30 English Words You Should Know Before Going to the Philippines

30 English Words You Should Know Before Going to the Philippines

Subtitle: Real Vocabulary for Real Life in Cebu

Introduction: English in the Philippines Is Not Just “Textbook English”

If you’re planning to study English in the Philippines — especially in a city like Cebu — you’re probably expecting to use English every day. And that’s true! English is widely spoken in the Philippines, and it’s one of the official languages used in schools, government, and business.

But here’s what many first-time students don’t realize:

The English you’ll hear and use in the Philippines is often practical, local, and a little different from what you learned in school.

You might hear someone say,

“Let’s ride a tricycle to the terminal.”
Or a dorm staff might ask,
“Do you want a refill of your drinking water?”

Wait… Tricycle? Terminal? Refill?
These are not advanced words — but they’re real-life words that appear everywhere in daily conversation.

This article introduces 30 essential English words that will help you survive and thrive in the Philippines. They’re grouped into categories like transportation, food, dorm life, and more — all based on actual phrases I heard and used during my stay in Cebu.

Whether you’re staying for a week or a few months, learning these words now will save you confusion, help you connect with locals, and make your experience much smoother.

Let’s dive in!

1. Transportation & Directions (6 Words)

Getting around in the Philippines is part of the adventure — but the vocabulary might be different from what you expect. These six words will help you navigate Cebu’s streets, terminals, and public transport like a local.

1. Jeepney

A “jeepney” is a colorful, shared minibus and one of the most common forms of public transportation in the Philippines.

“You can take a jeepney to the city center. It’s only 12 pesos.”

Most locals just say “jeep.” Don’t expect air conditioning — but it’s cheap and fun!

2. Tricycle

A “tricycle” in the Philippines is not a child’s toy — it’s a motorcycle with a passenger sidecar used for short-distance travel.

“Let’s ride a tricycle to the dorm. It’s faster than walking.”

You’ll see them everywhere. Prices vary, so ask before you ride.

3. Terminal

This refers to a designated area where jeepneys, buses, or vans stop to pick up and drop off passengers.

“We’re meeting at the Ayala terminal at 8 a.m.”

Terminals can be big or small — sometimes just a parking lot with signs.

4. Fare

“Fare” means the fee you pay for transportation.

“The jeepney fare is 13 pesos now.”

Always carry small bills and coins — drivers rarely have change.

5. Drop-off

This means the place where you get out of a vehicle.

“My drop-off point is near the convenience store.”

You can say this to a Grab driver: “Drop me off at IT Park, please.”

6. Meter

Used when referring to taxi fare calculation.

“Can you turn on the meter, please?”

If the driver doesn’t use the meter, agree on a price before the ride starts.

Learning these simple words will make your daily travels smoother and help you avoid confusion when asking for directions or using public transportation.

2. Daily Life & Dormitory (6 Words)

Your dorm or apartment in the Philippines will quickly become your second home — and knowing the right English words makes daily life much easier. Here are six essential terms you’ll hear often during your stay.

1. Refill

In the Philippines, many dorms and shops offer water refill services. You don’t always buy bottled water — you refill your own container.

“Where can I get a water refill?”

Most schools have a water station. Bring a reusable bottle!

2. Laundry shop

Instead of doing laundry yourself, many students use a nearby laundry shop, where staff wash, dry, and fold your clothes.

“I dropped off my clothes at the laundry shop this morning.”

Ask about pickup time and payment — some shops charge by the kilo.

3. Outlet

In the Philippines, “outlet” usually refers to an electrical socket. The voltage is 220V, so make sure your devices are compatible.

“Do you have an adapter for the outlet?”

Bring a universal plug if you’re unsure — or buy one locally.

4. Front desk

The front desk is where you ask for help in a dorm or hotel — like checking in, reporting issues, or borrowing items.

“Can I ask the front desk for an extra towel?”

Most dorms have staff available during the day — sometimes 24/7.

5. Shared room

Many dorms offer shared rooms with 2–4 people. It’s a common option for short-term students.

“I’m staying in a shared room with two other students.”

It’s a great way to meet people — just be respectful of space and noise.

6. Maintenance

When something is broken (like the air conditioner or shower), you’ll need to ask maintenance for help.

“Can you call maintenance? The light isn’t working.”

Be polite — and learn the names of a few helpful tools: “shower,” “sink,” “leak,” etc.

Understanding these everyday words will make your stay more comfortable — and help you handle small problems on your own.

3. Food & Eating Out (6 Words)

Eating out in the Philippines is part of the fun — it’s affordable, tasty, and full of variety. But the vocabulary you’ll hear in restaurants or cafés may not always match your textbook. Here are six essential words to help you order like a pro.

1. Take-out

This means ordering food to go instead of eating in.

“Can I get this for take-out, please?”

You may also hear “take-away.” Both are understood.

2. Combo

A combo is a set meal — often includes a main dish, drink, and sometimes a side.

“Do you have any lunch combos?”

Popular at fast food places like Jollibee or McDonald’s.

3. Utensils

This word refers to forks, spoons, and knives. In the Philippines, many meals are eaten with just a spoon and fork.

“Excuse me, can I get some utensils?”

You might also hear “spoon and fork set.”

4. Spicy

A very useful word when ordering local food. Some dishes can be very spicy, so be careful!

“Is this spicy?”
“Please make it not spicy.”

