Signification
A simple way to express thirst.
Contexte culturel
Offering water is the first act of hospitality. It's called 'pagpapatuloy'. Even if you don't ask, a host will likely bring you a glass. In the Philippines, 'service water' in restaurants is free and expected. You don't always have to buy bottled water. Water is central to Filipino hygiene. The 'tabo' (dipper) is used for everything from bathing to cleaning, showing a deep connection to water usage. Holy water ('bendita') is significant in Catholic Philippines. Water is seen as a purifying element in many local rituals.
Add 'Po'
Always add 'po' after 'ko' (Gusto ko po...) when talking to strangers or elders to sound polite.
Don't say 'Ako gusto'
Avoid starting with 'Ako'. It's a common beginner mistake that sounds like 'Me want'.
Signification
A simple way to express thirst.
Add 'Po'
Always add 'po' after 'ko' (Gusto ko po...) when talking to strangers or elders to sound polite.
Don't say 'Ako gusto'
Avoid starting with 'Ako'. It's a common beginner mistake that sounds like 'Me want'.
The 'Kong' Shortcut
Native speakers often say 'Gusto kong tubig' instead of 'Gusto ko ng tubig'. The 'ng' attaches to 'ko'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'I want water.'
Gusto ____ ng tubig.
The pronoun 'ko' is the correct form to use with 'Gusto' to mean 'I'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask a waiter for water?
Select the best option:
Adding 'po' and using the correct marker 'ng' makes this the most polite and natural choice.
Complete the dialogue.
Friend: 'Nauuhaw ka ba?' Learner: 'Oo, ________.'
If the friend asks if you are thirsty (Nauuhaw ka ba?), the logical response is 'Yes, I want water.'
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a gym and very tired.
Water is the most appropriate request after exercise.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGusto ____ ng tubig.
The pronoun 'ko' is the correct form to use with 'Gusto' to mean 'I'.
Select the best option:
Adding 'po' and using the correct marker 'ng' makes this the most polite and natural choice.
Friend: 'Nauuhaw ka ba?' Learner: 'Oo, ________.'
If the friend asks if you are thirsty (Nauuhaw ka ba?), the logical response is 'Yes, I want water.'
You are at a gym and very tired.
Water is the most appropriate request after exercise.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. To be truly polite, say 'Gusto ko po ng tubig' or 'Pahingi po ng tubig.'
'Gusto' means want/like, while 'Kailangan' means need. Use 'Kailangan' if you are very thirsty.
Tagalog pseudo-verbs like 'Gusto' use genitive pronouns (ko, mo, niya) rather than nominative ones (ako, ka, siya).
Yes! Just replace 'tubig' with 'kape' (coffee), 'gatas' (milk), or 'alak' (alcohol).
Add 'malamig na' before tubig: 'Gusto ko ng malamig na tubig.'
Yes, always. It is one of the most common words in Tagalog.
In a very casual setting or emergency, yes. But it's better to use the full phrase.
Say 'Gusto ko ng mainit na tubig.'
In Spanish, yes. In Tagalog, it only means 'Want' or 'Like'.
In most restaurants, 'service water' is free. Bottled water costs money.
Expressions liées
Nauuhaw ako
similarI am thirsty.
Pahingi ng tubig
synonymCan I have some water?
Kailangan ko ng tubig
builds onI need water.
Ayaw ko ng tubig
contrastI don't want water.
