Tell Time in Tagalog - Oras

Time Expressions

Learn time expressions for making plans and appointments.

"Oras" means "time" in Tagalog.

Basic Time Vocabulary

English	Tagalog	Pronunciation
Time/Hour	oras	o-ras
Minute	minuto	mi-noo-to
Second	segundo	se-goon-do
Clock/Watch	orasan	o-ra-san
Morning	umaga	oo-ma-ga
Noon	tanghali	tang-ha-li
Afternoon	hapon	ha-pon
Night	gabi	ga-bi

Telling Time

Time	Tagalog
1 o'clock	ala-una
2 o'clock	alas-dos
3 o'clock	alas-tres
4 o'clock	alas-kuwatro
5 o'clock	alas-singko
6 o'clock	alas-sais
7 o'clock	alas-siyete
8 o'clock	alas-otso
9 o'clock	alas-nuwebe
10 o'clock	alas-diyes
11 o'clock	alas-onse
12 o'clock	alas-dose

Spanish numbers are used, but 1 o'clock is uniquely "ala-una."

Asking & Telling Time

Phrase	Meaning
Anong oras na?	What time is it?
Alas-tres na	It's 3 o'clock
Alas-dos y medya	2:30
Mga alas-kuwatro	Around 4 o'clock

Making Appointments

Phrase	Meaning
Anong oras tayo magkikita?	What time shall we meet?
Sa alas-sais	At 6 o'clock
Huwag ka malate	Don't be late
Late na ako	I'm running late
Sandali lang	Just a moment

About Filipino Time

"Filipino Time" is a cultural concept in the Philippines.

It refers to a relaxed attitude toward punctuality - being 30 minutes to an hour late is common.

However, punctuality is expected in business settings!

Example Conversation

Making plans:

A: Anong oras tayo magkikita bukas? (What time shall we meet tomorrow?)

B: Mga alas-diyes ng umaga, okay lang? (Around 10 AM, is that okay?)

A: Sige, sa Starbucks tayo. (Sure, let's meet at Starbucks.)

Running late:

A: Hello, nasaan ka na? (Hello, where are you?)

B: Ay, sorry! Late na ako. Mga 15 minutes pa. (Oh, sorry! I'm late. About 15 more minutes.)

A: Okay, hinihintay kita. (Okay, I'll wait for you.)

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Practice time expressions with the Pinya app!