One of the first things you’ll notice when you listen to Filipinos speak is the constant use of two little words:

po and opo

These words are a huge part of our culture because they are the number one way we show respect through language.

If you want to sound polite and be respectful when speaking Filipino, learning how to use po and opo is non-negotiable. It’s a simple change to your sentences that makes a world of difference.

So, what do these words actually mean? And what about that other word, ho?

Let’s break it down in this simple guide.

What are po and opo?

Po and opo don’t have a direct, one-word translation in English like “please” or “thank you”. Think of them as “politeness markers.” Adding them to your sentence is like adding “sir” or “ma’am,” but it’s much more common and used in a wider variety of situations.

Opo (O-pò)

This is the polite way to say “yes.” It’s a combination of the Filipino word for yes, oo, and the politeness marker, po.

Oo (Yes) + po = Opo (Polite Yes)

So, instead of just saying a plain “yes,” using opo shows respect to the person you’re talking to.

Po (Pò)

This is the marker you can sprinkle into almost any sentence to make it polite. It can be a statement, a question, or a response. Unlike opo, which just means “yes,” po is more flexible and can be used in many different ways.

How to use po and opo in sentences

Using these words is super easy once you get the hang of it. Here are the basic rules.

Using opo to say “yes”

Whenever you need to answer “yes” to someone you should respect, simply use opo.

For a polite “no,” you would say Hindi po.

Adding po to make sentences polite

You can add po to almost any sentence. It’s usually placed after the first word, after a verb, or at the very end of the sentence.

Here are some of the most common examples:

1. In greetings:

2. When saying thank you:

3. In questions and statements:

What about ‘ho’? A regional variation

You might also hear another word used similarly to po: ho.

Ho is another politeness marker, and it’s very common in certain provinces, especially in the Southern Tagalog region (like Batangas and Laguna). It serves the same function as po.

The main difference is nuance. Ho can sometimes feel a little less formal than po, but it is still definitely a sign of respect. You might use it with a neighbor you know well but is older than you.

Just like opo, there is also oho.

Oo (Yes) + ho = Oho (Polite Yes, regional)

Choosing between po and ho often just depends on where you are in the Philippines and what the locals are using. When in doubt, po is always the safe and universally understood choice!

When should you use po, opo, and ho?

This is the most important part! Knowing when to use these words is key. It’s a sign of good manners and what we call magandang pagpapalaki (good upbringing).

Here’s a simple list of people you should always use po, opo, or ho with:

• Your elders: This includes your parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and any older relatives.
• People in authority: Teachers, bosses, police officers, government workers, and doctors.
• Strangers: Especially those who are older than you. It’s the standard polite way to address someone you don’t know.
• Customers: If you work in a service role, using po and opo is essential for good customer service.

You generally do not use po and opo when talking to your close friends, siblings, cousins around your age, or anyone younger than you.

Putting it all together: Sample conversations

Let’s look at how these words work in a real conversation.

Scenario 1: Talking to your grandmother (Lola)

Scenario 2: Asking for directions from an older stranger

Scenario 3: Talking to a neighborhood store owner (using “ho”)

A small word with a big impact

Mastering po, opo, and ho is a simple step that will instantly make you sound more natural and respectful when speaking Filipino. It shows that you not only understand the language but also appreciate the culture behind it.

So go ahead and start adding it to your sentences. Filipinos will surely appreciate the effort!

Salamat po sa pagbabasa! (Thank you for reading!)