4.1. How to use punctuation marks
4.2. Punctuation in greetings and closings
6.5. Acronyms and abbreviations
6.6. Software lexicon and expressions
1. Post-edition at Unbabel
At Unbabel we have a unique approach to translation: each text submitted by a customer is translated by our Machine Translation system, and then corrected by our community of editors in an online platform. By editing the output of the software, the editors ensure the quality of the translations and confirm that the message is accurate (i.e., has the same meaning as the original), fluent (i.e., can be easily understood and sounds natural) and is in line with the style requested by the clients (i.e. respects their register and terminology). In order to help editors do the best job possible, we provide various types of information:
- Customer instructions, which include the identification of the client and his requests to personalize the translation, such as the register that must be used to address the recipient of the message. Following these instructions is vital to deliver translations that match the client’s expectations.
- Glossaries, which correspond to specific vocabulary and expressions used by the client, and that must be respected by the editors.
- Translation Memories, which correspond to stored segments (expressions, sentences or paragraphs) that have previously been translated and accepted for customer usage. They are useful for ensuring consistency across translations.
We also have Smartcheck, which is an application that checks the grammar, morphology, orthography and style of the translations while being edited. By using a large set of rules, Smartcheck flags words or groups of words that may present some kind of issue.
Finally, in order to deliver the best possible translation, we also provide these guidelines about your language specifications. Please, read them carefully and always follow these instructions in your editions.
2. Grammar
When it comes to Filipino translation it is good to remember that there are two kinds of language which are quite different from each other: the written language and the spoken language. While the Filipino written language tends to be more formal and uses a larger vocabulary, the Filipino spoken language usually is more concise, less complicated, and uses fewer words. For Filipino translation, the ideal is a combination of written and spoken language.
2.1. Sentence structure
Standard sentence structure in English is Subject-Verb-Object. This structure is acceptable in Filipino particularly in written language, but the usual Filipino sentence pattern is Verb-Subject-Object or Verb-Object-Subject. Also, Filipino is more flexible than English, hence, we can convey concepts in English in various different sentence structures without sacrificing fluency or accuracy.
Examples
Source text: The user is a member of the board.
✓ Ang user ay isang miyembro ng board.
✓ Miyembro ng board ang user.
Source text: This issue is occurring due to a recent update.
✓ Ang isyung ito ay nangyayari dahil sa isang update kamakailan.
✓ Nangyayari ang isyung ito dahil sa isang update kamakailan.
✓ Dahil sa isang update kamakailan kung kaya nangyayari ang isyung ito.
Source text: Your public profile is now deactivated.
✓ Ang public profile mo ay na-deactivate na.
✓ Na-deactivate na ang public profile mo.
2.2. Agreement
One of the most important elements to be mindful of in Filipino grammar is the use of markers. These are short words that help in identifying the role of a word in the sentence. These markers are helpful in conveying the singular or the plural form of English words in Filipino.
The three main Filipino markers are: ang (four ang markers: ang, ang mga, si, sina), ng (four ng markers: ng, ng mga, ni, nina), and sa (four sa markers: sa, sa mga, kay, kina). These markers should be used to appropriately indicate the plurality or the singularity of the word they mark.
Examples
Source text: Payments are processed in accordance with the Terms of Service.
✘ Pinoproseso ang payment alinsunod sa Mga Tuntunin ng Serbisyo.
✓ Pinoproseso ang mga payment alinsunod sa Mga Tuntunin ng Serbisyo.
Source text: We are not representatives of the companies listed on our site.
✘ Hindi kami kinatawan ng kumpanya na nakalista sa site namin.
✓ Hindi kami mga kinatawan ng mga kumpanya na nakalista sa site namin.
Examples
Source text: Marcin and Michelle will assist you today!
✘ Si Marcin at Michelle ang mag-a-assist sa ‘yo ngayong araw!
