How to Introduce Yourself in Tagalog

Learning how to introduce yourself in Tagalog is one of the best ways to start speaking Filipino with confidence. Whether you’re meeting new friends, talking to coworkers, or traveling in the Philippines, knowing how to say “My name is…” and “Nice to meet you” will instantly make conversations warmer.

In this lesson, you’ll learn essential Tagalog self-introduction phrases, helpful vocabulary, and a sample dialogue you can practice right away.

Learn these essential Tagalog words to confidently introduce yourself in everyday conversations.

Here are the most common and natural ways to introduce yourself in Tagalog

In a nutshell — here’s the most natural, realistic way to introduce yourself in Tagalog for the first time:

   Hi! Ako si Gee. Nice to meet you.

   (Hi! I’m Gee. Nice to meet you.)

Practice saying your name, where you’re from, and what you do in Tagalog — out loud.

When to Use “Ako si…” vs “Ako nga pala si…”? Well, both are correct — but they sound different in context:

“Ako si…” → direct and neutral.

Use this when meeting someone for the first time.

Example: Ako si Rizza. Ikaw, ano’ng pangalan mo? (I’m Rizza. How about you? what’s your name?)

“Ako nga pala si…” → softer, more casual.

Use this when mentioning your name after the conversation has started.

Example: Ako nga pala si Gee – kanina pa tayo nag-uusap, hindi ko pa nasasabi ang pangalan ko! (Oh, I’m Gee — we’ve been chatting for a bit and I just realized I never told you my name!)

Note: The particle “nga pala” adds a tone of realization or casual transition — it softens the sentence and makes it sound spontaneous or friendly. It can also mean “Oh right,” “by the way,” or “actually.”

1. The Tagalog equivalent of the English greeting “Nice to meet you” is “Ikinagagalak kitang makilala.” However, in everyday conversation, using this phrase can sound formal, awkward, or funny to native speakers. Filipinos often just say “Nice to meet you” or “Nice meeting you” in casual interactions, even when speaking Tagalog.

2. Although “Kumusta ka?” literally means “How are you?”, Filipinos don’t always use it the same way Americans use “How are you?” in casual greetings.

In English, we often say “How are you?” just to say hello, even if we don’t expect a real answer.

In Filipino conversations, “Kumusta ka?” is usually reserved for genuine check-ins, like:

• Seeing a friend after a long time
• Asking about someone’s health or situation
• Following up after an event or experience

For casual first-time meetings, Filipinos often skip it entirely and just greet with:

• “Hi!” / “Hello!”

• “Good morning!” / “Magandang umaga!”

Using “Kumusta ka?” too casually can feel a little forced or overly formal, so it’s good to reserve it for moments when you actually care about the other person’s well-being.

Now you know how to introduce yourself naturally in Tagalog! Start with “Ako si…” for simple introductions, and use “Ako nga pala si…” when introducing yourself casually, after some interaction, or as a reminder when you forgot to mention your name earlier.

• Practice saying your name, where you’re from, and what you do – in front of the mirror or;
• Record yourself and listen carefully to your pronunciation using the sample dialogues above; or
• Find a role-play partner and use the phrases from the lesson in a short conversation.

   Filipino Pronouns↵

   List of Jobs, Professions and Occupations in Tagalog↵