opo
/ˈʔopoʔ/
The Tagalog phrase for "yes sir" is opo.
opo is a standalone response that functions as both "yes" and a respectful acknowledgment.
Which one should you use?
Use oo for friends or people younger than you, and opo for superiors or elders.
How does it change in a sentence?
The po in opo is a particle used to show respect, and it can be inserted into many other sentences to make them polite.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔopoʔ/
Did you know?
- In some traditional Filipino households, children may respond with opo even when they are disagreeing or cannot fulfill a request, using it as a sign of submission and respect rather than literal agreement.
- The fundamental root of the word, oo, can be traced back to the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian word *puəq. This connects the basic Tagalog affirmation to an ancient linguistic lineage shared across Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
- Using the informal oo instead of opo when addressing a boss or grandparent is considered 'walang galang'. This label means 'lacking respect' and can be seen as a significant social offense in Filipino culture.
Examples in context
- Opo, Ginoo!Yes, Sir!This sentence is useful for seeing how to use opo when addressing a gentleman.Tatoeba #11273039 by qwertzu, translation #831677 by FeuDRenais2
- Opo, tapos ko na ang trabaho.Yes sir, I have finished the work.
- Opo, darating ako mamaya.Yes sir, I will arrive later.
Example conversation
Jasmine is talking to her boss, Ricardo, at the office.
- JasmineRicardo, tapos na po ang report.Ricardo, the report is finished.
- RicardoPakidala ito sa opisina ko.Please bring this to my office.
- JasmineOpo, dadalhin ko na po.Yes sir, I will bring it now.
- RicardoSalamat, Jasmine.Thank you, Jasmine.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry opo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries opo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
