Expressions Used When Leaving or Parting Ways
In the home of Filipinos, you will hear certain familiar phrases when it's time to leave the house. As in the culture of other nations, saying farewells is part of the Filipino habit too. Never leave the house without saying good bye and letting other people know that you are about to leave. It is just as important as the way they have welcomed you into their homes. Let's get acquainted with some commonly used expressions when parting ways with from family and friends.
Tará na / Tayo na
There are several different ways to inform others that you are about to leave or part ways. One of the most commonly used term is “Tará” or "Tará na". This is the colloquial form of the expression “Tayo na”, which means “Let’s go.” These phrases are used to express an invitation to a companion to leave with them and to give a hint to others that you and your companion(s) will be departing soon. These can also be used to invite other people to go somewhere.
Both phrases can be used in casual conversations, but tará na is more commonly used nowadays, and tayo na sounds more old-fashioned. Let's use these expressions in different situations.
Examples:
Scenario: Jane tells her brother Andres that they leave now.
Jane: Let’s go, Andres.
Jane: Let’s go, Andres.
Paalam, Tútuloy & Mauuna
”Paalam” is a formal and most known expression for "goodbye" in Filipino, although it is a bit old-fashioned.
Less formally, you can also say “Tútuloy na ako” (singular) or ”Tútuloy na kamí” (plural) or “Mauuna na akó/kamí. Both of these phrases mean “I/We have to go”.
Examples:
Examples:
Scenario: Jane ends her graduation speech and says goodbye to everyone.
Jane: Thank you for the lessons and memories. Good bye, everyone.
Jane: Thank you for the lessons and memories. Good bye, everyone.
Scenario: Joe ends a personal letter for his teacher, Mr. Rivera, and says goodbye.
Joe: Until we meet again, Mr. Rivera. Good bye.
Joe: Until we meet again, Mr. Rivera. Good bye.
Scenario: Jane is about to leave the house of her friend, Vicky.
Jane: I have to go, Vicky.
Jane: I have to go, Vicky.
Scenario: Joe and Jane are about to part ways with their friend, Vicky.
Joe: We have to go, Vicky.
Joe: We have to go, Vicky.
Scenario: Jane’s parents have arrived to fetch her. She informs Vicky that she is leaving.
Jane: I have to go, Vicky.
Jane: I have to go, Vicky.
Trivia:
The thoughtfulness of Filipinos can be observed in how they treat their family and friends. From the moment one enters their homes and until the time of his/her departure, one is treated with kindness and great concern.Take Care & Come Again
When visitors/family leave the house or when parting ways with others, Filipinos say “Ingat” to say to them to take care. Usually, when visitors come to their homes and leave, Filipinos would ask them to come back again and pay a visit. “Bisita ká ulí” ( you singular ) or Bisita kayó ulí ( you plural / you all ). Others would use the phrase "dalaw ka/kayó ulî". Dalaw and bisita both mean "to visit", while ulî is a variation of the word "mulî", which means "again". With that, these expressions are simply translated as, “Please visit again!”
Examples:
Examples:
Scenario: Joe is about to leave Jane’s house
Joe: I have to go.
Jane: Take care, Joe. Please visit again.
Joe: I have to go.
Jane: Take care, Joe. Please visit again.
Scenario: Joe and his son are about to part ways with Jane.
Joe: We have to go.
Jane: Take care, Joe.
Joe: We have to go.
Jane: Take care, Joe.
Lesson Summary:
Filipinos use different expressions when leaving or parting ways. Observe these phrases and learn to use them in the correct context. In general, these expressions are sayings made when departing, and are also used as terms of endearment.