Pilipino ako
To say I am Filipino in Tagalog, use Pilipino ako. It states your nationality or ethnic identity.
Pinoy is a common term for Filipinos, as in the informal Ako'y isang Pinoy, I am a Pinoy.
What does it mean word for word?
Pilipino means Filipino and ako means I.
Which one should you use?
To be polite, add po, as in Ako po ay Pilipino. or Ako po ay isang Pilipino, I am a Filipino. Ako po ay mamamayang Pilipino. means I am a Filipino citizen.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word order is the reverse of English, with Pilipino before ako. You can also use the marker ay for subject first order, as in Ako ay Pilipino. In casual speech ako and ay contract to Ako'y.
Did you know?
- Depending on the context, the word ako can be used as a verb to mean 'accept responsibility' for an action.
- The word Pilipino is derived from the Spanish 'filipino', which comes from the name 'Felipe' and the suffix '-ino'.
- The name for a person, Pilipino, is spelled with a 'P' in Tagalog, even though the country it refers to, Pilipinas, is a phonetic adaptation of the Spanish 'Filipinas'.
Examples in context
- Kumusta po? Ako po ay Pilipino.Hello, I am Filipino.
- Aking pinagmamalaki ang aming kultura at kasaysayan. Ako po ay mamamayang Pilipino.I take pride in our culture and history. I am a Filipino citizen.
- Tara, samahan mo ako! Ako ay Pinoy.Come on, join me! I am Pinoy.
- Ang sarap ng pagkain dito, no? Ako'y Pilipino.The food here is delicious, right? I am Filipino.
- Mahal ko ang ating kulturang Pinoy. Ako'y isang Pinoy.I love our Filipino culture. I am a Pinoy.
- Pilipino ako.I am Filipino.
- Proud na Pilipino ako.I am a proud Filipino.
- Hindi ako Amerikano, Pilipino ako.I am not American, I am Filipino.
Example conversation
Two people are introducing themselves at a cultural festival.
- JuanKumusta? Ako si Juan.Hello. I am Juan.
- JasmineAko naman si Jasmine. Pilipino ka ba?I am Jasmine. Are you Filipino?
- JuanOo, Pilipino ako.Yes, I am Filipino.
- JasmineMasaya akong makilala ka.I am happy to meet you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Pilipino, ako, CC BY-SA 4.0.
