Tausug
A proud Mindanao language reflecting deep Islamic roots and the maritime culture of the Sulu people.
Tausug, meaning “People of the Current,” is spoken in Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and parts of Zamboanga. It blends Malay and Arabic influences.
Click here to view a map where Tausug is spoken in the Philippines.
💡 Fun Fact: Tausug culture emphasizes honor, community, and respect — often reflected in their warm greetings.
- Hello / Peace be with you → Assalamu alaikum. (ah-SAH-lah-moo ah-LAY-koom)
- Thank you → Magsukul. (mahg-SOO-kool)
- You’re welcome → Wayru. (WHY-roo)
- Goodbye → Ma’asalam. (mah-AH-sah-lahm)
- Good morning → Marayaw na umagah. (mah-RAH-yow nah oo-MAH-gah)
- Good afternoon → Marayaw na kulaw. (mah-RAH-yow nah koo-LAH-oo)
- Good evening → Marayaw na bungi. (mah-RAH-yow nah BOONG-ee)
- Please → Pahiling. (pah-HEE-leeng)
- Yes / No → Iyo / Bukun. (EE-yoh / boo-KOON)
- I love you → Piyagkahigugma ku ikaw. (pee-yag-kah-hee-GOOG-ma koo ee-KAW)
- How much? → Pira inih? (PEE-rah ee-NEEH)
- Where is ___? → Hain in ___? (HINE een ___)
- I want to go to ___ → Kuyah aku ha ___ (KOO-yah ah-KOO hah ___)
- Stop here → Di sin. (DEE seen)
- I don’t understand → Bukun aku makaintindi. (boo-KOON ah-KOO mah-kah-een-TEEN-dee)
Delicious → Lami. (lah-MEE)
Water → Tubig. (TOO-big)
Bill, please → Pahiling in bill. (pah-HEE-leeng een beel)
- Help! → Tabang! (TAH-bahng)
- Police → Pulis. (poo-LEES)
- I’m lost → Nawara aku. (nah-WAH-rah ah-KOO)
- Be careful! → Mag-ingat ka! (mahg-EENG-aht kah)
- One – Isa (ee-SAH)
- Two – Duwa (doo-WAH)
- Three – Tulu (too-LOO)
- Four – Upat (oo-PAHT)
- Five – Lima (lee-MAH)
- Six – Unum (oo-NOOM)
- Seven – Pitu (pee-TOO)
- Eight – Walu (wah-LOO)
- Nine – Siyam (shyahm)
- Ten – Sampu (sahm-POO)