Have you ever wondered what language is spoken in the Philippines, home to 7,000 islands and beautiful beaches? The Philippines is one of the most linguistically diverse countries with a rich history shaped by colonial influences and Indigenous traditions.
Spanish colonization is a big part of the Philippines’ history. When the Spanish entered, only three languages were common: Tagalog, Bisaya, and Llocano. However, the Philippines’ language became more diverse due to colonization and complex trade patterns with neighboring countries. Today, this island nation is known for its diverse linguistic background, which reflects its lively history and foreign influences.
The Official Language of the Philippines
Filipino (Tagalog) is the official and national language of the Philippines, spoken by about 50% of the population. The Philippines declared independence in 1898, but the US didn’t recognize it and gave it a 50-year commonwealth status. During this time, English significantly influenced the Philippines’ local languages. Later, in 1937, Tagalog was declared the official language of the Philippines, with English as the co-official language.
Filipino (Tagalog)
According to 2023 data from the Philippine Statistical Authority, 39% of households speak Tagalog at home. One of the interesting facts about Tagalog is that over 1.69 million people speak it in the US. To create a more inclusive identity and separate it from the Tagalog ethnic group, a version of Tagalog was renamed Filipino, the current official language of the Philippines.
The exact origins of Tagalog are unclear, but they are estimated to date back to 900 AD. The word “Tagalog” means “from the river.” Tagalog has had many nuances as it has changed throughout the years, being influenced by countries like China, Malaysia, Spain, and America over the centuries.
Filipino vs. Tagalog: What’s the Difference?
Although being used as treadfully similar, Filipino and Tagalog constitute an easily overlooked difference. In the simplest terms, Tagalog can be considered a fully formed language, while Filipino is no more than a kind of Tagalog. The reason why Tagalog became the national language was that Manila (Southern Luzon) was in the middle of the country, where Tagalog was the most spoken language. But the name in the 1973 constitution was revised to Filipino. Most of the words in this new language were taken from Tagalog, and others were borrowed from Spanish and English. From there, those words were modified to suit the Filipino language.
English
The Philippines is the third-largest English-speaking country in the world, with over 90% of Filipinos understanding and speaking English as a second language. America’s influence on the Philippines led to English becoming the country’s second language. English is used in all official government and private sector documents and other commercial communications. English has become prevalent among the younger generation because it is taught in schools and used in business, tourism, and other sectors. Additionally, the Philippines is one of the top English-speaking nations in Asia, making it an attractive destination for outsourcing and global trade.
Major Regional Languages in the Philippines
So, which major regional languages are spoken most? We’ve already discussed the official language, Filipino (Tagalog), let’s start with the other major regional languages.
Cebuano/Bisaya/Binisaya
The Bisaya language, also known as Cebuano, is spoken mainly in the Visayas region in the central and southern islands of Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, and Mindanao. With over 28 million speakers, it is the second-biggest regional language of the Philippines and is recognized as a regional language under the country’s language law.
Hiligaynon/Llongo
Hiligaynon, also known as Llongo, is an Austronesian regional language spoken in the Philippines by nearly 10 million people. Its predominantly spoken in Panay Island and other parts like Negros Occidental, and Soccsksargen, most of whom belong to the Hiligaynon people.
Bikol/Bicol
Spoken by over 2.5 million Filipinos, central Bikol is mainly popular in the northeastern part of the central area of the Philippines. It is also known as Bikol Naga and Bikol. Some reports suggest that its origins intersect with those of Tagalog.
Immigrant languages in the Philippines
In 2025 alone, there were 225,000 immigrants in the Philippines. It has been home to various immigrant communities, contributing to its language and culture. Some of the prominent immigrant languages include:
Spanish: Spanish colonization greatly impacted the Philippine language. While no longer widely spoken, Spanish influenced many Filipino languages and remains present in legal and cultural contexts.
Chinese (Hokkien, Mandarin): Approximately 1.5 million Chinese-Filipinos are in the Philippines. These people speak Hokkien at home, while Mandarin is taught in Chinese schools.
Arabic: Arab traders have visited the Philippines for 2,000 years now. In the southern regions, Arabic is used primarily by Muslim Filipinos.
Korean and Japanese: Since World War II, Korean and Japanese communities have grown in the Philippines, and these languages have gained traction, especially in urban areas.
Conclusion – What Language is Spoken in the Philippines
Just as the Philippines’ geography is vast and varied, so too is its demographic makeup. However, shared linguistic and cultural roots foster unity and a strong sense of community. From the official languages, Filipino and English, to the numerous regional dialects and immigrant languages, effective communication requires sensitivity and expertise. This complexity highlights the importance of professional language services for businesses and individuals seeking to engage with the Filipino market.
Looking for Professional Filipino Translation Services?
If you are expanding your business to the Philippines, you might face problems due to its diverse language landscape. Understanding and leveraging these languages is critical to connecting with the target consumers and audience. At EC Innovations, we provide professional Filipino translation services in over 140 languages. You can contact us to find out how we can support your language needs and help you succeed in this thriving market.
