With Your Filipina Maid

The Tagalog word for 'maid' is katulong, which literally means 'helper.' (The Tagalog word for 'help' is tulong.) Here are a few Tagalog phrases to help you communicate with your Filipina maid:

Linisin mo ito.
Clean this.

Ganito. Ganyan.
This way.  Like that.

Gamitin mo ito.
Use this.


Huwag mo itong galawin.
Don't touch this.

Huwag mo itong buksan.
Don't open this.

Huwag kang pumasok doon.
Don't go in there.

Huwag kang gumamit ng ____________.
Don't use ____________.

Make sure whoever prepares your meals is screened for hepatitis.
Otherwise, be vigilant about handwashing.

Maghugas ka ng kamay.
Wash your hands.

Lagi kang maghugas ng kamay.
Always wash your hands.

Naghugas ka ba ng kamay?
Did you wash your hands?

Hugasan mo ito.
Wash this. (a load of dishes)

Labahan mo ito.
Launder this.

Punasan mo ito.
Wipe this. (e.g., wipe dust off a surface)

Don't forget to thank your maid for her work.

 Salamat.
Thank you.


Salamat sa tulong mo.
Thank you for your help.

Ito ay para sa iyo.
This is for you.

Magpahinga ka muna.
Rest awhile.