✘ Si Marcin at si Michelle ang mag-a-assist sa ‘yo ngayong araw!
✓ Sina Marcin at Michelle ang mag-a-assist sa ‘yo ngayong araw!
Source text: This will refresh the connection to our servers.
✘ Ire-refresh nito ang connection sa server namin.
✓ Ire-refresh nito ang connection sa mga server namin.
2.3. Verbs
The active voice (Verb-Subject-Object or Verb-Object-Subject) works well for Filipino translation.
Examples
Source text: Our developers are actively looking into this issue.
✘ Ang aming mga developer ay aktibong nag-aaral sa isyung ito.
✓ Aktibong pinag-aaralan ng mga developer namin ang isyung ito.
Source text: You are currently subscribed with the old price of the subscription.
✘ Ikaw ay kasalukuyang naka-subscribe sa dating presyo ng subscription. (acceptable in other cases, refer to 2.1)
✓ Kasalukuyan kang naka-subscribe sa dating presyo ng subscription.
While English forms gerunds by adding ing to the verb (e.g., reinstalling, restarting, unmounting) in Filipino gerunds are formed by adding pag or pa to the verb and then following certain rules (e.g., pag-i-install, pagre-restart, pagtatanggal). However, sometimes translating English gerunds can be problematic as the translation would be unnatural in Filipino. This can be solved by using infinitives (e.g., to install, to restart, to unmount) instead of gerunds in translation.
Examples
Source text: Reinstalling the game will delete your game status.
✘ Ang pagre-reinstall ng game ay magde-delete ng game status mo.
✓ Made-delete ang game status mo kapag ni-reinstall ang game.
✓ Made-delete ang game status mo kung ire-reinstall ang game.
Source text: By unmounting your SD card you will deactivate the connection.
✓ Made-deactivate mo ang connection kung tatanggalin mo ang SD card mo.
✓ Made-deactivate mo ang connection kapag tinanggal mo ang SD card mo.
Another way to translate gerunds is to use imperatives or mag verbs.
Example
Source text: We will assist you in logging into your account.
✓ Tutulungan ka naming mag-log in sa account mo.
2.4. Pronouns
Filipino is considered gender neutral since it has no equivalents for the words “he” and “she.” In translating pronouns, please ensure that their antecedents or the noun they refer to are previously stated in the context.
Example
Source text: If you invite a friend and he deposited at least £/€10 then you are eligible.
✘ Kung nag-imbita ka at nagdeposito siya ng kahit £/€10, kuwalipikado ka.
✓ Kung nag-imbita ka ng kaibigan at nagdeposito siya ng kahit £/€10, kuwalipikado ka.
2.5. Possessives
Since Filipino grammar has first person plural inclusive pronouns (tayo, natin, and atin) and first person plural exclusive pronouns (kami, namin, and amin), determining whether the English pronouns “we,” “us,” and “our” are inclusive or exclusive is important to the accuracy of the translation.
Example
Source text: Next, we need to go to Settings, then App Management.
✘ Pagkatapos, kailangan naming pumunta sa Mga Setting, tapos sa App Management.
✓ Pagkatapos, kailangan nating pumunta sa Mga Setting, tapos sa App Management.
Filipino grammar also has second person plural pronouns (kayo, ninyo, and inyo) therefore when translating we need to determine whether the English pronouns “you” and “yours” are plural or singular.
2.6. Prepositions
When it comes to sentences with prepositional phrases (i.e., time preposition, place preposition, preposition of manner), word order in Filipino is almost the same as English. The preposition can be placed before or after the object.
Example
Source text: The accessory is sent out from our address in the Netherlands.
✓ Mula sa address namin sa Netherlands ipinadala ang accessory.
✓ Ipinadala ang mga accessory mula sa address namin sa Netherlands.
Preposition/prepositional phrases can also be placed at the beginning of the sentence.
Examples
Source text: The card can be ordered in the app under Card/Debit card.
