Concern and Salutations
Aside from kumustá, Filipinos ask questions such as “Saán ka púpunta?” or “Saán ka nanggaling?” (saa`n means “where”). The two questions are asking regarding the whereabouts of a person. However, in cultural terms, these don’t necessarily ask the location and itinerary of a person. These questions correspond to expressions such as “How are you?” or “How's it going?”. To some extent, these are equivalent to “Kumustá?” and are expressions that can start a conversation.
Examples:
Where are you going?
Where are you going, sir/madam?
Where are you going, sir/madam?
Saán ka púpunta? 
Saán kayo púpunta?
Saán kayo púpunta?
Where have you been?
Where have you been, sir/madam?
Where have you been, sir/madam?
Saán ka nanggaling?
Saán kayó nanggaling?
Saán kayó nanggaling?
Keep In Mind:
The word “lang” is a shortened version of the Filipino word “lamang”, which has multiple definitions. In this context, it means “just” or “only”
“Diyán" or “dyán” is an adverb that can be defined as the English equivalent of the word “there” (near you).
“Diyán" or “dyán” is an adverb that can be defined as the English equivalent of the word “there” (near you).
The questions stated above can be answered with literal responses. They can be responded with “Diyán lang (po)” which means “Just nearby (sir/madam).” After that statement, you may want provide a short narrative regarding your immediate activities. An example would be “Diyán lang (po). Naglakád. This means, “Just nearby. Went for a walk.” It’s not necessary to discuss your activities, but it would be nice to share it if you are conversing with a close friend or family member.
Examples:
Just nearby.
Just nearby, sir/madam.
Just nearby, sir/madam.
Diyán lang.
Diyán lang po.
Diyán lang po.
Just nearby. Went for a walk.
Just nearby, sir/madam. Went for a walk.
Just nearby, sir/madam. Went for a walk.
Diyán lang. Naglakád.
Diyán lang po. Naglakád.
Diyán lang po. Naglakád.
Keep In Mind:
The word “sa” is a preposition, which is placed before the noun, to directly refer to it as the 1.) place or 2.) origin of person or an object
Another possible response is to simply state the specific place you went to. “Sa Manila” (In Manila) or “Sa parké (At the park).
Examples:
In Manila.
In Manila, sir/madam.
In Manila, sir/madam.
Sa Manila.
Sa Manila po.
Sa Manila po.
At the park.
At the park, sir/madam.
At the park, sir/madam.
Sa parké.
Sa parké po.
Sa parké po.
Outside.
Outside, sir/madam.
Outside, sir/madam.
Sa labás.
Sa labás po.
Sa labás po.
Examples:
Juan: Where have you been?
Jane: Just nearby.
Jane: Just nearby.
Juan: Saán ka nanggaling?
Jane: Diyán lang.
Jane: Diyán lang.
Juan: Where have you been?
Jane: Just nearby. Went for a walk.
Jane: Just nearby. Went for a walk.
Juan: Saán ka nanggaling?
Jane: Diyán lang. Naglakád.
Jane: Diyán lang. Naglakád.
Juan: Where are you going?
Jane: In Manila.
Jane: In Manila.
Juan: Saán ka púpunta?
Jane: Sa Manila.
Jane: Sa Manila.
Juan: Where have you been?
Jane: At the park.
Jane: At the park.
Juan: Saán ka nanggaling?
Jane: Sa parké
Jane: Sa parké
Lesson Summary:
1.) Questions such as “Saán ka/kayó nanggaling” and “Saán ka/kayó púpunta” are expressions that are equivalent to “Kumustá”, but also asks the whereabouts and activities of a person.
2.) “Diyán lang po” is a phrase that can be used to respond to the questions above. You may choose not to share or narrate your whereabouts and activities, but it would be a nice gesture to do so, especially if you are talking to a friend or family member.
3.) You can simple choose to just state your whereabouts as an answer to ask the questions above. A simple response like "Sa Manila" or "Sa parké" will suffice.
2.) “Diyán lang po” is a phrase that can be used to respond to the questions above. You may choose not to share or narrate your whereabouts and activities, but it would be a nice gesture to do so, especially if you are talking to a friend or family member.
3.) You can simple choose to just state your whereabouts as an answer to ask the questions above. A simple response like "Sa Manila" or "Sa parké" will suffice.
