oo
/ˈʔoʔo/
The English word 'yes' is expressed in Tagalog using the particle oo. Wiktionary also lists opo.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| oo | /ˈʔoʔo/ (Standard Tagalog) /ˈʔəʔə/ (Standard Tagalog) |
|
| opo | /ˈʔopoʔ/ (Standard Tagalog) | polite |
Both oo and opo are particles used to indicate agreement or acceptance.
Which one should you use?
While oo is the standard way to say yes, opo is a specific form used to express politeness and respect.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
oo is the common form, whereas opo is a polite form used when speaking to elders or superiors to show respect.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔoʔo/
Did you know?
- In the Philippines, saying opo is often accompanied by a gesture called 'pagmamano', where a person takes an elder's hand and presses it to their forehead.
- The word oo is part of a massive linguistic family, sharing its ancient roots with languages from Madagascar to Easter Island.
- The respect marker po found in opo is so versatile that it can be inserted into almost any part of a sentence to change the tone from casual to formal.
Examples in context
- Oo, mahal mo ako.Yes, you love me.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use oo in an affirmative statement.Tatoeba #11641032 by qwertzu, translation #773546 by marloncori
- Ang sagot ko ay oo.My answer is yes.This sentence shows how oo can function as a noun meaning the answer itself.Tatoeba #11273209 by qwertzu, translation #4495645 by CK
- Oo nga, pero hindi.Well yes, but actually no.This sentence illustrates a conversational use of oo to express agreement.Tatoeba #11575332 by qwertzu, translation #10134426 by DJ_Saidez
- Opo, papasok na po ako sa loob ng bahay.Yes, I will enter the house now.
- Matutuwa po ako na sasama ako sa inyo.I would be happy to join you.
- Siya ay tama tungkol sa desisyon na iyon.He/She is right about that decision.
- Oo, pupunta ako sa party mamaya!Yes, I will go to the party later!
- Oo naman, handa akong tumulong sa'yo.Yes, of course, I'm ready to help you.
- Tiyak, darating ako sa oras.Sure, I will arrive on time.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juan and Jasmine are deciding what to eat.
- JuanGusto mo ba ng pizza?Do you want pizza?
- JasmineOo, gusto ko niyan.Yes, I want that.
- JuanOrder na ba tayo?Shall we order now?
- JasmineOo, sige na.Yes, go ahead.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries oo, opo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
