opo

Respectful Yes

Level 1

Opo is the polite version of the word oo (yes). It is used to show respect to elders, authority figures, or strangers.

How It Works

Opo functions as an independent interjection. Unlike the particle po, which is inserted into sentences, opo usually stands alone as a complete answer or starts a sentence.

Key characteristics include:

  • Pronunciation: It is pronounced with a glottal stop at the end (opò), giving it a short, clipped sound.
  • Social Usage: Use it with parents, grandparents, teachers, bosses, and people you don't know well. Failing to use it can make you sound bastos (rude).
  • Grammatical Structure: Opo is a contraction of oo (yes) and po. Because it already contains the respect marker, saying 'Opo, po' is redundant and generally considered a learner's error.
  • Consistency in Respect: To maintain a respectful tone, opo should be paired with plural pronouns like kayo even when speaking to only one person.
  • Negation: The polite way to say 'no' is hindi po.
  • Intermediate Respect: You may also hear oho and ho. These are slightly less formal than opo and po, often used with familiar neighbors or people only slightly older than you.
  • Clarification: Saying 'Po?' on its own is a polite way to say 'Sorry?' or 'What did you say?' when you didn't hear someone.
  • Regional Note: While these markers are standard in Filipino (based on Tagalog), they are not native to many other Philippine languages. In non-Tagalog regions, they may sound very formal or distinctly like a Manila-style of speaking.

Examples (3)

  1. Opo, lola. Susunod na ako.

    Yes, grandma. I'm coming now.

    Word by Word: Yes, grandma. Will-follow already I.

    Here, 'opo' is used to respectfully acknowledge a grandmother's call or command.

  2. "Kumain ka na ba?" "Opo, tapos na po."

    "Have you eaten yet?" "Yes, I'm finished already."

    Word by Word: Eat you already? Yes, finished already [polite].

    In this dialogue, 'opo' answers the question, and 'po' is added to the following sentence to maintain the respectful tone.

  3. Opo, naiintindihan ko ang utos ninyo.

    Yes, I understand your command.

    Word by Word: Yes, understanding I the command your [plural/polite].

    Using 'opo' at the start of a sentence to confirm understanding to a superior or authority figure.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'opo' inside a sentence instead of 'po'.

    Mabuti opo.
    Mabuti po.

    'Opo' is a standalone 'Yes.' If you want to make a statement like 'I am fine' polite, you must use the particle po instead.

  • Using the casual 'oo' with elders.

    Oo, lolo.
    Opo, lolo.

    Using 'oo' with an elder or authority figure is considered disrespectful in Filipino culture. Always use 'opo' in these contexts.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

opoLevel 1Respectful Yes

Learn This First

To understand 'opo', you first need to know the basic word for 'yes' (oo) and how the respect particle 'po' is integrated into speech to show politeness to elders or figures of authority.

Words in This Pattern