Prepositions often differ between American and Filipino English:
Americanism
She is good at physics
Let's order a pizza.
Can you cope with your stress?
Let's discuss corruption
It will result in more problems.
Based on the evidence, I agree.
Let's watch the movie.
I'm sick of travelling all the time.
I agree with her.
I am bound for Manila.
Please fill out the form.
I studied with Professor Garcia
I am studying accounting
Palawan remains beautiful.
He was fired from his job.
There is a discount on jeans.
You should demand a receipt.
For example,
Americanism
"Uh-uh."
The other day
One-quarter sheet of paper
Please move your seat
Please switch papers
I'll pick you up at 8.
The previous month
Please fill out this form
What's your major?
I was Class of 2006?
Souvenir/Memento
Filipinism
She is good in physics.
Let's order for a pizza
Can you cope up your stress?
Let's discuss about corruption.
It will result to more problems
Based from the evidence, I agree.
Let's watch out for the movie.
I'm sick with travelling all the time.
I agree to her.
I am bound to Manila.
Please fill up the form
I studied under Ma'am Garcia.
I am taking up Accountancy
Palawan remains to be beautiful
He was fired out of his job.
There is a discount off on Levi's.
You should demand for a receipt
Example:
Some Common Americanisms
What the Filipino hears
"Yes."
The day before yesterday
Huh?
Place the seat in a different location
Huh?
I will lift you off the ground
The earlier(?) month
Huh?
Huh?
Huh?
Huh?
American English &
Filipino English
Americanisms are English words that only Americans use and cause
confusion for English speakers not from America. Filipinisms are English
words that Filipinos use and cause confusion for people outside the
Philippines. Some words or phrases are different but mutually intelligible.
An American would say "For example," while a Filipino would say,
"Example:". Then there are other words and phrases that can really cause
problems because they are not mutually intelligible. For example, a call
center agent might say to an American customer, "I will look up your
record. For a while." The Filipino is asking the American to wait for a short
time, but the American would think, "Oh no! I have to wait for a long time!"
What the American means
"No."
A nonspecific day in the past
One-fourth sheet of paper
Please transfer seats
Please exchange papers
I'll fetch you at 8.
The former month
Please fill up this form
What's your course?
I was in Batch 2006.
Remembrance
 Some Common Filipinisms
Filipinism What the Filipino means What the American hears American equivalent
"For awhile." "Wait for a short time." "Wait for a long time." "Just a moment."
"Uh-oh." "Yes." "No" or "There's a problem" "Mmm hmm" or "Uh-huh."
Gimmick Night out with friends Practical joke Party / hang out
"I availed the scholarship" I grabbed the opportunity of the scholarship"I helped the scholarship?!" Only use the phrase "to no avail"
"I accomplished it." "I filled up a form." "I finished a task." "I completed it."
Biodata Short resume ?! Biographical blurb
Bring home Extra food taken home from fiesta. ?! Leftovers
Bond paper Standard, unlined paper Fancy paper for certificates Printer paper
Canteen Food establishment Water container Cafeteria
"What is your course?" "What is your degree emphasis?" "What class are you taking?!" "What is your major?"
"Please fill it up." "Please complete a form." "Pour liquid into a container." "Please fill it out."
"Find your height." "Line up from tallest to shortest." "How tall are you?" "Form a line according to height."
Get down / Go down Disembark Descend from a high place?! Get off
Green jokes Jokes of a sexual nature ?! Dirty jokes
"I'll go ahead." "Leave in advance of others." ?! "See you later!"
Middle name Mother's family name Second given name (John Paul) Mother's maiden name
Masteral Post graduate degree ?! Master's Degree
Motel Hotel used for sex Regular hotel Love hotel
Nightclub Sex-oriented establishment Regular restobar Strip club
Ocular inspection Assessment of a place / thing ?! Inspection
Open / close the computer Power on/off the computer Dis-assemble the computer?! Turn on/off the computer
Pentel pen / ballpen Any kind of ballpen Specific, fancy pen Pen
Polo A button-down dress shirt A casual, knit, short sleeve shirt Short sleeve collared shirt
"I am a professional driver." "I am a well skilled, capable driver." "My employment is driving." "I am a good driver."
"Your English is very slang." "You have a heavy accent & speak fast." You use informal words." "You're difficult to understand."
Toga Graduation/Commencement garb Clothing worn by ancient Greeks Cap and gown
Tomboy Gay female Girl who likes sports Lesbian
"I will be the one." Offer to do something ?! I'll do it.
"You are advanced." "You are ahead of schedule." "You are skilled/knowledgeable." "You're early."
"You are mature." "You are already old." "You are sophisticated and wise." "You are older."
Literal Translations that Cause Confusion for Americans
Filipino word/phrase Translation Americanized Transliteration
Ako na la I'll be the one I'll do it
Mauna na ako I'll go ahead See you later
na already [omit "already" unless emphasizing past]
Sandali lang For awhile Just a moment
panaog/lusad Go down/Get down Get off
maki- to be fond of to like
noon/hadto last/past [omit "last" unless a recurring event]
sura viand entrée/main dish
artista artist actor/performer

Filipino brand name words Generic term Americans recognize

Cutex nail polish
Colgate toothpaste
Xerox photocopy
Kodak camera
McDonalds hamburger
Rugby rubber cement
Pentel Pen pen
Levi's jeans