✓ Mao-order sa app ang card sa ilalim ng Card/Debit card.
✓ Sa app, mao-order ang card sa ilalim ng Card/Debit card.
Source text: If this issue happens in the future
✓ Kapag nangyari sa hinaharap ang isyung ito
✓ Sa hinaharap, kapag nangyari ang isyung ito
2.7. Plurals
Plurals are formed by adding mga before the noun. However, it is not always necessary to place mga, especially when the number can be inferred from the context. There is no need to add mga when lahat is used and with phrases like matatalinong, magagandang, malalaking.
Examples
Source text: We will answer all your questions.
✘ Sasagutin namin ang lahat ng mga tanong mo.
✓ Sasagutin namin ang lahat ng tanong mo.
Source text: It usually takes 3-7 days.
✘ Kadalasan, inaabot ito nang 3-7 mga araw.
✓ Kadalasan, inaabot ito nang 3-7 araw.
Source text: If you need assistance with big or small issues
✘ Kung kailangan mo ng tulong sa malalaki o maliliit na mga isyu
✓ Kung kailangan mo ng tulong sa malalaki o maliliit na isyu
3. Orthography
3.1. Alphabet
The modern Filipino alphabet is made up of 28 letters, this includes C, F, J, Ñ, Q, V, X, and Z which are used mostly for loanwords, regional words, and proper nouns. The vowels are A, E, I, O, and U.
3.2. Apostrophe
Apostrophes are used for contractions. They replace at least one missing letter in the abbreviated or contracted words. Contractions are usually used in dialogue and not in formal writing.
Example
Source text: My name is Marcin and I will assist you today!
✓ Ako si Marcin at ako ang mag-a-assist sa ’yo ngayon!
3.3. Capitalization
Please capitalize the following:
- Proper nouns (names of people, places, product names, organizations, languages, etc.)
- Trademarks or product names
- Geographic regions
- Abbreviations and acronyms in the source text
- Names of national, political, racial, social, civic, and athletic groups, or organizations
For headings and subheadings only the significant words in the translated sentence or phrase are capitalized. Three (or fewer) lettered words like markers, particles and linkers are not capitalized unless it is the first word of the phrase or sentence.
Examples
Source text: Adding a Device to Your Account
✘ Pagdaragdag Ng Device Sa Account Mo
✓ Pagdaragdag ng Device sa Account Mo
Source text: Refund Status: Common Questions
✘ Status Ng Refund: Mga Karaniwang Tanong
✓ Status ng Refund: Mga Karaniwang Tanong
3.4. Compounds
Compounds should be concise and clear. Long or complex compounds are to be avoided.
Example
Source text: Tap the button in the bottom left-hand corner
✘ I-tap ang button sa ilalim sa gawing-kaliwang sulok
✓ I-tap ang button sa ilalim sa kaliwang sulok
3.5. Conjunctions
Some conjunctions and prepositions in Filipino are more natural-sounding than others. These are particularly helpful when aiming for a less formal translation tone and style. Use pero, para, dahil, and ayon sa instead of ngunit, upang, sapagkat, and alinsunod.
Examples
Source text: Kindly give the order number so that I can help you.
✘ Pakibigay ang order number upang matulungan kita.
✓ Pakibigay ang order number para matulungan kita.
Source text: The card was blocked because you have entered the incorrect PIN
✘ Na-block ang card sapagkat maling PIN ang inilagay mo
✓ Na-block ang card dahil maling PIN ang inilagay mo
3.6. Loanwords
The use of loanwords or borrowed words is widespread in Filipino. When translating technical or specialized concepts it is acceptable to use the English words or phrases, particularly if they lack Filipino equivalents or if they will convey the message better. Separate Filipino prefixes and English words or loanwords by using a hyphen.
