ano
/ʔaˈno/
The English word "what" is translated to Tagalog as ano.
ano is an interrogative pronoun used to ask "what". It can also be used as a determiner to begin an exclamation or to function as an indirect interrogative. When used as an exclamation, Ano! can express shock, surprise or a challenge.
Meaning: what? (interrogative pronoun) (pron)
Which one should you use?
While ano is used to ask for a definition or to identify an unknown object, you should use alin when you are asking to choose between specific options, which translates to "which".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word ano can be made polite by adding the particle po to form Ano po?, which is a respectful way to ask "what" when addressing elders or superiors. In contrast, Ano yun? is an informal expression used to mean "What is that?"
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔaˈno/
Did you know?
- While ano asks 'what', the related word ano-ano (repeating the word) is used when the speaker expects a list of multiple items in the answer.
- The word ano is so versatile in Tagalog that it can act as a placeholder for any noun you cannot remember, much like how English speakers use 'thingamajig' or 'whatsit'.
- When spoken with a specific rising intonation, Ano? can be used as a filler word to start a sentence while the speaker gathers their thoughts, acting like 'um' or 'uh'.
Examples in context
- Ano sa tingin mo?What are our thoughts on this?This sentence shows how to use ano to ask for someone's opinion.Tatoeba #8768611 by fishda, translation #4501239 by CK
- Ano po ang walis?What is a broom?This sentence demonstrates 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 unknown object that was spilled.Tatoeba #11464007 by qwertzu, translation #2273916 by CK
- Ano po ang oras ng byahe?What is the travel time?
- Anong sinasabi mo? Hindi ko masyadong naintindihan.What are you saying? I didn't quite understand.
- Ano ba ang plano natin ngayon?What are our plans for today?
- 766 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a cafe, Jose is trying to order but is confused.
- ChristinaAno ang order mo?What is your order?
- JoseAno ang masarap dito?What is delicious here?
- ChristinaAno, gusto mo ng kape?What, do you want coffee?
- JoseOo, ano ba ang laman ng menu?Yes, what is in the menu?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “what” translations and entries ano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
