How I’m learning Tagalog. Resources and more
if a link doesn’t work or if you’d like to suggest resources, message me.
Tagalog.com dictionary - HIGHLY RECOMMEND! includes: flashcards, song lyrics, and detailed explanations. Basically everything
textbooks for grammar
HiNative - ask native speakers questions
PODCASTS
“Go Filipino: Let’s Learn Tagalog” by Kris Andres
Campfire stories | Earl Jerico (ito yung fav ko. Maganda yung boses niya)
Balitang Pilipinas available on other major apps
YouTube
talk to me in tagalog
The Pinoy Grammar
The IdeaFirst company - includes lgbt shows such as Gameboys and Pearl Next Door
PaoLUL gaming
Hello stranger - BL show, sfw
ABS-CBN entertainment shows, movies etc
Re.Create - similar to Jubilee, taglish, personal favourite
Pinoy animation youtubers are especially useful because they provide a visual demonstration, they’re entertaining, and you learn useful words for casual conversations. Here are my favs:
Arkin
Hunyo
Yogiart
ReeOkun
Reading
Beginner / intermediate
Fanfiction on ao3
filo social media (specifically Twitter) accounts are helpful for learning slang
Change the language of your phone/apps to Filo
Advanced
Katitikan: Literary Journal of the Philippine South
Music
IV of spades
Zack Tabudlo
Apo hiking society
General tips since this has gotten really popular:
Make mistakes. Make a lot of mistakes and have native speakers correct you.
Aim to speak taglish first (a mix of Tagalog and English) as it’s easier and most Filipinos will still understand you
The grammar is hard if English is your mother tongue. Review the basic principles then focus on constant input i.e. reading and listening. You’ll pick up the grammar intuitively
Many Tagalog words don’t have a direct translation. So long as you get the gist of those words and you know when they’re used, don’t worry about finding an exact English equivalent.
To improve your speaking, know when to make a glottal stop. Tagalog words can have entirely different meanings depending on which syllable you emphasise e.g. mabāsa (to read) vs mabasâ (to get wet)
HAVE PATIENCE! It took me 2 years of (inconsistent) practice to even be able to have a basic conversation with relative ease. Tagalog is hard and the beginner stage is hell, but if you keep picking at it you’ll improve.




















