Tagalog vs. Filipino Language: Main Differences

Understanding the distinction between Tagalog vs. Filipino is essential for anyone engaging with the Filipino culture, translation needs, or communication. While these languages are often used interchangeably, they have unique characteristics that set them apart. Let’s delve into the history, linguistic differences, and implications when translating. 

A Brief History of the Filipino Language 

Let’s take a trip back to the 1930s. This was when the Commonwealth government of the Philippines decided that the country needed a national language. At that time, the Philippines was a mosaic of different dialects and cultures. 

Metro Manila, the capital, and its neighbouring provinces primarily spoke Tagalog, making it the leading candidate for the national language. However, due to the country’s diverse geography, many Filipinos did not speak Tagalog, leading to significant opposition from various representatives. 

As a result, the constitution merely recommended that a national language should be established in the future. 

Fast forward to the 1970s, during President Ferdinand Marcos’s era, the government aimed to create a ‘new society.’ Nationalist academics took this opportunity to develop a national language called ‘Pilipino.’ They enriched the vocabulary by incorporating words from Chinese, Malay, English, and Spanish, replacing outdated Tagalog words with more pleasing alternatives. For instance, the Spanish-derived ‘silya’ replaced the Tagalog ‘salumpuwit.’ 

When Cory Aquino succeeded Marcos, the constitution officially named the new language ‘Filipino,’ the national language of the Philippines. By then, most Filipinos were already using it in daily conversations. The alphabet was also expanded to include new letters like c, x, z, j, and f. 

Filipino Language: 

• Filipino is the national language of the Philippines. 

• It is part of the Austronesian language family. 

• Filipino is one of the two official languages of the country, alongside English. 

• It is a standardised variety of Tagalog. 

• Filipino is primarily spoken and written in Metro Manila and other urban centres. 

• The 1987 Constitution mandates that Filipino be further enriched by incorporating elements from other Philippine languages. 

Linguistic Features: 

• Commonly uses verb-subject-object order but can also use subject-verb-object order. 

• Follows the trigger system of morphosyntactic alignment. 

• Has head-initial directionality. 

• Is an agglutinative language that can display inflection. 

• Not a tonal language but can be considered a pitch-accent and syllable-timed language. 

• Has nine basic parts of speech. 

Historical Background: 

• The Philippines is a multilingual state with 175 living languages. 

• Many of these languages descend from a common Malayo-Polynesian language due to Austronesian migration from Taiwan. 

• Spanish intrusion began in 1565. 

• Manila, a Tagalog-speaking region, became the capital of the Spanish settlement in Asia. 

• The first dictionary of Tagalog, “Vocabulario de la lengua tagala,” was published in 1613 by Tomás Pinpin. 

Language Evolution:

• Spanish served as the official language during the Spanish period and played a significant role in unifying the Philippines. 

• During the American colonial period, English became an additional official language. 

• The 1935 constitution provided for the development of a national language based on one of the existing native languages. 

• In 1937, Tagalog was recommended as the basis for the national language. 

• The national language, initially called ‘Pilipino,’ was later renamed ‘Filipino’ in the 1987 Constitution.

What Sets Tagalog Apart from Filipino?

To fully appreciate the difference between Tagalog and Filipino, it’s important to recognise their scopes. 

• Tagalog is a regional language spoken primarily in Central and Southern Luzon. 
• Filipino, on the other hand, is a standardised national language that aims to reflect the linguistic diversity of the Philippines. 

Filipino is designed to be more inclusive, accommodating loanwords, and expressions from English, Spanish, and other Philippine dialects, while Tagalog remains closer to its historical roots. 

Learn more about the meaning of Tagalog language.

What Are the Key Differences Between Tagalog and Filipino? 

Although Tagalog and Filipino share a common foundation, their differences in vocabulary, grammar, inclusivity, and usage reveal distinct roles in communication and cultural representation. 

Vocabulary in Tagalog vs. Filipino 

One of the most noticeable distinctions lies in vocabulary. Filipino integrates borrowed words from various languages, making it more dynamic and adaptive. 

Example of Words in Filipino vs. Tagalog  

Filipino incorporates foreign terms like “telebisyon,” influenced by Spanish, and modern words such as “kompyuter” (computer), whereas Tagalog might stick with more traditional or regional alternatives. 

