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!
