Kapampangan 101: Commonly Used Kapampangan Words When Visiting Pampanga

Planning a trip to Pampanga, the culinary capital of the Philippines? While you’re sure to indulge in mouth-watering dishes like sisig and kare-kare, why not take your experience a step further by learning a few Kapampangan phrases? Speaking the local language not only enriches your travel experience but also helps you connect with the warm and hospitable Kapampangans on a deeper level.

Whether you’re navigating the bustling markets, ordering at a local eatery, or simply exchanging pleasantries, a little effort in speaking Kapampangan can go a long way. So, let’s dive into some commonly used Kapampangan words and phrases that will make your visit to Pampanga even more memorable! 

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Kapampangan is the language spoken in the province of Pampanga and parts of neighboring regions. While many Kapampangans also speak Filipino and English, using their native tongue is a great way to immerse yourself in the rich culture and make your travel experience even more memorable.

Here are some useful Kapampangan words and phrases to help you get by:

Basic Greetings

• Mayap a abak. – Good morning.
• Mayap a gatpanapun. – Good afternoon.
• Malaus ko pu. – Welcome. (Literally: Please come in.)
• Kumusta ka? – How are you?
• Masalese ku pu. – I’m fine, thank you.

Getting Around

• Nokarin ka munta? – Where are you going?
• Nokarin ka ibat? – Where are you coming from?
• Makananu kung munta king… – How do I get to… …istasyun ning tren? – the train station? …sulagpawan? – the airport?
• Mekeni. – Come here.

Eating Out

• Mangan ta na. – Let’s eat.
• Buri ke ini/ita. – I like this/that.
• Manyaman! – Delicious!
• Kabsi ko! – I’m full!

With a few simple phrases like these, you can navigate your way around Pampanga, order food at restaurants, and trade basic pleasantries with the locals. Don’t be shy to give it a try – the Kapampangans will be delighted that you made an effort to speak their language.

Here are some additional Kapampangan words and phrases that can be useful when traveling to Pampanga:

Common Greetings

• Good day – Mayap a aldo
• Goodbye – Paalam
• See you later – Mikit tamu pasibayu
• Take care – Mimingat ka

Basic Phrases

• Yes – Wa
• No – Ali
• Please – Paki
• Thank you – Dakal a salamat
• You’re welcome – Alang anuman
• Excuse me – Makilabas ku
• Sorry – Pasensya na

Directions

• Left – Kayli
• Right – Wanan
• Straight ahead – Diretsu
• Turn – Likuan
• Near – Malapit
• Far – Malaut

Numbers

• One – Metung
• Two – Adwa
• Three – Atlu
• Four – Apat
• Five – Lima
• Six – Anam
• Seven – Pitu
• Eight – Walu
• Nine – Siyam
• Ten – Apulu

Common Questions

• What is your name? – Nanu ing lagyu mu?
• How old are you? – Pilan na ka banwa?
• Where are you from? – Taga-nukarin ka?
• Do you speak English? – Magsalita kang English?
• How much is this? – Magkanu ini?

Food and Dining

• Delicious – Manyaman
• Water – Danum
• Rice – Nasi
• Fish – Asan
• Chicken – Manuk
• Pork – Babi
• Beef – Baka

Emergency Phrases

• Help! – Saupan mu ku!
• Call a doctor! – Awsan mu ing doktor!
• I need help – Kailangan ku ing saup
• Where is the hospital? – Nokarin ing hospital?

Miscellaneous

• Beautiful – Malagu
• Friend – Kaluguran
• Family – Pamilya
• House – Bale
• Market – Palengki
• School – Eskwela

These additional words and phrases should help you navigate your way through Pampanga and engage more deeply with the local culture. Enjoy your trip and the warm hospitality of the Kapampangans!