Examples
Source text: Clear browser history, cookies and cache
✘ I-clear ang kasaysayan ng browser, mga cookie, at cache
✓ I-clear ang browser history, cookies, at cache
Source text: Reboot your device
✘ I-reboot ang device mo
✓ I-reboot ang device mo
3.7. Foreign words
If a foreign word can be converted to Filipino without changing its spelling, do not hyphenate.
Examples
Source text: We need to report to ad provider
✘ Kailangan naming mag-report
✓ Kailangan naming magreport
Source text: The card can be ordered in the app
✘ Puwede kang um-order ng card sa app
✓ Puwede kang umorder ng card sa app
3.8. Special symbols
The ampersand should never be used as a substitute for the word “at” in text. It can be used in titles and in company names.
Example
Source text: This is only available on Chrome & FireFox
✘ Available lang ito sa Chrome & FireFox
✓ Available lang ito sa Chrome at FireFox
4. Punctuation
Filipino follows the rules of English when it comes to using basic punctuation marks.
4.1. How to use punctuation marks
4.1.1 Comma
Filipino grammar follows English rules for the use of commas. Please use the oxford comma or the serial comma.
Example
Source text: You will see different sections distance, calories, heart rate and speed
✘ Makikita mo ang iba’t ibang seksyon distansya, calorie, heart rate at bilis
✓ Makikita mo ang iba’t ibang seksyon distansya, calorie, heart rate, at bilis
4.1.2 Colon
Do not use a colon after gaya ng or tulad ng
Example
Source text: Add email with public domain, such as gmail.com, yahoo.com, etc.
✘ Magdagdag ng email na may public domain, gaya ng: gmail.com, yahoo.com, etc.
✓ Magdagdag ng email na may public domain, gaya ng gmail.com, yahoo.com, at iba pa.
4.1.3 Period
Usually, periods are placed inside the closing quote.
4.1.4 Hyphen
Hyphens are used in separating Filipino prefixes and English words or loanwords.
Example
Source text: You can log in with your email and password.
✘ Puwede kang mag log in gamit ang email at password mo.
✓ Puwede kang mag-log in gamit ang email at password mo.
4.1.5 Quotation marks
Filipino grammar follows English rules for the use of quotation marks.
4.2. Punctuation in greetings and closings
Filipino rules for greetings and closings are the same as for English. The first letter of the word in greetings or salutations and in closings is capitalized, and both end with a comma.
Examples
Source text: Dear Ms Alvarez,
✘ mahal na Binibining Alvarez
✓ Mahal na Binibining Alvarez,
Source text: Yours sincerely,
✘ lubos na gumagalang,
✓ Lubos na gumagalang,
5. Register
Register refers to the level of formality used in the text. It shows how our clients address their customers and contributes to the voice of the brand itself. Register may vary depending on the company, the brand, the service they offer, the customers, and the target language.
In Filipino grammar, register determines the vocabulary, structure, and some grammar in writing. There are three language registers in the Filipino language: formal, neutral, and informal.
5.1. Formal register
The formal register is used in formal writing such as academic papers and legal documents. It follows strict grammar rules, avoids slang or colloquial terms, and refrains from using contractions.
5.2. Neutral register
The neutral register is used in everyday conversation and writing. It is less strict than the formal register but still avoids slang or colloquial terms. The neutral register is used for general translation that does not require a specific tone or style.
5.3. Informal register
The informal register is used in casual conversation and writing. It is the least strict of the three registers and allows for slang or colloquial terms.
5.4. Use of please
Please can be translated in Filipino by adding Paki before a verb. If a single Filipino word for Please is needed in the text, use Pakisuyo and not Mangyaring to match Paki. Often, the equivalent for Please can be omitted in Filipino translations.
Examples
Source text: Please tap the button
✘ Mangyaring i-tap ang button
✓ Paki-tap ang button
Source text: To unblock the card, please wait until 2 a.m
✘ Para ma-unblock ang card, mangyaring maghintay hanggang 2 a.m.
