A1 Expression 격식체

Pabili po.

I'd like to buy.

Standard phrase used to get a shopkeeper's attention.

🌍

문화적 배경

The 'Sari-Sari' store is a cultural icon. The name means 'variety' or 'sundry.' These stores are often the only source of goods in remote areas and serve as community hubs. The use of 'po' and 'opo' is central to Filipino identity. Omitting it when speaking to elders or strangers is considered a sign of poor upbringing (walang modo). Filipinos often buy things in 'tingi' (small portions). This is why you say 'Pabili po' for a single stick of cigarette or a small sachet of shampoo. In small neighborhoods, 'Pabili po' can lead to 'Palista po' (Put it on my tab). This reflects the high level of trust within a barangay.

💡

Volume Matters

If the store owner is inside, don't be afraid to say it loudly. It's not considered rude to shout 'Pabili po!' to get attention.

⚠️

Don't Forget 'Po'

Even if the vendor is younger than you, using 'po' is safer for learners to ensure you are perceived as polite.

Standard phrase used to get a shopkeeper's attention.

💡

Volume Matters

If the store owner is inside, don't be afraid to say it loudly. It's not considered rude to shout 'Pabili po!' to get attention.

⚠️

Don't Forget 'Po'

Even if the vendor is younger than you, using 'po' is safer for learners to ensure you are perceived as polite.

🎯

The 'Nga' Trick

Add 'nga' (Pabili nga po) to sound like a local. It makes the request sound more natural and less like a textbook.

셀프 테스트

You are at a sari-sari store. How do you politely get the owner's attention?

Choose the best phrase:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Pabili po!

'Pabili po!' is the standard polite way to announce you want to buy something.

Complete the sentence to buy milk.

Pabili po ___ gatas.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: ng

The linker 'ng' is used to connect the verb 'pabili' to the object 'gatas'.

Match the phrase to the correct location.

Where would you say 'Pabili po'?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Neighborhood Sari-Sari Store

This phrase is specific to informal, over-the-counter neighborhood commerce.

Complete the dialogue.

Buyer: Pabili po ng kape. Seller: Ito o, tatlong piso. Buyer: ______.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Salamat po

After receiving the item and paying, you should say 'Salamat po' (Thank you).

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

Where to use Pabili po

Use it here

  • Sari-sari store
  • Wet market
  • Street food cart
  • Bakery

Don't use it here

  • SM Mall
  • Starbucks
  • Fine dining
  • Supermarket

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
You are at a sari-sari store. How do you politely get the owner's attention? Choose A1

Choose the best phrase:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Pabili po!

'Pabili po!' is the standard polite way to announce you want to buy something.

Complete the sentence to buy milk. Fill Blank A1

Pabili po ___ gatas.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: ng

The linker 'ng' is used to connect the verb 'pabili' to the object 'gatas'.

Match the phrase to the correct location. situation_matching A1

Where would you say 'Pabili po'?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Neighborhood Sari-Sari Store

This phrase is specific to informal, over-the-counter neighborhood commerce.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

Buyer: Pabili po ng kape. Seller: Ito o, tatlong piso. Buyer: ______.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Salamat po

After receiving the item and paying, you should say 'Salamat po' (Thank you).

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

5 질문

No, it's better to use 'Excuse me' or 'Waiter.' 'Pabili po' is for over-the-counter sales.

Yes! It's the perfect way to stop a vendor selling taho, fishballs, or newspapers.

You can say 'Pabili po nito' (I'd like to buy this) while pointing.

The vendor will usually say 'Ano 'yun?' (What is it?) or 'Sandali lang!' (Just a moment!).

It is 'consultative'—polite enough for strangers but casual enough for neighbors.

관련 표현

🔗

Magkano po ito?

builds on

How much is this?

🔗

Tao po!

similar

Is anyone home?

🔗

Salamat po.

builds on

Thank you.

🔗

Paabot po.

similar

Please pass [this].

🔗

Wala po bang tawad?

specialized form

Is there no discount?

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