1. Po and Opo
Typically, po and opo are used to indicate that the speaker is trying to be polite. For example, opo can be a more formal version of oo, which means "yes." However, these words can also come across as sarcastic, especially if they're used between people of equal rank or social standing. Thus, both of these words' connotations can change depending on who you're talking to, and what your relationship is with that person.
When a person gets sick for no apparent reason, or the reason is purportedly supernatural, Filipinos say that the person has suffered from usog. Sometimes, usog is caused by angry witches or spirits; other times, it's caused by an ordinary human being who happened to look at the victim funny. You could say that usog is like a "curse" or "hex," though the direct Filipino translation for those two words is sumpa and kulam, respectively.
According to Filipino folklore, if you take a bath when you're tired, you will experience pasma or aches/numbness/shaking in your muscles. While the symptoms of pasma have a direct English translation, there's no non-Filipino equivalent for when symptoms are caused specifically by dousing yourself in cold water.
When used after the word na, naman can mean "again." For example, Pumunta ka na naman sa bar? (You went to the bar again?). However, when used on its own, naman simply indicates emphasis, as in Bobby naman! (a somewhat exasperated way of saying "Bobby!), or Ano naman yan? ("What is that?," which can also be phrased as Ano yan?).
5. Bahala na
The word bahala is a holdover from pre-Spanish times, back when Filipinos worshipped a God-like figure named Bathala. Today, bahala na roughly translates to "Come what may," though the phrase has a more fatalistic connotation than its English counterpart.
You know how you see a cute baby or animal, and you want nothing more than to hug or pinch its cheeks? That's one way to describe the meaning of gigil. Another is that feeling when you have to deal with a two-faced co-worker. Nakakagigil ang taong yun! (That person makes me feel gigil!)
If there's one word you can use to sum up Filipinos in general, it's malambing, or the quality of having lambing. The word encompasses a wide range of qualities, including "warmth," "kindness," "caring" and "affectionate," to name a few.
When a person is described as pikon, it means that person cannot take a joke, or gets angry too easily when they're made fun of. You can probably equate it to "short-tempered" or "hot-headed," but pikon is more specific to a person's reaction to a joke, rather than a general personality type.
Usually, Filipinos use kwan when they're trying to find the words to say, like Alam mo yung… kwan (You know the… kwan). But kwan can also be used when you're having a confidential conversation with someone, and you don't want anyone within earshot to know exactly what you're talking about.
For example, if you want to ask about your neighbor's sweetheart, but don't want to use the word "sweetheart" directly, you can say Naalala mo yung kwan ni Kapitbahay? (You remember Neighbor's kwan?)
If you want to make it clear that a certain discussion has ended, you say Basta. Older Filipinos often use this word to silence overly inquisitive youngsters, as in "Why is the sky blue?" "Basta!"
Doesn't it sound awkward when you say "What number apple is that?" But when Filipinos are asked Pang-ilang mansanas na yan?, they get the question loud and clear.
Although tampo can mean "upset," it's only used for that feeling you have when a family member/friend/acquaintance wrongs you. When a complete stranger wrongs you, however, the more appropriate word is inis or galit ("annoyance" or "anger," respectively).
Like many Filipino words, kulit can have a positive or negative meaning depending on the context it's used in. If you're annoyed with a persistent lover, you can say Masyadong makulit yung manliligaw ko! (My suitor is too persistent!). But when you're with someone who likes to crack jokes and make everyone happy, you can also say Ang kulit niya! (That person is so kulit!).
Although the word's exact translation is "of the house," it's usually understood by Filipinos to mean clothes you only wear inside your home.
When a Filipino is rudely awakened from their slumber, their half-asleep half-awake state is described as alimpungatan. (Take note that, in addition to the Roman alphabet, Filipinos use the ng sound to begin words or syllables. So alimpungatan is pronounced as a-lim-pu-nga-tan, rather than a-lim-pun-ga-tan.)
Know of other words unique to the Filipino language? Share them with us in the comments, so we can spread the love!