✓ Para ma-unblock ang card, pakisuyong maghintay hanggang 2 a.m.
✓ Para ma-unblock ang card, maghintay hanggang 2 a.m.
6. Localization challenges
Most of these challenges refer to unique entities, such as persons, places, organizations, brands, or the specific format of dates, addresses and so on. Languages may adopt different rules regarding whether these units should be translated, reformatted or kept as in the original language. When editing a text, please follow Filipino rules for the different types of units listed below. However, please note that if there is a glossary provided by the client that includes some of these, you should always apply the glossary terms.
6.1. Personal names
We usually do not translate personal names.
6.2. Organizations
- Do not translate proper names, organizations, groups, or names of companies, unless there is an official translation available.
Example
Source text: I recommend following us on Facebook
✘ Inirekomenda kong i-follow kami sa Peysbuk
✓ Inirekomenda kong i-follow kami sa Facebook
- Do not italicize news service names.
Example
Source text: Did not immediately respond to Reuters emails
✘ Hindi agad sumagot sa mga email ng Reuters
✓ Hindi agad sumagot sa mga email ng Reuters
6.3. Brands and products
Trademarked names should not be translated. Product and application names are not translated as most of the time they are trademarked or will be trademarked.
Example
Source text: When you receive the notification in Facebook
✘ Kapag natanggap mo ang notipikasyon sa Peysbuk
✓ Kapag natanggap mo ang notipikasyon sa Facebook
6.4. Titles
- Please do not capitalize a title that is used as a general term of classification.
Example
Source text: David Beasley, the executive director of the World Food Programme
✘ David Beasley, ang Executive Director ng World Food Programme
✓ David Beasley, ang executive director ng World Food Programme
- Do capitalize titles when they precede proper names.
Example
Source text: Executive Director David Beasley of the World Food Programme
✘ executive director David Beasley ng World Food Programme
✓ Executive Director David Beasley ng World Food Programme
6.5. Acronyms and abbreviations
- Acronyms should be written without periods.
Example
Source text: The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
✘ The UK Financial Conduct Authority (F.C.A)
✓ The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- When using abbreviations, the standard abbreviation should always be used.
Example
Source text: SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 14 (Reuters)
✘ SAN FRANCISCO, Pebr 14 (Reuters)
✓ SAN FRANCISCO, Peb 14 (Reuters)
6.6. Software lexicon and expressions
Error messages and UI elements such as menus, menu items, commands, buttons should be consistently translated in the localized product.
Example
Source text: Select "Applications" then go to "Manage Applications"
✘ Piliin ang "Mga Application" tapos pumunta sa "I-manage ang mga Aplikasyon"
✓ Piliin ang "Mga Application" tapos pumunta sa "I-manage ang mga Application”
6.7. Places
Use the English names of cities, regions and countries.
Example
Source text: Berlin, Germany
✘ Berlin, Alemanya
✓ Berlin, Germany
6.8. Address format
Please follow source format as closely as possible.
Example
Source text: Erich-Weinert-Straße 145, 10409 Berlin, Germany
✘ Erich-Weinert-Street 145, 10409 Berlin, Germany
✓ Erich-Weinert-Straße 145, 10409 Berlin, Germany
6.9. Numeric expressions
Filipino standards for numbers are almost the same as for English.
- Numbers from 1 to 10 should be spelled out
- Numbers above ten should be written numerically
- Numeric forms of numbers below 10 can be used when they are in a list
Example
Source text: These took your balance from 6 to 106
✘ Dahil dito, mula anim naging 106 na ang balance mo
✓ Dahil dito, mula 6 naging 106 na ang balance mo
- Use commas in figures with four or more digits.
