ano
/ʔaˈno/
The English phrase "what" is translated into Filipino as ano.
ano is an interrogative pronoun used to ask "what" when the identity of an unknown object or concept is being questioned. It can also function as a determiner to begin an exclamation. In an informal context, the phrase Ano'ng meron? is used to ask "What's up?" or "What's happening?"
Meaning: what? (interrogative pronoun) (pron)
Which one should you use?
Use ano when asking "what" regarding an unknown object. If you are asking "which" to choose from a specific set of options, use alin instead.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While ano is the standard form, you can make the question polite and respectful by adding the particle po to create Ano po? This is appropriate when addressing elders or superiors. For very informal situations, using ano as a standalone exclamation like Ano?! expresses shock, disbelief or confusion.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔaˈno/
When do people say it?
If you wish to ask for information very politely, you can use the phrase Puwede po malaman?, which means "May I know?" or "May I ask?"
Did you know?
- The word ano is an inheritance from the Proto-Austronesian root *(na-)nu, linking it to languages spoken across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
- In many casual conversations, Filipinos use ano as a placeholder or 'filler' word when they cannot remember a specific noun, similar to how English speakers use 'thingamajig' or 'whatsit'.
- The word ano can be used to express intense irritation or a challenge when repeated as Ano?! Ano?!, signaling that the speaker is losing patience.
Examples in context
- Ano sa tingin mo?What are our thoughts on this?This sentence shows how to use ano to ask for an opinion.Tatoeba #8768611 by fishda, translation #4501239 by CK
- Ano po ang walis?What is a broom?This sentence shows how to use ano to ask for a definition.Tatoeba #12354252 by qwertzu, translation #8919102 by CK
- Ano ang natapon mo?What did you spill?This sentence shows how to use ano to ask about an object.Tatoeba #11464007 by qwertzu, translation #2273916 by CK
- Ano ang pangalan mo?What is your name?
- 766 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ricardo and Angela are sitting in a cafe.
- RicardoAngela, ano ang oorderin mo?Angela, what will you order?
- AngelaGusto ko ng iced coffee.I want an iced coffee.
- RicardoAno ang gusto mong kainin?What do you want to eat?
- AngelaSandwich na lang, Ricardo.Just a sandwich, Ricardo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “what” translations and entries ano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
