got this for you.
- Formal: Kinuha ko ito para sa’yo.
- Informal: Para sa’yo to.
- I’m sorry.
- Formal: Patawarin mo ako.
- Informal: Pasensiya na.
Besides “po” and “opo”, honorifics can also indicate formality or informality.
Formal Honorifics
| Tagalog | English | Context |
|---|---|---|
Binibini |
Miss, Ms. | Used as an honorific for unmarried women. Can be shortened to Bb. Example: Binibining Karla |
Ginang |
Mrs. | Used as an honorific for married women. Can be shortened to Gng. Example: Ginang Laura |
Ginoo |
Mr. | Used as an honorific for married and unmarried men. Can be shortened to G. Example: Ginoong Alberto |
Informal Honorifics
| Tagalog | English | Context |
|---|---|---|
Ate |
Big sister | Used as an honorific mainly for older sisters. Can also be used to refer to non-relatives, especially when referring to a female stranger. Example: Ate Carmen |
Kuya |
Big brother | Used as an honorific mainly for older brothers. Can also be used to refer to non-relatives, especially when referring to a male stranger. Example: Kuya Pedro |
Mang |
Mr. | Used as an honorific for non-relative older men. Example: Mang Ben |
Aling/Ale |
Ms./Mrs. | Used as an honorific for non-relative older women. Example: Aling Ada |
Switching It Up
Mastering the nuances between formal and informal speech is essential when learning Tagalog. It allows you to navigate different social scenarios smoothly, avoid misunderstandings, foster positive relationships, and demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
Whether engaging in professional meetings, familial gatherings, or casual conversations with friends, it is important to be adept at adjusting the speech mode to match the expectations and norms of each setting.
Additionally, it enables people to express themselves effectively and appropriately in various contexts. By selecting the right mode, you can convey your intentions, emotions, and attitudes with precision, ensuring that your messages are received and understood as intended.
If you’re still having difficulty understanding and mastering formal and informal Tagalog speech, why not try Turong Wika?
Turong Wika is a Tagalog learning app that can help you master the art of switching between speech modes. Besides teaching you the vocabulary and syntax of the sentences, the app reinforces the lessons through the Practice feature.
The Practice feature is an interactive quiz in which you can choose the number of items you want to answer from five to 25. If your scores are unsatisfactory, well, you can always try again.
Express yourself better. Scan the code below to download the app now!
Express yourself better. Click on the button below to download the app now!
