Province of Ilocos Sur Local Customs

Learn the Dialect

by i-s-a

Though people here knows how to speak Tagalog, many of them prefer to use their own dialect which is "Ilokano" or even English. It would be helpful to learn some few native words. Some Pleasantries:Naimbag nga bigat yo, Apo – Good morningNaimbag nga malem yo, Apo – Good afternoonNaimbag nga rabii yo, Apo – Good eveningNaimbag nga aldaw – Good dayKumusta kayo, Apo? – How are you?Pangaasim man – PleaseDios ti agngina – Thank youUmay kayto manen – Come againWen – YesSaan – NoApo – Sir/MadameSome tricks: ^o^Kasano ti mapan diay …? – How to get to …?Adayo? – How far?Kayat ko ti gumatang ti … - I want to buy a …Nagnginan – ExpensiveAwan tawar nan? – No discount?...and the most important!Haan ko maawatan! – I cannot understand!