Filipinos generally have a mild-to-medium spice level, but always ask if you’re unsure.

5. Condiments

This refers to sauces, seasonings, or extra flavorings like vinegar, soy sauce, or ketchup.

“Where are the condiments?”
“Can I get some vinegar, please?”

You’ll often find condiments in the middle of the table, especially at local eateries.

6. Bill

The bill is what you ask for when you’re ready to pay.

“Can we get the bill, please?”

In the Philippines, servers usually won’t bring the bill unless you ask.

These simple but powerful words will make eating out smoother — and show that you’re comfortable communicating in English, even in casual settings.

4. School & Study (6 Words)

At English schools in the Philippines, you’ll hear a lot of classroom-specific vocabulary — and some of it might surprise you. These words will help you understand schedules, lessons, and how the system works.

1. Schedule

Your schedule is your daily timetable of classes — which teacher, what time, and what subject.

“Can I see my schedule for next week?”

Most schools give you a printed or digital schedule on Day 1. Keep a photo of it on your phone.

2. Slot

A “slot” refers to a single time period for a class — usually 50 minutes to 1 hour.

“I have six slots of class today.”

You might hear: “You can choose how many slots you want per day.”

3. 1-on-1

This means a private class between you and one teacher — the most common lesson format in the Philippines.

“All my classes are 1-on-1, so I can practice speaking a lot.”

Often written as “1:1” on schedules or signs.

4. Group class

A group class includes multiple students — usually for listening, discussion, or vocabulary practice.

“We have one group class every afternoon.”

Great for building confidence and hearing English from different accents.

5. Module

A module is a unit or theme in a textbook or lesson series.

“This week we’re studying Module 3: Travel English.”

You’ll often hear teachers say “Let’s move on to the next module.”

6. Quiz

A quiz is a short test — usually after a module or at the end of the week.

“Don’t worry, today’s quiz is only 10 questions.”

Many quizzes focus on listening, speaking, or vocabulary — not just grammar.

Knowing this school-related vocabulary will help you communicate smoothly with teachers and classmates — and avoid confusion on your first day.

5. Social & Cultural (6 Words)

Studying abroad is not just about language — it’s also about culture and human connection. These words will help you better understand the social norms, attitudes, and friendly communication style you’ll experience in the Philippines.

1. Open-minded

Being open-minded means being willing to accept different ideas, people, and lifestyles.

“Filipino people are very open-minded and easy to talk to.”

Try to be open-minded too — you’ll learn more and connect faster with others.

2. Local

This refers to people who live in the area — as in “local food,” “local people,” or “local culture.”

“I want to try some local food instead of fast food.”
“I had a great chat with a local student.”

Use this word to show respect for the people and culture of the Philippines.

3. Buddy

Some schools assign you a buddy — a local staff member or student who helps new students adjust.

“My buddy showed me around the city on my first day.”

Don’t be shy to ask your buddy questions — they’re there to support you.

4. Ma’am / Sir

In the Philippines, it’s common to address teachers, staff, or even strangers politely as Ma’am (for women) or Sir (for men).

“Thank you, Sir!”
“Yes, Ma’am, I understand.”

It may feel formal, but it’s normal and respectful. You’ll hear it every day.

5. Tagalog

Tagalog is the national language of the Philippines (also called Filipino), though many people speak English fluently.

“What does that word mean in Tagalog?”

Learning a few Tagalog greetings like “Salamat” (thank you) or “Kumusta” (How are you?) is a great way to show respect.

6. Curfew

A curfew is the time by which you must return to your dorm or residence.

“Our dorm’s curfew is 10 p.m.”

Some schools are strict, others more flexible — know the rules so you don’t get locked out!

Mastering these social and cultural words will help you adapt faster and build stronger relationships during your time in the Philippines.

Conclusion: Real English for Real Experiences

When you think of “studying English abroad,” you might imagine classrooms, textbooks, and grammar drills. But the truth is, most of the English you use during your time in the Philippines will happen outside the classroom — in the dorm, at restaurants, on the street, and in conversations with people from around the world.

That’s why learning practical, everyday vocabulary like the 30 words in this article is so important.

These aren’t “fancy” words. They’re real. They’re useful. And they’ll help you feel more confident the moment you arrive.

Whether you’re asking for a refill, riding a tricycle, or chatting with your dorm buddy, knowing the right words helps you connect, communicate, and enjoy your study abroad experience much more.

Even learning just 5–10 of these words before your trip can make a big difference. And once you’re here, you’ll start hearing them — and using them — every day.

✨ Want to Practice These Words in Real Life? Try 3D ACADEMY in Cebu

One of the best places to practice real-life English is 3D ACADEMY, an English school located in the heart of Cebu, Philippines. It’s not just about grammar lessons — it’s about living in English from morning to night.

At 3D ACADEMY, you’ll get:

• ✅ 1-on-1 English lessons tailored to your level

• ✅ Fun group classes and speaking activities

• ✅ Comfortable dormitory life with students from Japan and other countries

• ✅ Opportunities to use English at local restaurants, malls, and excursions

• ✅ Friendly staff who support you every step of the way

Whether you come for one week or one month, you’ll experience real English in action — and these 30 words will become part of your daily life.

Ready to take the first step?
Check out the school here: https://3d-universal.com/en/

Your English journey doesn’t start with a textbook.
It starts with real people, real conversations, and the real world.