Example
Source text: You alreay have 5000 points
✘ May 5000 point ka na
✓ May 5,000 point ka na
- In scientific and technical writing, figures may be used for numbers under 10
Example
Source text: Click on the 3 dots
✘ I-click ang tatlong dot
✓ I-click ang 3 dot
- For numbers ending in 4, 6, 9 we add na after the number
Example
Source text: If you change your mind before 14 days have passed
✘ Kung magbago ang isip mo bago lumipas ang 14 araw
✓ Kung magbago ang isip mo bago lumipas ang 14 na araw
6.10. Time expressions
Please follow source format wherever possible. Use am and pm or a.m and p.m. as these are more recognizable.
Example
Source text: Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. UTC time
✘ Biyernes mula 8 n.u. hanggang 5 n.h UTC time
✓ Biyernes mula 8 a.m. hanggang 5 p.m. UTC time
6.11. Week days and months
The names of days of the week and months are not abbreviated in straight
text. The following abbreviations can be used:
Days:
Lun. Mar. Miy. Huw. Biy. Sab. Ling.
Months:
Ene. Peb. Mar. Abr. Mayo Hun. Hul. Agos. Set. Okt. Nob. Dis.
6.12. Date expressions
Always use the numeric form for years. We usually render dates in the following formats:
Examples
Source text: May 27, 2019
✘ May 27 2019
✓ Mayo 27, 2019
Source text: 22 February 2023
✘ Ika-22 Pebrero 2023
✓ 22 Pebrero 2023
✓ Pebrero 22, 2023
6.13. Phone numbers
Please follow source format wherever possible.
6.14. Currency
Do not convert currency, and follow source format.
Examples
Source text: Your balance holding limit is £40,000
✘ Ang balance holding limit mo ay 40,000£
✓ Ang balance holding limit mo ay £40,000
Source text: Your refund amounts to USD69.99
✘ Nagkakahalaga ng $69.99 ang refund mo
✓ Nagkakahalaga ng USD69.99 ang refund mo
6.15. Measures
The metric system is the standard for Filipino translation. If only the US system is provided in the source, follow the source, with no need to convert. When there is no existing Filipino abbreviation, use the English abbreviations.
Examples:
Source text: 200mm
✓ 200mm
Source text: 20 km
✓ 20 km
7. Tricky cases
7.1. Enclitic
Filipino has enclitic particles conveying different nuances in meaning (sana, muna, pala, etc.). Do use these when necessary to improve fluency.
Examples
Source text: I hope this information can help you
✘ Umaasa akong makatulong sa iyo ang impormasyong ito
✓ Sana makatulong sa iyo ang impormasyong ito
Source text: Before deleting the app let's make sure
✘ Bago i-delete ang app, alamin natin
✓ Bago i-delete ang app, alamin muna natin
7.2. Idioms
Please do not replace the source idiom with a Filipino idiom that has the same meaning unless it is a perfect and natural fit for that context.
Translate the intended meaning of the idiom in the source text (not the literal translation of the original idiom in the source text), but only if the meaning of the idiom is an important part of the text that cannot be omitted.
If the idiom can be omitted without affecting the meaning of the text, omit it.
7.3. Colloquialisms
Follow the Filipino language approach for idioms (see above)
8. Most frequent errors
8.1 Use of Nang and Ng
Nang and Ng are confusing words to use in translation.
- Ng is used to answer the questions who and what.
Example
Source text: Copy of your proof of purchase
✘ Kopya ng katunayan nang pagbili mo
✓ Kopya ng katunayan ng pagbili mo
- while the word Nang is used to answer the questions how, when, and why.
Example
Source text: It will take 14 days
✘ Tatagal ito ng 14 na araw
✓ Tatagal ito nang 14 na araw
8.2. Commonly misspelled word
- Kamusta
The correct spelling of this Filipino greeting is "kumusta." This is derived from the Spanish como esta.
Example
Source text: Hi Fabiana,
✘ Kamusta Fabiana,
✓ Kumusta Fabiana,
9. Useful online resources
The Basics of Filipino Sentence Structure & Word Order
A Beginner’s Guide to Basic Filipino Grammar