What is “please” in Tagalog?

There simply is no easy answer for this, or in other words, there is no one specific word that exists in Tagalog.

Some people might say the word is “paki-” but this is not entirely correct. “Paki-” can only be used with verbs (actions) and has very specific rules about how it can be used. “Paki-” is used when you are commanding someone to do something (imperatives) but when you want to do so in a more polite way. It can ONLY be used in this way. Here are some examples:

Ipasa mo ang tubig. → Pass the water.

Paki-pasa ang tubig. → Please pass the water.

Tulungan mo kami. → Help us.

Paki-tulungan mo kami. → Please help us.

Notice how both examples are examples where the “paki-” is added onto the front of a verb (action). Also notice how the first example changes the verb ever so slightly when you add the “paki-”. This is the tricky part of using “paki-”. So it is good to know that “paki-” is not exactly the best translation for the word “please” in all cases.

Instead the best answer to the question is to realize why we say “please” in the first place. We say “please” in English in order to show respect or to be more polite or honorific to someone. Tagalog’s way of doing this is with the word “po”.

Now “po” does not mean “please”; it actually doesn’t translate to anything in English. It is called the “respect word” and is used to show respect or to be extra polite. And that’s exactly what is does. Here are some examples:

Ako si Juan. → I am Juan. (casual)

Ako po si Juan. → I am Juan. (polite)

Ano ang pangalan niya? → What is his/her name? (casual)

Ano po ang pangalan niya? → What is his/her name? (polite)

Notice how the translations for both the “casual” (meaning the sentences without “po”) and the “polite” (meaning the sentences with “po”) both translate to the exact same thing in English, but the implication (the subtext) is that one is just more respectful than the other. Again, “po” doesn’t mean anything specifically in English, it’s just Tagalog’s way of being more respectful to someone—just how “please” does in English.

I did not mean to complicate what you might have hoped was a simple question, but it is good to be aware of accurate information and not be tricked by anyone claiming they have a simple answer!

THE POWER OF LISTENING

Do you sometimes feel like this, my dear readers, that you want to discuss something, but the people opposite to you simply cannot listen to you? Sometimes, I would love to tell them, "first, learn to listen"!

Listening is indeed the key in effective communication. A person does not have to speak all the time to be the smartest person in the room. Lack of listening may result in frustration, disappointment, and resentment in our relationships. When we listen, we are able to create stronger emotional connections with people.

Many times during my teaching, I'm happy when my students have one or more questions for me - so, I can listen to them first. Active listening promotes mindful thinking, which can reduce anxiety and depression in students. It can also help students build relationships because as they engage themselves in conversation, their peers are more likely to view them as open and interested.

However, every time you use active listening, it gets a little easier. It can help you to navigate through difficult conversations. More than that, it helps improve overall communication, builds a better understanding and ultimately leads to better relationships with family, friends and co-workers too.

Listening is an active process by which we make sense of, assess, and respond to what we hear. The listening process involves five stages: receiving, understanding, evaluating, remembering, and responding. Not only in school or at the workplace. But especially talking about the workplace: Listening helps managers to solicit feedback and proactively find out about problems before they escalate. It's also the only way for management to get to know people as individuals and ensure that they feel genuinely valued.

Listening and the supreme gift of wisdom belongs together. You can only become a wise person, if you know how to listen. Do you still remember the university lectures in your old student days once upon a time? Anybody can become wise, Proverbs says. Wisdom is not reserved for a brainy elite. Becoming wise requires self-discipline to study and humbly seek wisdom at every opportunity. And allow me to repeat: and, first, learn to listen.