Easy Tagalog Words to Teach Your Toddler

Teaching your toddler Tagalog doesn’t have to be overwhelming — it can be as simple as starting with everyday words you use all the time! Toddlers learn best through repetition, play, and daily conversations, so sprinkle Tagalog words naturally into your day. 🌟

These are words we pretty much use every day in our household, so it’s super easy to weave them into your routines — during meals, playtime, bedtime, or even while out and about.

Here’s a simple list you can start with (plus example phrases to make it even easier!):

1. Kain (eat)

   Phrase: "Kain na!" (Eat up!)

2. Inom (drink)

   Phrase: "Inom tayo ng juice." (Let's drink some juice.)

3. Tubig (water)

   Phrase: "Gusto mo ng tubig?" (Do you want some water?)

4. Gatas (milk)

   Phrase: "Inom ng gatas." (Drink some milk.)

5. Upo (sit)

   Phrase: "Upo tayo." (Let's sit.)

6. Tayo (stand)

   Phrase: "Tayo na." (Stand up.)

7. Lakad (walk)

   Phrase: "Lakad tayo sa labas." (Let's walk outside.)

8. Laro (play)

   Phrase: "Laro tayo." (Let's play.)

9. Tulog (sleep)

   Phrase: "Tulog na." (Go to sleep.)

10. Yakap (hug)

    Phrase: "Pwedeng payakap?" (Can I have a hug?)

Tips for Teaching Tagalog Naturally:

✨ Say the Tagalog word first, then point the object or perform the action. Example: "Tubig (pointing to the water bottle/cup of water). Gusto mo ng tubig?"

✨ Use it in routines — mealtime, bath time, playtime, etc.

✨ Keep it fun — sing it, make silly faces, or use toys!

✨ Be patient — even just hearing it daily will help it stick.

Reminder:

You don't have to be perfect! Even small doses of Tagalog will make a big difference in your child's bilingual journey. Kaya mo 'yan, Nanay at Tatay! 💪