Learn How to Say “Come Here” in the Philippines

Welcome to our guide on how to say “come here” in the Philippines! Whether you’re planning a visit, want to connect with Filipino friends or simply have an interest in the language, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express “come here” in Filipino, the national language of the Philippines. Please note that while Filipino is widely spoken, there are also various regional languages within the country, and we will touch upon them briefly if necessary.

Formal Ways to Say “Come Here”

If you wish to convey a formal tone when asking someone to come here, you can use the following phrases:

1. “Halika” or “Halikayo”

“Halika” is the singular form while “Halikayo” is the plural form of the expression. These phrases are quite versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations, depending on the context. They are commonly used in Filipino conversations and are considered polite and respectful. For instance, you might say:

“Halika/Halikayo dito, mayroon akong isang tanong.” (Come here, I have a question.)

2. “Pakiusap, pumunta ka rito”

This phrase can be translated as “Please, come here.” It is a more formal way to politely request someone’s presence. It is also important to note that “pumunta ka rito” means “come here” in Tagalog, the most widely spoken language in the Philippines. An example of usage is:

“Pakiusap, pumunta ka rito at ibahagi ang iyong opinyon.” (Please, come here and share your opinion.)

Informal Ways to Say “Come Here”

If you’re in a casual setting or talking to friends, you can use the following informal phrases to ask someone to come here:

1. “Dito ka!”

This straightforward phrase can be translated to “Here, you!” It is commonly used among friends or family members to call someone over. For example:

“Dito ka! Gusto kong ipakita sa iyo ang bagong libro ko.” (Come here! I want to show you my new book.)

2. “Punta ka rito”

“Punta ka rito” can be roughly translated as “Come over here.” It is less formal than the previous phrases mentioned but still widely used in informal conversations. For instance:

“Punta ka rito at samahan mo ako mamili sa palengke.” (Come over here and accompany me to the market.)

Regional Variations

It’s important to note that the Philippines is a diverse country with various regional languages. While Filipino, based primarily on Tagalog, is the national language, there are other languages spoken across different regions. Here are a few examples:

1. Cebuano (Visayan)

Cebuano, also known as Visayan, is spoken by a significant number of people in the central and southern parts of the Philippines. To say “come here” in Cebuano, you can use the phrase “Pag-abot diri.” For example:

“Pag-abot diri kay may gitanyag ko nimo.” (Come here because I have something to offer you.)

2. Ilocano

Ilocano is spoken in the northern region of the Philippines, particularly in Ilocos and Cordillera. To ask someone to come here in Ilocano, say “Duman ka.” Here’s an example:

“Duman ka, adda unayak iti nalakammo.” (Come here, I have something to show you.)

Useful Tips and Examples

Now that you’re familiar with both formal and informal ways to say “come here” in the Philippines, let’s explore some additional tips and examples:

Tips:

• Always consider the context and your relationship with the person you’re addressing to determine whether to use formal or informal expressions.
• Non-verbal cues such as hand gestures can also be used to invite someone to come closer.
• Using the person’s name after the expression adds a personal touch. For instance, “Halika, Jose”

Examples:

1. “Halika/Halikayo rito at tingnan natin ang mga larawan ng aming bakasyon.” (Come here and let’s look at the pictures from our vacation.)

2. “Dito ka, Maria! Tingnan mo ang bagong damit na binili ko.” (Come here, Maria! Look at the new clothes I bought.)

3. “Punta ka rito, Kyle, mayroon akong sorpresa sa iyo.” (Come over here, Kyle, I have a surprise for you.)