Guide: How to Say “My Tagalog is Not Good”

Hello there! If you’re looking to express that your Tagalog skills are not at their best, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to convey this in a formal or informal manner, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to say “My Tagalog is not good” in different ways.

Formal Expressions:

Formal expressions are typically used in professional or serious settings. If you need to convey your Tagalog proficiency formally, try using one of these recommended phrases:

1. “Hindi magaling ang aking Tagalog.” – This translates to “My Tagalog is not good.” It is a straightforward and concise way to express your language skills politely.
2. “Ang aking paggamit ng Tagalog ay hindi maganda.” – This formal phrase means “My use of Tagalog is not good.” It emphasizes that your command of the language needs improvement.
3. “Hindi ako bihasa sa Tagalog.” – This expression translates to “I am not fluent in Tagalog.” It conveys the notion that you are not proficient in the language.

Informal Expressions:

Informal expressions are commonly used in casual conversations among friends, acquaintances, or in less formal settings. These phrases are perfect for situations where you want to sound more relaxed and friendly:

1. “Hindi magaling ang Tagalog ko, pare.” – In this expression, “pare” is a Filipino slang word for “buddy” or “dude,” adding a friendly tone to your statement. It means “My Tagalog is not good, dude.”
2. “Tagalog ko, parang sumpang paslit.” – This expression uses a simile to convey that your Tagalog is like that of a young child. It is a playful way of saying “My Tagalog is not good.”
3. “Hindi ako gaanong marunong mag-Tagalog, eh.” – This phrase translates to “I’m not really good at Tagalog, you know.” It has a casual and conversational feel, perfect for friendly exchanges.

Tips for Conversation:

When engaging in a conversation about your Tagalog language skills, consider the following tips:

• Be humble: Regardless of the way you express it, always maintain a humble tone. This shows respect for your conversation partner’s language and culture.
• Ask for help: If you’re struggling with certain phrases or vocabulary, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Many Filipinos are friendly and willing to lend a hand when it comes to language learning.
• Practice: Keep practicing your Tagalog skills regularly. Practice makes perfect, and your efforts will be appreciated by native speakers.
• Don’t be discouraged: Learning a new language takes time and effort. If you make mistakes, don’t be discouraged. Embrace them as part of the learning process.

Examples:

Here are a few examples of how you can incorporate the phrases mentioned above into conversations:

Friend 1: Kumusta ang pagsasalita mo ng Tagalog? (How is your Tagalog speaking?)

You: Hindi magaling ang aking Tagalog, pero sinusubukan ko. (My Tagalog is not good, but I’m trying.)

Friend 1: Parang magaling ka mag-Tagalog ah! (You seem good in Tagalog!)

You: Hindi naman, Tagalog ko, parang sumpang paslit lang. (Not really, my Tagalog is only like that of a young child.)

Friend 1: Sabi mo marunong ka mag-Tagalog, oh. (You said you know Tagalog.)

You: Hindi ako gaanong marunong mag-Tagalog, eh. (I’m not really good at Tagalog, you know.)

Remember to adapt these examples based on your conversational context and the relationship you have with the person you’re talking to.

Now you’re ready to confidently express that your Tagalog is not at its best! Remember, practice and patience will help you improve. Enjoy your language learning journey and have fun communicating in Tagalog!