oo
/ˈʔoʔo/
In Filipino, 'yes' is expressed as oo. Wiktionary also lists opo.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Ways to say it
| Filipino | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| oo | /ˈʔoʔo/ (Standard Tagalog) /ˈʔəʔə/ (Standard Tagalog) |
|
| opo | /ˈʔopoʔ/ (Standard Tagalog) | polite |
The word is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance.
Which one should you use?
While oo is the standard way to say yes, opo is the polite version used to show respect. If you want to affirm agreement formally and politely, you can also use the phrase Oo nga po.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use opo when speaking to elders, superiors or in formal settings to show respect. The phrase Oo nga po is a formal and polite way to affirm agreement.
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite form opo is often used as a standalone response to a question to show respect.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔoʔo/
Did you know?
- While oo means 'yes', Filipinos often signal agreement by nodding their heads or using a slight upward tilt of the chin, which can sometimes be confused for a question by foreigners.
- The particle oo is so ancient that it is traced back to Proto-Malayo-Polynesian, meaning it has been used in the region for thousands of years.
- The polite particle po inside opo is so essential to Filipino culture that it is often inserted into sentences where no English equivalent exists.
Examples in context
- Oo, mahal mo ako.Yes, you love me.This sentence shows the use of oo in an affirmative statement.Tatoeba #11641032 by qwertzu, translation #773546 by marloncori
- Ang sagot ko ay oo.My answer is yes.This sentence uses oo as the subject of a sentence.Tatoeba #11273209 by qwertzu, translation #4495645 by CK
- Oo nga, pero hindi.Well yes, but actually no.This sentence demonstrates how oo can be used to express a nuanced agreement.Tatoeba #11575332 by qwertzu, translation #10134426 by DJ_Saidez
- Opo, salamat po!Yes, thank you!
- Oo nga po, napakaganda po ng panahon!Yes, the weather is really beautiful!
- Oo, sama ako!Yes, I'm coming!
- Teka, kunin ko lang sa bag ko.Wait, let me just get it from my bag.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Christina asks Antonio if he is hungry during lunch.
- ChristinaGutom ka na ba?Are you hungry already?
- AntonioOo, gutom na ako.Yes, I am hungry now.
- ChristinaKakain ba tayo sa labas?Are we going to eat out?
- AntonioOo, tara na.Yes, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries oo, opo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oo, opo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
