Speak Like a Pro: Filipino Slang to Avoid During Your Global Internship
At Go Global Internships, we know how exciting it is to land your first internship with a company from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, or Australia. It’s a big step and one where your communication style can really make a difference.
While Filipinos are known for being polite, hardworking, and friendly, some of the expressions we commonly use at home don’t always translate well in a Western workplace. To help you make a great impression, here’s a quick guide on what not to say and what to say instead.
“Noted.”
Filipino use: To show you’ve received a message.
Western reaction: Cold or dismissive.
Try instead: “Thanks, got it” or “Understood.”
“For a while”
Filipino use: “For a while, sir.”
Western reaction: Confusing.
Try instead: “One moment please.”
“Open the lights” / “Close the TV”
Filipino-English habit.
Western reaction: Grammatically incorrect.
Try instead: “Turn on/off the lights” or “Turn off the TV.”
“I’ll go ahead”
Filipino use: “I’ll go ahead na.”
Western reaction: Vague.
Try instead: “I’m leaving now.”
“Comfort Room (CR)”
Filipino use: “Where’s the CR?”
Western reaction: Confusing.
Try instead: “Where’s the restroom” or “bathroom?”
“It’s so traffic”
Filipino use: “It’s so traffic today.”
Western reaction: Unnatural phrasing.
Try instead: “There’s a lot of traffic.”
“Come again?”
Filipino use: To ask someone to repeat themselves.
Western reaction: Outdated.
Try instead: “Sorry?” or “Could you repeat that?”
“Already”
Filipino use: “I sent it already.”
Western reaction: Sounds awkward.
Try instead: “I already sent it.”
“Okay” or “Received”
Filipino habit: One-word replies.
Western reaction: Robotic or impersonal.
Try instead: “Thanks, I’ll review this” or “Got it—thanks!”
“Wait lang”
Filipino use: “Wait lang, I’ll check.”
Western reaction: Sounds abrupt.
Try instead: “One moment please, I’ll check.”
“Yes, ma’am/sir”
Filipino use: Polite and respectful.
Western reaction: Can sound overly formal or sarcastic.
Try instead: Use their name, or simply say “Yes” in casual environments.
Final Tip: Keep It Natural, Clear, and Confident
Your goal is to sound friendly, professional, and easy to work with. Speak clearly, avoid overly formal or outdated expressions, and adapt to the tone your supervisor uses. The great thing is—language can always be learned and improved. Just being aware of these differences already puts you ahead.