Are Grammar Rules the Same in Both Languages? Tagalog vs. Filipino 

The grammar rules of Tagalog vs. Filipino share many similarities because Filipino was initially based on Tagalog. Both languages follow the same foundational structures, such as subject-verb-object order and the use of markers like ang, ng, and sa to denote focus, possession, and location.  

However, Filipino grammar tends to be more adaptable due to its incorporation of influences from other Philippine languages and foreign languages like Spanish and English. 

 For instance: Tagalog vs. Filipino

Tagalog: 

• Ako ay kumakain ng mansanas. (I am eating an apple.) 

• Siya ay pumunta sa paaralan kahapon. (He/She went to school yesterday.) 

• Maglalaro kami ng basketball bukas. (We will play basketball tomorrow.) 

Filipino: 

• Kumain ako ng mansanas. (I ate an apple.) 

• Pumunta siya sa school kahapon. (He/She went to school yesterday.) 

• Maglalaro tayo ng basketball bukas. (We will play basketball tomorrow.) 

As you can see, Filipino tends to use simpler sentence structures and often omit certain grammatical markers that are present in Tagalog. 

 Filipino speakers often alternate between English and Filipino within a single sentence, making the language more fluid and relatable to a broader audience. This adaptability is less common in traditional Tagalog, which tends to resist foreign grammatical structures. 

Inclusivity of Dialects 

One of the defining features of Filipinos is inclusivity. Filipino actively incorporates words and expressions from the Philippines’ over 170 languages, such as Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, and Waray. This makes Filipino a richer and more diverse language that better reflects the cultural and linguistic identity of the entire nation. 

For example: 

• Cebuano influence: Langga (term of endearment, “darling”) is occasionally used in Filipino. 
• Ilocano influence: Words like balasang (young woman) are adopted into informal Filipino vocabulary.

Tagalog, in contrast, remains more region-specific. It predominantly reflects the linguistic heritage of central and southern Luzon, retaining its traditional vocabulary and structure without significant integration from other Philippine languages. 

Regional vs. National Usage of Tagalog vs. Filipino 

Tagalog serves as a regional language, primarily spoken in provinces like Batangas, Bulacan, Laguna, and parts of Metro Manila. It thrives in everyday communication among communities in these areas, preserving its identity as a local dialect rich in cultural significance. 

Filipino, on the other hand, is the Philippines’ official national language. It is taught in schools, used in government documents, and serves as a unifying medium in national media, law, and formal communication. Filipino’s national status allows it to act as a bridge between the country’s many dialects, offering a common language for Filipinos of different linguistic backgrounds. 

For instance: Let’s see the difference between Tagalog vs. Filipino

• A government document or public service announcement is likely to use Filipino to ensure accessibility across the country. 

• A local community meeting in Bulacan may be conducted entirely in Tagalog, reflecting the language’s regional specificity. 

By understanding the difference between Tagalog and Filipino and these distinctions, individuals, and organisations can choose the appropriate language for their target audience, ensuring effective communication and cultural sensitivity. 

Why Is It Important to Understand the Difference Between Tagalog vs. Filipino for Translations? 

Understanding the difference between Tagalog vs. Filipino is crucial for delivering accurate translations. Filipino’s incorporation of multiple dialects and foreign borrowed words can make it the preferred choice for materials targeting a broader audience. 

Conversely, Tagalog is better suited for documents or communication tailored to Tagalog-speaking regions. 

For example, translating Tagalog to English accurately requires recognising regional nuances. Similarly, employing NAATI-certified Filipino translation services ensures that translations meet official standards for broader national or international contexts. 

Which Language Should We Use for Translation Needs? Tagalog vs. Filipino? 

Choosing between Tagalog vs. Filipino depends on context, target audience, and the purpose of communication. From legal documents to marketing campaigns, using the appropriate language is essential for clarity and cultural sensitivity. 

• Use Tagalog: For content targeting specific Tagalog-speaking communities. 

• Use Filipino: For nationwide or international purposes, particularly for official documents like legal papers, certificates, or business materials. 

Whether you’re navigating the difference between Tagalog and Filipino for personal, academic, or professional purposes, understanding their unique features is invaluable. 

If you’re unsure which language to choose, consider consulting experts in the field, our team at Sylaba is ready to help you. Don’t hesitate to contact us.